Enjoy a gourmet meal and hot springs after sports — Tourism Bureau promotes East Coast sports tourism

▲ The East Coast Bicycle Challenge is one of the events favored by many cycling enthusiasts in Taiwan. (Photo / Provided by East Coast Administration)

Reported and photographed by Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

With the growing popularity of sports, more and more people are participating in running, triathlons, and cycling. So where in Taiwan can you enjoy both travel and the thrill of sports? The Eastern Coastal National Scenic Area Administration (hereinafter referred to as the East Coast Administration) has this year specially launched the "East Coast Sports Tourism" brand and is organizing a variety of activities. Among them, the 2014 Brave the East Coast Bicycle Challenge opened for registration from January 17 to February 28, and the Siouguluan River International Rafting Triathlon is also expected to open registration on April 1, meeting the needs of both travelers and sports enthusiasts.

The various sports events organized by the East Coast Administration over the years have attracted a significant number of participants. Provincial Highway 11 along the East Coast has also been voted by cyclists worldwide as one of the most desired routes to visit. Therefore, the East Coast Administration has this year specially launched the "East Coast Sports Tourism" brand.

%亩?艽ΥΤぢ砘荽铷左1) and several sports enthusiasts jointly promote "East Coast Sports Tourism." (Photo / Photographed by Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

Ma Huida, Director of the East Coast Administration, stated that the "Brave the East Coast Bicycle Challenge" and the "Siouguluan River International Rafting Triathlon," planned under the "East Coast Sports Tourism" brand, are the most popular sporting events each year. By combining the competitions with local sightseeing and indigenous tribal culture, participants can enjoy gourmet meals, scenic views, and hot springs, presenting a multifaceted sports experience. This allows visitors to experience the beauty of the East Coast at a leisurely pace.

Renowned barefoot runner Xie Tianren also mentioned that besides cycling and triathlon events on the East Coast,the road running events in Green Island and Hualien, as well as swimming in Huoshui Lake,are all impressive sporting experiences highly recommended for sports enthusiasts. Additionally, "Ironwoman Cop" Xie Boxiao and her boyfriend, "Ironman Strongman" Wu Guanrong, believe that the triathlon events on the East Coast not only offer beautiful scenery butthe rafting competitionsalso provide an excitement unmatched by other races. Talented runner Ye Jiahan added thatthe sunrise in Taimali and the Golden Needle Mountainon the East Coast are also worthwhile destinations to visit after a good workout.