Lion Park sits above a quiet and beautiful stretch of coastline in Wanli District of New Taipei. There is also a 1 KM pedestrian path that connects the park to Dawulun beach. Popular activities here include hiking, fishing, paddle boarding, and watching the sunset.
Background: The sandstone and sedimentary rock that forms the coastline here was created between 10 and 20 million years ago and was pushed out of the sea along with northern Taiwan thousands of years ago. The rocks here were formed by easily eroding sandstone, with the area underneath being eroded away by the sea and waves. Lion Park in Wanli was created by the Taiwan Lion's Club, Su'Ao chapter. The park includes a pavilion and a large stone sculpture that is popular with Instagrammers. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Drive to Keelung, then from downtown take provincial highway 2 west about 10 KM until you reach Lion Park, and there is some free parking at the park. By Bus: From Keelung, take bus 305 to Dawulun Beach. The park is about a 10 minute walk west along the coast. Map: Please see below:
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A sailing class going on off Tainan's Yuguang Island.
With over 100 islands and a coastline of over 1500 KM on the main Island, warm tropical weather, and constant winds, Taiwan is known as a world-class sailing location. Sailing in Taiwan can be an exhilarating experience that provides a unique perspective on the island’s stunning coastline and surrounding waters. With its rich history and culture, Taiwan has become a popular destination for adventure seekers and travelers looking to explore its natural beauty via sailboat.
Brief Historical Background of Sailing in Taiwan: Even though Taiwan has thousands of islands and hundreds of kilometers of coastline, it still does not have a strong sailing culture as compared to other countries. The recreational boating industry in Taiwan only really began in 2009, when the Fisheries Agency began making floating docks for more recreational craft. Those docks are now filled to capacity, so prices are on the rise and demand is high. Boat owners are hopeful that Taiwan's authorities can further expand recreational marinas in Taiwan soon. Non-powered sailing in Taiwan is regulated by the coast guard, but all you have to do is send your itinerary to the coast guard via a smartphone app. Where to Sail in Taiwan: 
Shuangwan Bicycle path follows a quiet stretch of beach in northern Taiwan. The entire path is flat and only takes about an hour to complete, with a total length of 8KM. However, at low tide, it is full of rocks. There is also a popular bike path that connects it to the sandy beaches of Baishawan and Qianshuiwan.
Background: Shuangwan means two bays (referring to Baishawan and Qianshuiwan). Baishawan (literally White Sand Bay) was formed roughly 800,000 years ago by volcanoes spewing lava into the ocean creating Fuigui Cape. Later coral grew near the shoreline, which makes up for most of the white sand seen on the beach today. The white sandy beach extends about one kilometer along the coast. Now it is one of the most popular destinations on the north coast of Taiwan. Because of its proximity to Taipei, there are sure to be many visitors, and because Taipei has the highest concentration of foreigners, be prepared to see a lot of other foreigners as well. How to Get There: By Bus: Take Keelung bus from either Danshui MRT station or Keelung TRA station. You can also take the yellow and white North Coast Shuttle Bus to Baishawan station. By Car: Drive on provincial highway 2 out of Danshui to the northeast, or out of Keelung to the northwest. The beach area is near Sanzhi District 三芝區. Price: Free Parking: Free. There is a parking lot in front of the main entrance. If this is full, you can park along the road next to it. Length: 8 KM or about 1 hour Bike Rental: There are Youbike stations in Sanzhi and at Baishawan Beach, and there is a bicycle rental shop in Shanzhi. Map: Please see below: 
The four furthest directional points in Taiwan are some of the most beautiful places in the country, and they should definitely be part of every Taiwan traveler's bucket list, or stops along your round-island trip. Each of them has a lighthouse, and all of them lie near the ocean.
The four furthest directional points in Taiwan are as follows: 1. Most Northern point: Fugui Cape Lighthouse, New Taipei (富貴角燈塔, 新北市, 台灣東北極點) 2. Most Eastern point: Sandiao Cape Lighthouse, New Taipei (三貂角燈塔, 新北市, 台灣東極點) 3. Most Southern Point, Eluanbi Lighthouse, Pingtung (鵝鑾鼻燈塔, 屏東, 台灣南極點) 4. Most Western points: Guosheng Lighthouse, Tainan (國聖燈塔, 台南, 台灣西極點). Please see below for a map of the four points: 
Yilan is a gem on Taiwan's northeast coast. It has rugged mountains, waterfalls, a flat coastal plain, a volcanic island, hot springs, and some of the best beaches in Taiwan. In addition you can find night markets, seafood markets, museums, and much more to explore here. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taiwan.
Historical Background of Yilan: Before Chinese settlers came, the area around Yilan was inhabited by the Ketagalan Aboriginal tribe, whose language is now extinct. The name Yilan comes from this language. The town Toucheng literally means "first town" in Chinese, because it was the first settlement in Yilan, settled in the late 1700s. With the nearby Wushih and Touwei Harbors around the same time, it became the economic focal point of Yilan. However, in the late 1800s and early 1900s Wushih Harbor and Touwei Harbor silted in, reducing their function. With the advent of the Japanese-built Yilan railway line in the mid-1900's, as well as constant floods and continual silting of the harbors, Toucheng Old Street quickly lost its importance economically and fell into decay. The Japanese also built logging railways up to Taipingshan to harvest lumber. The first path between Yilan and Hualien was a trail built in the Qing Dynasty that was completed in 1876, in order for the Qing to better control aboriginal peoples on the east coast. Later after Japan took control of Taiwan, they widened the path and built 9 bridges and 14 tunnels along the way, making it drivable for cars (one way only) by 1932. Because much of the road was next to cliffs that underwent constant landslides, it was considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world at the time. In the 1980s the ROC government further widened the road, and the two-lane highway was completed in 1990. In 2020, the section of road between Su'ao and Dong'ao was bypassed by a tunnel. Currently Yilan has a population of over 450,000. An High-Speed Rail extension is planned for Yilan, and is expected to be completed by 2036. You can find a map of places we will cover in this blog below: 
Nanfang'ao is the third-largest fishing harbor in Taiwan and is an important part of the local economy. Just above the harbor along the Suhua highway is an amazing lookout that gives a 180-degree view of southern Yilan, Su'ao, and the surrounding area. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to the east coast of Taiwan.
Background: The first path between Su'ao and Hualien was a trail built in the Qing Dynasty that was completed in 1876, for the Qing to better control aboriginal peoples on the east coast. Later after Japan took control of Taiwan, they widened the path and built 9 bridges and 14 tunnels along the way, making it drivable for cars (one way only) by 1932. Because much of the road was next to cliffs that underwent constant landslides, it was considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world at the time. In the 1980s the ROC government further widened the road, and the two-lane highway was completed in 1990. In 2020, the section of road between Su'ao and Dong'ao was bypassed by a tunnel. Nanfang'ao is the third-largest fishing harbor in Taiwan and is an important part of the local economy. There is a popular fish and seafood market there that is open from 3 PM to 5 PM every day at the harbor if you a fan of fresh seafood. Price: Free Hours: 24/7 How to get there: By Car/Scooter: From Su'ao or Dong'ao, take Highway 9 east along the coast. You will have to take a dangerous U-turn or left turn across double yellow lines if you come from Su'ao, so it is better to come from Dong'ao. By Bus: Take the Nanfang'ao Blue line to Nanjian Shopping Center (南建購物中心) then walk up the Nanfang'ao Lookout trail about 15 minutes to the lookout. Map: Please see below: 
The Suhua Highway Monument (蘇花公路安魂碑) and nearby Kailu Xianfengye Temple (開路先鋒爺廟) commemorate the 13 workers who died building the road from Su'ao to Hualien from 1932 to the present. It sits on one of the most scenic viewpoints of the highway between Su'ao and Dong'ao, overlooking Dong'ao Bay. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to the east coast of Taiwan.
Background: The first path between Su'ao and Hualien was a trail built in the Qing Dynasty that was completed in 1876, in order for the Qing to better control aboriginal peoples on the east coast. Later after Japan took control of Taiwan, they widened the path and built 9 bridges and 14 tunnels along the way, making it drivable for cars (one way only) by 1932. Because much of the road was next to cliffs that underwent constant landslides, it was considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world at the time. In the 1980s the ROC government further widened the road, and the two-lane highway was completed in 1990. In 2020, the section of road between Su'ao and Dong'ao was bypassed by a tunnel. Kailu Xianfengye Temple was erected in 1994 near the Suhua Highway Monument to honor the thirteen lives that were lost during the construction of the Su'hua highway (two during the Japanese era and 11 during the ROC era). It is believed that the ghosts of these men had protected further construction along the highway. Price: Free Hours: 24/7 How to get there: By Car/Scooter: From Su'ao or Dong'ao, take Highway 9 east along the coast. You will have to take a dangerous U-turn or left turn across double yellow lines if you come from Su'ao, so it is better to come from Dong'ao. By Bus: No way to get there by public transport! Map: Please see below: 
Donggang's Huaqiao Seafood Market is a popular place to shop and eat in Dongang Township of Pingtung. It is also right next to the ferry terminal to Xiaoliuqiu (Lamay Island) which is just a few kilometers offshore. Because of this, the seafood market is usually packed with people. Popular foods here include sashimi, fried fish balls, oyster omelets, and crab cakes. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Pingtung, or on the way to Xiaoliuqiu.
Background: Donggang (literally east harbor) gets its name from early settlers, who thought of the place as east of the Goaoping River. At the same time Qijin was known as Xigang (west harbor) and Linyuan was known as Zhonggang (middle harbor). Originally the area around Donggang was a wetland before it was settled by farmers and fishermen from mainland China. Like many oceanside cities in Taiwan, Donggang is famous for its seafood and is a popular place to buy freshly caught fish the same morning it is brought in by the fisherman. Another reason the area is so popular is that it is the main ferry terminal to Xiaoliuqiu (Lamay Island) which is just a few kilometers offshore. Because of this, the seafood market is usually packed with people. Hours: About noon to 7 PM. Price: Free How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take provincial highway 17 south to Donggang and turn into the city center. The harbor is in the western part of the city. There is free scooter parking and paid car parking at the fishing harbor (30 NT per car), but the fishing harbor does not allow overnight parking. By TRA/bus: From Nanzhou TRA station, you can take bus 519 about 20 minutes to the seafood market. Map: Please see below: 
This glass building in Budai is the highest high-heeled structure in the world. It is not actually a real church, it is a classic tourist trap that is slowly fading in popularity. There is not much here except this and some seafood restaurants, but it was still fun to visit.
Background: Budai is a fishing port village in Chiayi county and has the only ferry to Penghu from the main island of Taiwan. Construction of the high-heel church was completed in 2016. It is composed of 300 pieces of blue glass and is 17.76 meters tall, 12 meters wide, and 25 meters long. Many people were afraid that the building would be abandoned by tourists after completion because it is lacking in historical or cultural significance. It is said the chapel was built to honor the women that suffered a breakout of blackfoot disease which broke out in the area decades ago, which prevented them from wearing high heels and having a happy wedding. After construction, it received the Guinness World Record for the highest high-heeled shaped structure in the world. Even though the high-heeled building is used as a wedding venue, it is not a real church and is not related to any religion. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free How to get there: By car/scooter: Take provincial highway 17 or Expressway 61 to Budai along the coast in Chiayi, then head west to the coast. The high heeled church is near the ocean in Budai and is hard to miss. By bus: You can take bus 7209H from Chiayi HSR station, which takes about an hour and a half to reach Budai. Map: Please see below: 
Fugui Cape is the northernmost point on the main island of Taiwan, in Shimen District of Taipei. Nearby you can find hiking and biking trails, as well as some breathtaking beaches and coastline. It is definitely worth a trip for anyone in Taiwan.
Background: Fugui Cape (aka Fuguei Cape, Cape Fugui, or Cape Fukwei) was formed roughly 800,000 years ago by volcanoes spewing lava into the ocean creating Fuigui Cape. Later coral grew near the shoreline, which makes up for most of the white sand seen on the nearby beaches today at Baishawan Beach and Laomei Beach. The cape extends about one kilometer north into the Taiwan Strait, forming the Strait's northernmost point. The lighthouse is 14.3 meters tall and 31.4 meters above sea level. Originally the Japanese built a lighthouse here in 1896, which was the start of an undersea cable to Japan. The tower was damaged during American bombing raids during WWII. The Fugui Lighthouse was rebuilt by the ROC in 1949. The tower was built in its current form in 1962. It was opened to the public in 2015. The area nearby is a military base and radar station. Now it is one of the most popular destinations on the north coast of Taiwan. Because of its proximity to Taipei, there are many visitors, especially on weekends. How to Get There: By Bus: Take Keelung bus from either Danshui MRT station or Keelung TRA station. You can also take the yellow and white North Coast Shuttle Bus to Fugui Cape station. By Car: Drive on provincial highway 2 out of Danshui to the northeast, or out of Keelung to the northwest. The cape area is in Shimen District. Price: Free Parking: Free. There is a parking lot in front of the main entrance. If this is full, you can park along the road next to it. Length: 2 KM round trip on flat pavement, or about an hour Hours: October April 9AM - 5PM May to September 9AM - 6PM Map: Please see below: 
Guosheng Lighthouse is the most western point of the main island of Taiwan. It looks like an electricity transmission tower and is surrounded by sand dunes. It’s deep in rural Tainan's Taijiang National Park, but it’s worth the trip.
Background: Guosheng Lighthouse was built on the Dingtoue Sand Dune (頂頭額沙洲), which is the westernmost point on the island of Taiwan. During the Qing Dynasty, this area was once home to one of the largest salt drying fields in Taiwan, as well as home to fisherman. It is said this spot is the first place that Koxinga landed in Taiwan, however this is not clear to be true or not. During the Japanese era, a lighthouse was built on this spot, called Zengwen Lighthouse 曾文燈塔, which was later totally destroyed during allied bombing raids in WWII. Later, the ROC government built a wooden lighthouse on the Dingtoue Sand Dune in 1957 that was 20 meters tall, but it was often hit by waves and nearly fell into the ocean, and was finally destroyed completely by Typhoon Viola in 1969. A new lighthouse, the one that stands today, was built from concrete and steel in 1969, and stands 32 meters high. It needs constant maintenance such as paint to stop corrosion to its frame. In September 2022, the tower was closed for maintence and renovations, and is expected to open again by the end of 2022. Price: Free Hours: 24/7 How to get there: By car/scooter: From provincial highway 17 in Qigu District of Tainan, turn west on highway 173 toward the ocean. Just keep going and don't stop until you reach the lighthouse at the end of the road. By bus: There ain't no public transportation to this location. Map: Please see below: 
Only a 20 minute car drive away, Dawulun Beach in Keelung is the closest sandy ocean beach to Taipei City. Although it is small, it has a calm shallow swimming area and the sand looks like it was shipped straight from Kenting. It is definitely worth a visit for all beach lovers in Taipei.
Background: This beach is also known as Aodi Beach (澳底沙灘) or Waimushan Beach (外木山沙灘). In 2007, a road was created that connected Dawulun Beach with Wanli, creating a circular road around the north coast that was previously cut off. After that, more and more tourists started coming to this beach, especially from Taipei, because it is the closest oceanside destination to Taipei City. On weekends during the summer, the area can be totally packed with people. Hours: 24/7, but showers close after about 7 PM Price: Free Showers: Yes, multiple paid shower areas, about 30-50 NT per person How to get there: By car/scooter: From Keelung, take provincial highway 2 toward Wanli, and after you cross over the hill and see the ocean, turn right down to the beach. There is free parking on the side of the road, but good spots are limited. You can always park for free on the steep road that goes up the hill. By bus: From Keelung Station, you can take the T99 tourist shuttle Binhai Qiji Line to the beach. The ride takes about 13 minutes. Map: Please see below: 
Taiwan's outer islands are some of the most beautiful and scenic places in the whole country, and each of them can be considered a secret paradise. You can find the best beaches, snorkeling, and diving on these islands. You can also find rich and important historical sites here. Transportation may be difficult, but you will never regret visiting Taiwan's outer islands, and no trip to Taiwan should be complete without doing it.
In this blog, we will introduce the main outer islands in Taiwan that are open to tourists (there are 166 islands in Taiwan, this blog only covers a few), point out their unique traits, and compare them to each other. This way you can best prepare for your trip to the outer islands, and at the same time know what you are missing out on. All the outer Islands are great, and I highly recommend visiting them all if you can. Map: Please see a map of the islands covered in this blog below: 
Hualien is the largest county in Taiwan and is considered by many to be the most beautiful. It includes a breathtaking coastline along the Pacific Ocean, including cliffs thousands of meters high, marble gorges, fertile valleys, and a large section of Taiwan's central mountain range. Hualien is simply a must-stop location on your trip to Taiwan.
Historical Background Hualien was first inhabited by Sakiraya aborigines and was known as Kilai. Later the Spanish came here to pan for gold for a brief period. Afterward, the first Han Chinese settlers came to the area in 1851, and named the place Hualien after the swirling delta of the Liwu River. During the Japanese era, many Japanese people were relocated here to develop agriculture. Now Hualien is the key population center on Taiwan's East Coast. Map: Please see the map below for the areas we will cover in the blog. 
Shanling Haowangjiao Hostel in Hualien is a small hostel on top of a mountain above the east coast in Hualien. In provides amazing 360 degree views of Hualien City, the central mountain range, and the east coast, as well as a bunch of themed props to take selfies with. It is worth a visit if you have time.
Background: Shanling Haowangjiao Hostel has 4 rooms. It is a unique hostel in Taiwan because basically they charge you to look at the view, and provide some snacks. I have never been to any place like it before. Price: 100 NT per person, including parking and all you can eat snacks and drinks. 5000-6000 NT per room per night. Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM Map: Please see below: 
Dongshan Mountain above the east coast in Hualien provides amazing 360 degree views of Hualien City, the central mountain range, and the east coast. You can also find Farglory's Hotel and Fargolry Ocean Park here. It is worth a visit if you have time.
Background: Farglory Hotel in Hualien has 381 rooms and was completed in 2005. It sits 200 meters above sea level and looks over the east coast and Hualien City, and is less than 1 KM away from Farglory Ocean Park. It is the only hotel to be listed on a stock exchange in Taiwan. Farglory Ocean Park was the first marine theme park constructed in Taiwan, and was completed in 2002. The area is 51 hectares and features a theme park and an aquarium. It includes roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, waterpark, dolphin shows, aquarium, restaurants and other events and shows. Price: 100 NT per person, including parking and all you can eat snacks and drinks. 5000-20,000 NT per room per night. Farglory Ocean Park: 890 NT per adult Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM Map: Please see below: 
Jiqi Beach in Fengbin Township of Hualien County is one of the best surfing spots in Taiwan. This is one of the few sandy beaches on the east coast between Hualien and Taitung. It is definitely worth a visit if you are looking for an exquisite and less crowded beach.
Background: On both sides of the beach are volcanic rock formations, while the middle is sandstone and shale, which helped to form this amazing beach. Jiqi was originally called Kaluluan by the native Amis people. Originally they used the beach to dry salt, and later settled here during the Qing Dynasty, relying on fishing. Now the beach is a popular summer destination, especially for surfing. However, just one month ago the beach closed to the public, and access is only allowed to a restaurant that charges 100 NT per person to enter. The government promises they will give access to the beach soon, but water activities may be banned forever. Hours: 24/7 (But officially closed now the the public) Price: Currently a restaurant charges 100 NT per person just to look at the beach, the government says they will allow beach access again soon How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take highway 11 south from Hualien or north from Taitung, It is more than an hour's journey from either city. By bus: The beach can be reached by bus 1140 or 1145. Map: Please see below: 
Hualien's Nanbin Park is one of the most accessible beach location in Hualien. It also features a night market and a large grassy park and bike path to enjoy the oceanside views. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Hualien.
Background: In the 1800s, Nanbin Park was the first area that Han Settlers landed their boats, and began to farm the local land. Later, the harbor was moved further south where it was less windy. Nanbin Park covers about 1 KM of coastline near Hualien City. It includes a bike path, camp ground, palm trees, a playground, sand pit. At night there is also a small night market here in the parking lot. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free How to get there: By car/scooter: From central Hualien, take highway 193 south along the coast until you get to Nanbin Park. By bus: Sadly there are no bus stops near Nanbin park. The closest bus stop is at Dongdamen Night Market. Map: Please see below: 
Haiweizi is a small beach along the coast in Tamsui. Once there was a bike path here, but it was damaged by wave action, so no one is allowed on the south side of the beach. It it usually devoid of people and is a nice place for a stroll.
Background: Originally the bike path here was part of a 2.5 KM stretch. However after some wave action in 2021, rocks started to cover the bike path and the foundation was damaged. Therefore out of concern for safety, the New Taipei government closed the area to the public. However that has not stopped some citizens from clearing out the rocks and enjoying the amazing ocean scenery here anyway. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free How to get there: By car/scooter: From Tamsui, make your way north to Danhai and go on Houzhou Road Section 1 north until you reach the ocean. There is free parking on the side of the road. By LRT: From LRT Kanding station, the seaside area is about a 1 KM walk away. Map: Please see below: 
The Qingshui Cliffs in Taroko National Park on the coast of Hualien are some of the most spectacular geological features in the country, and the world. The tallest peak on the cliffs is 2,408 meters (7,900 feet) above sea level, and drops straight into the Pacific Ocean. It is a spectacular sight to behold.
Background: Taroko National Park is well known for its marble cliffs and canyons, and is also known as "The Marble Gorge." Millions of years ago, the rock we see today was sediment at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, but oceanic and tectonic pressure turned it into limestone, and later into marble. Later the Eurasian plate was uplifted where Taiwan is today, and the cliffs were lifted out of the ocean. The cliffs are subject to constant erosion and rockslides are common. The cliffs are roughly 12 KM long and rise to over 2400 meters. They are a popular scenic stop along the Suhua highway that connects Yiland and Hualien. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free: How to get there: By Car/Scooter: From Hualien, Take highway 9 north until you reach the Qingshui Cliff lookout. There are actually a number of places to see the cliffs. By Bus: There is no public bus to the cliffs. You will have to rent a scooter or take a tour bus. 
Qianshuiwan (aka Qianshui Bay) in Sanzhi District of New Taipei is a popular beach destination, which includes a pristine bike path that goes all the way to Baishawan. There is also a nice sandy beach, pier, and lots of beach side restaurants nearby. It is a great beach destination along the northeast coast of Taiwan.
Background: Qianshuiwan beach (literally meaning shallow water bay) was formed roughly 800,000 years ago by volcanoes spewing lava into the ocean. Later coral grew near the shoreline, which makes up for most of the white sand seen on the beach today. The white sandy beach extends about a kilometer along the coast. Now it is one of the most popular destinations on the north coast of Taiwan. Because of its proximity to Taipei, there are sure to be many visitors, and because Taipei has the highest concentration of foreigners, be prepared to see a lot of other foreigners as well. It is a popular area especially during the summer months when it is warmer. It is especially known for the many outdoor restaurants along the beach, that makes it feel like an overseas destination. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free How to get there: By Bus: Take Keelung bus from either Danshui MRT station or Keelung TRA station. You can also take the yellow and white North Coast Shuttle Bus to Qianshuiwan station. By Car: Drive on provincial highway 2 out of Danshui to the northeast, or out of Keelung to the northwest. The beach area is near Sanzhi District 三芝區. Map: Please see below: 
Qixingtan is the best beach in Hualien City. It is a few KM long and also features a long grassy park next to it. It is famous for its oval shaped stones which tourists like to stack together. It is definitely worth as stop on your next trip to Hualien.
Background: Qixingtan gets its name because originally it was a lake close to the seashore, that was in the shape of the Big Dipper (or Qixing 七星, seven stars). During the Japanese era, the lake was filled in in order to make an airport, which is now used by the Taiwan air force. 
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Afterward, the residents instead called what before was Yueya Bay (月牙灣), a crescent beach nearby Qixingtan to honor their lost lake.
Qixingtan has now become a major tourist attraction, with thousands of visitors a year, and many hotels nearby. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free How to get there: Car/Scooter: From central Hualien, take highway 9 north until you reach past Mintou street and turn right. Keep going until you reach the beach. There is more parking at the middle and north sides. Bus: From central Hualien, you can take bus 308 to Hualien Manbo Park. The beach is just a short walk away. Map: Please see below: 
Shihmen Recreation Area (aka March Cave, Mochi Cave, Shimen, or Shimendong) is a unique geological area on the coast of Hualien County (not to be confused with Shimen in New Taipei). It is famous for it's large, car shaped cave. It is still a beautiful and unique stretch of coastline.
Historical Background: Shimen literally means "rock gate" get's it's name from the caves along the coast here. The area is made up of hard sedimentary rock placed over softer sandstone, which after thousands of years of waves from the ocean, creates unique rock formations. Now it is a major tourist attraction along Taiwan's east coast. How to get there: Take highway 11 south from Hualien City about 60km or two and a half hours. If you do not have a scooter or car, buses also stop along this route. You can also take bus 1140A which takes about three hours. Price: Free Hours: 24 hours a day Map: Please see below: 
Shalun Beach is a long sandy beach with shallow water in Tamsui, New Taipei. It is a popular beach for locals, and now has convenient access to public transportation via the LRT, making it the closest and fastest beach to reach from Taipei. However, swimming here is forbidden and there are no showers. It is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
Background: During the Japanese era, this beach was made into a resort area. After the ROC took control of the island, they made it into a military zone. However after martial law was lifted, the beach opened to the public. After years of water pollution, the beach was closed to the public in 1999. Despite this, people still visited the beach, but some people died by being caught in the rip tide here. Therefore the beach is now patrolled by the coast guard, who may warn potential swimmers to stay out of the water. Swimming is forbidden here, and there are no showers or amenities nearby. Despite this, it is still a popular sunbathing spot due to its close proximity to Taipei. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free How to get there: By car/scooter: Take provincial highway 2 乙 all the way to the northwest and keep going, the beach will be there. By LRT: Literally right next to LRT Shalun station. Map: Please see below: 
Shitiping Geopark along Taiwan’s east coast, literally meaning Stone Step Plain, because it looks like a bunch of stone steps. Some special geological forces have created this rock that resembles a bunch of stone steps on the east coast of Taiwan. Did I mention that there are stone steps? It is still a beautiful and unique stretch of coastline.
Historical Background: Shitiping literally means "rock stair plateau" get's it's name from the staircase shaped rocks along the coast. The area is made up of hard sedimentary rock placed over softer sandstone, which creates cuestas or staircase shaped rock formations. This makes for a unique structures and shapes, including potholes and trenches. Now it is a major tourist attraction along Taiwan's east coast. How to get there: Take highway 11 south from Hualien City about 60km or two and a half hours. If you do not have a scooter or car, buses also stop along this route. You can also take bus 1140A which takes about three hours. Price: Parking is 50-60 NT for cars, and 15-20 NT for scooters. Otherwise entrance to the park is free. Hours: 24 hours a day Map: Please see below: |
Author 作家We are US Expats that have extensive experience living, working, and travelling in Taiwan. In our day, we had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But we have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. Our blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. We are just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Archives 檔案
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