Top 10 Must-Do Moonlight Concerts and Tribal Experiences on the East Coast This Summer

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team     Image Source / East Coast National Scenic Area Administration

Taiwan’s East Coast is long and stretches with natural beauty, primitiveness, and splendor. Backed by majestic mountain ranges and facing the mighty Pacific Ocean, it boasts countless spectacular views, making the Hualien-Taitung area the perfect summer destination. The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration have jointly launched a variety of summer-themed activities, including Earth Art Festivals, tribal volunteering, and the Siouguluan River International Canoeing Triathlon. Below are ten recommended activities that allow visitors to deeply experience the charming allure of the East Coast.

Night Tour of Xiaoyeliu
Held from May to October each year, this activity features professional guides who lead visitors to discover the beautiful and unique geological environment and rich nighttime ecology of Xiaoyeliu on the East Coast. Along the way, you can observe banyan trees that appear to walk on reef rocks, hermit crabs selecting new homes in rock crevices, as well as dense coastal vegetation such as pandanus and beach hibiscus. Moreover, on summer nights, you can listen to the sound of the waves while exploring the mysteries of the starry universe.
 
Beach Cleanup Activity at Sanxiantai Scenic Area
Sanxiantai is daily inundated with all kinds of marine trash brought ashore by the tides. To help visitors understand and pay attention to the impact of marine litter on coastal environments, the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration conducts regular “Love Taiwan, Love the Earth” beach cleanup and environmental education activities. It is hoped that through these events and promotions, visitors will reflect on how their personal habits can affect the health of the marine environment.
 
Green Island Eco-Tourism
Green Island is a paradise for diving enthusiasts and suitable for diving all year round. Though the island covers only 16 square kilometers, it has an exceptionally high coral coverage rate. Continuing its low-carbon eco-tourism initiatives, the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration has launched a Green Island Friendly Diving Promotion campaign to guide visitors in exploring world-class dive sites around Green Island.

Marine Sightseeing and Ecological Resource Survey in Chenggong Area
The East Coast is rich in whale and dolphin resources, with over 30 species inhabiting the area — more than one-third of the world’s total. To promote sustainable marine conservation, the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration has conducted marine resource surveys in the Chenggong area since 2015 and operates a marine environment classroom in Chenggong. It also organizes guided tours, exhibitions, and marine environmental education programs.
 
East Coast Earth Art Festival & Moonlight Sea Concert
This year (2017) marks the third edition of the East Coast Earth Art Festival, which grandly debuted in May. Continuing with the concepts of handmade artistry and earth aesthetics, the festival is themed around “Intertidal · Symbiosis,” emphasizing connections with local communities, coexistence, and sustainable development. Artworks are displayed both indoors and outdoors to showcase the unique humanistic and natural earth-life aesthetics of the East Coast. Additionally, there are six exclusive “Moonlight · Sea Theme Concerts” (June 10–11, July 9–10, August 8–9) set against the East Coast’s distinctive moonlit seascape, featuring collaborations with indigenous artists, indigenous cultural and creative industries, and nearby tourism businesses.
 
East Coast Tribal Work Holidays
The East Coast Tribal Work Holidays build a bridge between tribes and volunteers, combining work, vacation, and travel in diverse formats and functions. Respecting cultural heritage, visiting tribal attractions, and sharing local food, crafts, songs and dances, as well as everyday life with locals, leave lasting impressions and cherished memories for volunteers — sparking deep affection for the East Coast.

Siouguluan River International Canoeing Triathlon
The “Siouguluan River International Canoeing Triathlon Competition” has been held since 2009 and is the only triathlon event in Taiwan that combines “Siouguluan River canoeing,” “cycling,” and “running.” Every year, registration opens to great excitement. The event typically includes categories for the full triathlon, biathlon, and relay team races. Participants complete an 11-km canoeing leg, a 12.6-km run, and a 44-km cycling segment, totaling 67.6 km.
 
Gedumayan Tribal Music and Dance Feast
From July to September each year, it’s the season of harvest festivals for East Coast tribes. The “Gedumayan Tribal Music and Dance Feast” invites various East Coast tribes to participate, attracting visitors with tribal dance dramas, folk songs, archery competitions, and related cultural experiences. Guests at the Duli Visitor Center can enjoy an exciting array of indigenous music and performances all in one place.

Chengkung Fishing Village Guided Tour
Chengkung Township, rich in fishing culture, is perfect for leisurely exploration. Travelers can opt for a cultural history tour, which includes Taiwan’s only wooden marlin shrine, the fading traditional harpoon fishing technique, Taiwan’s most comprehensive clownfish breeding center, and world-class geological landscapes. In addition, the area offers local delicacies and cultural heritage industries, with optional self-paid package tours or DIY experiences like making fish balls and rice crackers, adding extra fun to your journey.
 
A Leisurely Stroll in Dulan
Dulan is a well-known tribe in the southern part of the East Coast. Mount Dulan is revered as a “sacred mountain” by the tribal community. With the influx of new residents and artists, the Dulan tribe exudes an exotic and artistic atmosphere. Following a series of initiatives — including tribal workshop revitalization, tribal performances, and work holiday programs — the “Dulan Leisure Stroll” activity has been introduced to allow more visitors to appreciate the beauty of the Dulan tribe.