A gray ribbon amid golden seas of rice paddies！3 must-visit “Highway to Heaven” routes in Hualien & Taitung

▲ Taitung’s “Diamond Boulevard.” (Photo/Provided by IG@txxwxxhkkk. Please do not repost without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

Hualien and Taitung boast pristine natural scenery, vast expanses of rice fields, and winding roads that seem to stretch endlessly toward the mountains and sea. The heavenly beauty of these “Highway to Heaven” routes is utterly captivating. ETtoday Dongsen News Cloud has handpicked three must-see Highway to Heaven landscapes in the Hualien-Taitung region. However, while enjoying the views, remember not to step into the rice paddies for photos—preserve the hard work of local farmers.

▲ A view of the Yuli version of the Highway to Heaven near County Highway 193. (Photo/taken fromthe Facebook page of the Hualien-Taitung Valley National Scenic Area Administration)

1. Hualien Yuli Version of the Highway to Heaven
The Hualien version of the Highway to Heaven is located in Songpu Township, Yuli, and can be considered a hidden gem. Passing by County Highway 193, near the Songpu branch of the Yuxi Rural Credit Cooperative, you can discover this secret scenic spot.

Although it’s just a farm road, the path winds through the fields all the way to the horizon. Whether surrounded by lush green rice paddies or golden seas of grain, the view is mesmerizing. Adjacent to Taiwan’s most beautiful highway, County Highway 193, visitors can enjoy two scenic wonders at once. The fresh air and tranquil atmosphere among the farmland offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, opening your heart and mind. However, as this is an agricultural road, please do not drive on it to avoid disturbing farmers and help preserve their hard-earned work.

Yuli Version of the Highway to Heaven
Location: Beside the Songpu Farmers’ Association in Yuli Town

▲ Taitung’s famous attraction—Borlang Boulevard. (Photo/Credit to reporter Huang Ke-xiang)

2. Taitung Chihshang – Borlang Boulevard
Made famous by an advertisement, Borlang Boulevard has become a renowned hotspot in Taitung, also known as the “Emerald Highway to Heaven.” A winding gray line carves its own path through golden rice fields, allowing visitors to cycle and enjoy the breeze while taking in Taitung’s mountainous countryside. There’s also a giant picture frame art installation along one side, perfect for commemorative photos with Borlang Boulevard.

Borlang Boulevard
To reach Borlang Boulevard, turn onto County Highway 197 from Provincial Highway 9, then take Dong 6 Township Road after about 2.5 km. Note that Borlang Boulevard has year-round vehicle access restrictions—please do not drive in.

▲ Taitung’s Diamond Boulevard, an endless road hailed as the East Coast’s Borlang Boulevard. (Photo/Provided by IG@llllll.1999.llllll. Please do not repost without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

3. Taitung Changguang Community – Diamond Boulevard
Known as the “East Coast Borlang Boulevard,” Diamond Boulevard is located on Dong 13 Township Road, around the 85 km mark of Provincial Highway 11. With no power poles obstructing the view, the road stretches endlessly across boundless rice paddies, offering a breathtaking, open panorama.

The scenery changes beautifully from different angles—one side heads straight toward the sea, while the other extends into the mountains. The surrounding landscape shifts with the seasons, providing a unique experience any time of year. But for the best golden rice field views, June is highly recommended. That said, remember that these crops are the fruits of hard labor by local farmers—don’t trample the fields just for a great photo.

Diamond Boulevard
To reach Diamond Boulevard, cross the Changhong Bridge and continue along Provincial Highway 11. It’s located around the 85K mark on Dong 13 Township Road, or simply navigate to “Changguang Industrial Road.”

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