By MOOK Travel Editorial Team Photo Source / East Coast National Scenic Area Administration
Taiwan’s East Coast is long and pristine, filled with natural beauty, backed by majestic mountains and facing the mighty Pacific Ocean, offering countless spectacular sights that make the Hualien-Taitung region an ideal summer destination. The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration jointly launched a variety of summer-themed activities, including Earth Art Festivals, tribal volunteering programs, and the Siouguluan River International Canoeing Triathlon. Below are ten highly recommended activities that allow visitors to deeply experience the captivating charm of the East Coast.
Night Tour of Xiaoyeliu
Night Tour of Xiaoyeliu
Held from May to October each year, this activity features professional guides who lead visitors to explore the beautiful and unique geological environment of Xiaoyeliu on the East Coast and its rich nocturnal ecology. Along the way, you can observe walking fig trees growing on reefs, hermit crabs selecting new homes in rock crevices, as well as dense coastal vegetation such as pandanus and hibiscus tiliaceus. Even better, on summer nights, you can listen to the sound of the sea waves while exploring the mysteries of the starry night sky.
Beach Cleanup at Sanxiantai Scenic Area
Sanxiantai is daily inundated with a wide variety of marine trash washed ashore by the tides. To raise awareness among visitors about the impact of marine litter on coastal environments, the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration conducts regular “Love Taiwan, Love Earth” beach cleanup and environmental education events. These initiatives encourage visitors to reflect on how personal habits can influence the health of the ocean.
Green Island Eco-Tourism
Green Island is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, suitable for diving all year round. Though the island covers only 16 square kilometers, it boasts exceptionally high coral coverage. Following its low-carbon eco-tourism initiatives, the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration has launched the Green Island Friendly Diving Promotion Campaign, guiding visitors to explore world-class dive sites around Green Island.
Green Island is a paradise for diving enthusiasts, suitable for diving all year round
Marine Tourism and Ecological Resource Survey in Chenggong Area
The East Coast is rich in whale and dolphin resources, with over 30 species sighted—more than one-third of the world’s total. To promote sustainable marine practices, the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration has conducted resource surveys in the Chenggong area since 2015 and operates a marine environment classroom in Chenggong. The site hosts guided tours, exhibitions, and various 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 kicked off in May. Continuing its philosophy of original craftsmanship and earth aesthetics, the festival centers on the theme “Intertidal · Symbiosis,” emphasizing local connections, coexistence, and sustainable development. Artworks are displayed both indoors and outdoors, showcasing the unique humanistic and natural lifestyle aesthetics of the East Coast. Additionally, there are six “Moonlight · Sea Theme Concerts” (June 10–11, July 9–10, August 8–9), featuring local indigenous artists, indigenous cultural creative industries, and nearby tourism businesses for joint promotion, set against the East Coast’s exclusive moonlit seascape.
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 forms and functions. Respecting cultural heritage, these holidays include visits to tribal attractions where locals share their cuisine, crafts, music and dance, and daily life, leaving volunteers with deep impressions, cherished memories, and a heartfelt love for the East Coast.
The East Coast Tribal Work Holidays build a bridge between tribes and volunteers
Siouguluan River International Canoeing Triathlon
The “Siouguluan River International Canoeing Triathlon” has been held annually since 2009 and is the only triathlon event in Taiwan that combines “Siouguluan River canoeing,” “cycling,” and “running.” Each year, registration opens to great excitement. The race categories usually include the full triathlon, biathlon, and relay team events. Participants complete a 11 km canoeing leg, followed by a 12.6 km run and a 44 km cycling segment, totaling 67.6 km.
Gadu Ma Yang Tribal Music and Dance Feast
From July to September each year is the season of harvest festivals for East Coast tribes. The “Gadu Ma Yang Tribal Music and Dance Feast” invites various East Coast tribes to participate, attracting visitors with tribal dance dramas, songs, archery competitions, and related cultural experiences. Guests at the Duli Visitor Center can enjoy a rich showcase of indigenous music and dance from the East Coast in one place.
The season of harvest festivals for East Coast tribes. The “Gadu Ma Yang Tribal Music and Dance Feast” invites various East Coast tribes to participate
Chenggong Fishing Village Guided Tour
Chenggong Township, rich in fishing culture, is perfect for leisurely exploration. Visitors can choose cultural history routes, including Taiwan’s only wooden marlin shrine, the disappearing traditional harpoon fishing technique, the country’s most complete clownfish breeding center, and world-class geological landscapes. In addition, local specialties and traditional cultural industries offer optional paid tour packages or DIY experiences like making fish balls and incense sticks, adding more fun to the trip.
A Leisurely Stroll in Dulan
Dulan is a well-known tribe in the southern part of the East Coast. Dulan Mountain is revered as a “sacred mountain” by the tribal community. With the presence of immigrant residents and artists, the Dulan tribe exudes an exotic and artistic atmosphere. Following a series of initiatives to revitalize tribal workshops, host performances, and organize work holidays, the “Dulan Slow Walk” activity was introduced to allow more visitors to appreciate the beauty of the Dulan tribe.
Top 10 Must-Photo Spots Recommended！ Beaches × Boulevards × Art ~ The East Coast is More Than Just Beautiful Mountains and Waters
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