Eastern Coastal National Scenic Area

　　The Eastern Coastal National Scenic Area is situated along the coastal regions of Hualien and Taitung counties, extending between the eastern side of the Coastal Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean. It stretches from the mouth of the Hualien River in the north to the Xiaoyeliu Scenic Area in the south, boasting over 170 kilometers of coastline, making it the largest national scenic area in Taiwan.

　　Introduction

　　The Eastern Coastal Scenic Area features diverse terrain, including coastal terraces, sandy beaches, gravel beaches, rocky shores, offshore islands, capes, marine erosion platforms, gullies, and caves. Notable scenic spots in the area include Shiti Ping, Sanxiantai, and Xiaoyeliu. The Shoufeng section of the Xiuguluan River is famous throughout Taiwan and a popular destination in summer. Activities such as rafting, whale watching, and diving are available in the region.

　　The area is also home to the main settlements of the Amis indigenous people. Every July and August, various tribes along the route hold Harvest Festivals, offering the best opportunity to experience Amis culture.

　　Transportation

　　Public Transport:

　　Air Travel:

　　1. Flights between Taipei ↔ Hualien and Taipei ↔ Taitung are operated by Uni Air and TransAsia Airways.

　　2. Flights between Taichung ↔ Taitung and Taichung ↔ Hualien are operated by Mandarin Airlines.

　　3. Flights between Taitung ↔ Kaohsiung are operated by Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air.

　　4. Flights to and from outlying islands such as Taitung ↔ Green Island and Taitung ↔ Orchid Island are operated by Mandarin Airlines and Uni Air.

　　Road Transport:

　　Road transport consists of two main routes: the mountain line and the coastal line. Major roads connecting the north and south include the South-Link Highway, South-Cross Highway, and Su-Hua Highway. There are four major bus operators: Taiwan Bus, Dingdong Mountain Line, Dingdong Coastal Line, and Hualien Bus.

　　Railway Transport:

　　1. The North-Link Railway operates three daily Taroko Express trains between Taipei and Taitung (via Hualien), with a travel time of about 6 hours. There are also six Fu-Hsing Express trains, with a travel time of around 7 hours. Additionally, there are three daily Taroko Express trains between Taipei and Hualien, taking about 3 hours, and four Fu-Hsing Express trains, with a travel time of about 3 hours and 45 minutes.

　　2. The South-Link Railway operates three daily Taroko Express trains between Kaohsiung and Taitung, with a travel time of about 3.5 hours. There are also three Fu-Hsing Express trains, with a travel time of about 3 hours and 40 minutes.

　　Car Rental:

　　There are car rental shops near the train stations in Hualien City and Taitung City. Prices are calculated by the day and vary depending on the vehicle type. Generally, domestic manual cars are the most affordable, starting at around NT$1,300 per day. Hualien Bus and Dingdong Bus companies also offer large tour buses for rent.

　　Self-Drive:

　　Starting from Taipei:

　　You can choose either the Northern Cross-Island Highway or the Coastal Highway. After passing through Su’ao, you may:

　　(1) Take Provincial Highway 11 along the coast.

　　(2) Take Provincial Highway 9 to Fengbin Township in Hualien, then connect to Provincial Highway 11.

　　Departing from Taipei:

　　You can choose to take the Northern Yilan Highway or the Coastal Highway, and after passing through Su'ao,

　　(1) Take Provincial Highway 11 along the coast.

　　(2) Take Provincial Highway 9 to Fengbin Township in Hualien, then connect to Provincial Highway 11.

　　Departing from Kaohsiung:

　　(1) Take the South Cross-Island Highway, and after reaching Chihshang, turn toward Taitung.

　　(3) Take the South Loop Highway, heading in the direction of Taitung.

　　Notes:

　　1. The East Coast Highway often experiences heavy fog and falling rocks; please drive with caution.

　　Tel: East Coast National Scenic Area Administration

　　089-841520

　　2. Road condition information: Directorate General of Highways

　　Tel: (03)9951727; (03)9951665; (03)9953763

　　3. Broadcast road condition updates: Police Radio Station

　　Tel: 0800000123