Attraction
Brown Boulevard
The narrow road near Chishang leads through expansive rice fields in the East Rift Valley. It's best explored by rental bike, especially from September to November, when the rice is golden.
Taiwan
Taitung and Huadong Valley
CityNature
Taitung in the southeast is the quietest part of Taiwan: rice fields in the East Rift Valley between two mountain ranges, a sparsely developed Pacific coast, and a strong indigenous character.
Taitung in the southeast is the quietest part of Taiwan: rice fields in the East Rift Valley between two mountain ranges, a sparsely developed Pacific coast, and a strong indigenous character. The region is suitable for slow travel by bike, train, or rental car.In the valley lie Chishang with the Brown Boulevard amidst vast rice fields, and Luye, where on the Luye Gaotai plateau, a multi-week hot air balloon festival has taken place every summer since 2011. On the coast north of Taitung City, an arch bridge connects the mainland with the rocky islands of Sanxiantai.
Taitung County (southeast) is Taiwan's most pristine region. Taitung City lies on a narrow plain between mountains and sea at the East Rift Valley's southern mouth. In the valley along Road 9 and the railway are Luye and Chishang; along Road 11 are surf town Dulan and Sanxiantai's rock islands. Instead of Taitung City, Chishang, Luye, or Dulan are the best places to stay.
Sights in Taitung and Huadong Valley
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Attraction
Luye Gaotai
At around 350 meters, the high plateau above the Ostlängstal is a launch site for paragliders and hot air balloons. From June to August, the Taiwan International Balloon Festival has been held here since 2011; the valley view is rewarding even off-season.
Park
Sanxiantai
On this rocky stretch of coastline north of Taitung City, a curved pedestrian bridge leads over the sea to a small rocky island with hiking trails. In the morning, when the sun rises over the Pacific, it is most atmospheric here.
Restaurants in Taitung and Huadong Valley
Taitung is known as Taiwan's rice bowl, and Chishang bento boxes, featuring valley rice, are renowned nationwide. This shop is near the station, perfect before or after a bike tour on the Brown Boulevard.
Dining and Drinking
Taitung is known as Taiwan's rice granary, and the rice from the East Rift Valley is renowned.
Chishang Bento
Chishang rice boxes are known nationwide, with several traditional shops located near the station.
Indigenous Food
Coastal and valley villages offer dishes of the Amis and other peoples, often with wild herbs and fish.
Indigenous Cultures and Rice Fields
Taitung has always been home to the Amis, Puyuma, and Bunun peoples; Puyuma and Rukai reside in Beinan District. Many coastal villages bear the Amis mark, and at the Amis Folk Centre north of the city, you can learn their songs and stories.In Taitung City, the old railway station complex, operational until 1982, has become the Railway Art Village, featuring warehouses, art, and a tourist information centre. In the valley, rice fields dominate the scene; in summer, thousands visit Luye for the Balloon Festival.
Getting There & Around
From Taipei, you travel to Taitung in four to five hours by express trains like the Taroko Express and Puyuma Express. The train station is located a bit outside the city center.Train in the Valley: The train travels through the East Rift Valley; from Taitung to Chishang, it takes just under an hour. Bike and scooter rentals are available at the stations in Chishang, Guanshan, and Taitung.Taiwan Tourist Shuttle: Excursion buses run from Taitung up the coast and through the valley; tickets are available at tourist information centers.Rental Cars and Scooters: You can only reach Dulan by bus, car, or scooter, as there is no train along the coast. You need an International Driving Permit.
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