Green Taitung: A Fulfilling 3-Day, 2-Night Eco-Wellness Getaway

Text by Chi Binghui  Photography by Chi Binghui & Lai Peixuan　

Source: Taitung County Government, Wutao Chishang Rice Ball

Planning a trip to eastern Taiwan, many people opt for a “Hualien-Taitung” route, but few extend their Taitung stay to three or four days. In truth, Taitung is a serene haven ideal for slowing down. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, immersing yourself in tribal culture, or cycling through the lanes, you’ll be struck by the vibrant greenery, the crisp air, and the warm hospitality. These are the most memorable and rewarding aspects of this special place. A trip to Taitung offers a glimpse of the most beautiful Taiwan.

(Morning) Dapoba Pond → Wutao Chishang Rice Ball Culture Story Museum
(Afternoon) Luye Plateau → Red Leaf Little League Baseball Memorial Hall

Recommended Attraction: Dapoba Pond

Dapoba Pond features tranquil and picturesque scenery. It was formed where the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range converge, making it Taiwan’s only inland freshwater marshland and once the largest lake in Taitung County. Chishang is famed as the “Land of Fish and Rice” in the Huatung Valley — the rice refers to Chishang Rice, while the fish come from Dapoba Pond. The pond boasts a rich variety of aquatic environments, holding significant ecological value for wild birds. Now developed into a scenic area, it serves as an educational and leisure-friendly water park where visitors can enjoy bird-watching, eco-tours, boating, and cycling excursions.

Recommended Attraction: Wutao Chishang Rice Ball Culture Story Museum

Chishang rice balls are arguably one of Taiwan’s most distinctive lunchboxes and a nostalgic meal worth trying when visiting the Chishang area. Having evolved over sixty years and through several recipe changes, the rice ball was acquired in 1999 by Jishan Group, which adopted corporate management practices to promote Taiwan’s traditional rice ball culture and rebranded it as “Wutao Chishang Rice Ball.” Later, in partnership with Chishang Township Office, they established the “Chishang Rice Ball Museum” to showcase the history of the rice ball. In 2009, the static exhibition on rice ball history and farming tools was transformed into an interactive experience, allowing visitors to feel the spirit and culture behind the rice ball while enjoying a meal.

(Morning) A’du Store → Little Leaf Tallow Tree Green Tunnel
(Afternoon) Bunun Tribe

Recommended Attraction: Green Tunnel

The neat and dense rows of little leaf tallow trees in Longtian Village form the famous Green Tunnel. Every year, the renowned Luye “Thousand People Lie Down” event is held here. Cycling through the green tunnel is incredibly refreshing and cool, with tea gardens, orchards, and farmland along the way filling the air with pleasant scents. Nearby lies a vast parachute landing field, and a line of shiny green little leaf tallow trees sway gently — you might just want to lie down by the roadside and let the breeze wash over you.

Recommended Attraction: Bunun Tribe

The Bunun Tribe is the first foundation established by indigenous people, founded by Pastor Bai Guangsheng. It works toward the revitalization of indigenous communities, helping them become self-sufficient and giving the general public a chance to understand indigenous culture. The area is rich in indigenous art and culture, featuring a tribal theater that regularly hosts traditional indigenous song and dance performances. There’s also a tribal café, tribal restaurant, organic vegetable zone, local produce center, indigenous art creation center, and more. DIY workshops such as weaving and leather carving are offered, and tribal homestays are available for overnight stays.