7 Best Things to Do and See in Longdong

Tucked into the rugged northeast coast of Taiwan, just about an hour from Taipei, Longdong is one of the island's best-kept secrets for outdoor lovers. Known locally as 龍洞, or "Dragon Cave," this dramatic stretch of sandstone cliffs and crystal-clear water in Gongliao District has earned a reputation as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Taiwan. The bay's coastline is said to resemble the shape of a giant dragon crouching along the shore, and it's easy to see why once you're standing on its cliffs looking out over the Pacific.
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Whether you're a certified diver, a trad-climbing enthusiast, or simply looking for a scenic coastal escape, Longdong packs an impressive range of adventures into one compact bay. Here are the seven best things to do and see when you visit.

Scuba Diving

Longdong is widely regarded as the best diving destination in northern Taiwan, and it's easy to see why. Clear water, rich marine ecology, and natural rock formations that shelter the bay from rough seas combine to create ideal diving conditions almost year-round. Depths here range from around 5 meters to over 25 meters, giving both beginners and experienced divers plenty to explore, from colorful reef fish to healthy coral growth.

The primary diving season runs from May to September, when water temperatures are at their most comfortable; outside these months, the water can turn noticeably chillier, and strong winter swells can make conditions unsafe. Numerous dive centers operate directly out of Longdong Bay, offering everything from introductory dives to full certification courses, making it an easy add-on for travelers already planning a diving trip through Asia. Visibility can vary depending on recent weather and tides, but on a good day divers can expect to see schools of reef fish, nudibranchs, and a surprising variety of soft coral clinging to the rocky terrain below.
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Rock Climbing

Beyond the water, Longdong is just as famous among climbers as it is among divers. The area is widely considered the best trad-climbing destination in Taiwan, and arguably one of the best in all of Asia. Sandstone crags rise directly from the Pacific Ocean, creating a dramatic backdrop unlike almost anywhere else in the region.

The climbing here suits a wide range of skill levels, with routes hovering around the 5.11 grade offering a sweet spot for intermediate climbers looking to push themselves, while newer climbers can find plenty of routes to build confidence on.

Most of the climbing at Longdong is traditional, meaning climbers place their own protective gear as they ascend rather than clipping into pre-placed bolts, which makes it a rewarding destination for those looking to sharpen their trad skills. Spring and fall tend to be the most comfortable seasons to climb, since summer heat can make the exposed rock faces uncomfortably hot. Because Longdong is a seaside crag, corrosion of bolts and anchors is a genuine safety concern, so climbers should inspect gear carefully or hire a local guide if visiting for the first time.

Snorkeling

Not every visitor to Longdong comes equipped with scuba gear, cause the bay's shallow, sheltered waters make it an excellent spot for snorkeling too. Calm conditions near the shore allow swimmers of all experience levels to peer beneath the surface and spot fish darting between rocks and coral without needing formal certification. The rocky outcrops that make the bay so photogenic above water also create sheltered pockets below the surface, giving marine life plenty of places to hide and explore.

Guided snorkeling experiences are widely available, often combining a walk along the bay's rock formations with time in the water, making it an accessible option for families or travelers short on time. Many tours also include a visit to a nearby diving platform along the way, so even non-divers get a glimpse of the more adventurous side of Longdong. As with diving, conditions are best from late spring through early autumn, when the water is warmer and visibility tends to be at its clearest.

Freediving

Freediving has grown rapidly in popularity across Taiwan in recent years, and Longdong has become one of the top spots to practice it in the north of the country. The bay's depth range and clear water make it well-suited to breath-hold diving, whether you're training for deeper dives or simply enjoying the meditative rhythm of freediving in a scenic setting. The relatively sheltered geography of the bay also helps reduce current and swell compared to more exposed stretches of coastline nearby, making it a more forgiving environment for those still building confidence in open water.

Local dive shops around Longdong frequently offer freediving equipment rental and organize group sessions, making it easy to connect with a buddy even if you're traveling solo. As with any freediving activity, it's essential to dive with a partner and never alone, given the currents and depth changes that can occur even in a relatively sheltered bay like this one.

Cliff Climbing

Closely related to traditional rock climbing but worth calling out on its own, cliff climbing and cliff jumping are a major draw for adventurous visitors to Longdong. The bay's natural rock formations create numerous ledges and platforms at varying heights, popular with both climbers scaling the rock and thrill-seekers looking to jump into the water below. On a busy weekend, it's common to see a steady stream of visitors taking turns leaping from the more popular platforms while others cheer them on from the rocks.

While cliff jumping can be exhilarating, it's worth approaching with caution. The water depth and underwater rock formations can vary significantly across the bay, and conditions that look calm on the surface can hide strong currents underneath. Locals and experienced visitors are the best source of guidance on which spots are safe to jump from and at what tide levels, and it's always worth watching a few other people jump before trying a new spot yourself.

Explore Longdong Bay

Longdong Bay itself is the heart of the entire area, and simply wandering along its coastline is worth the trip on its own. Formed by geological movement roughly 35 million years ago, the bay's coastline is said to resemble the body of a giant dragon crouching along the shore, complete with a large sea cave carved into the base of its steep cliffs.

The bay's distinctive sandstone formations, including mushroom-shaped rocks, honeycombed textures, and even visible marine fossils, make it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in geology, not just water sports. A growing number of cafes, hostels, and tour operators have popped up around the bay in recent years, making it increasingly comfortable to spend a full day, or even a weekend, exploring the area at a relaxed pace. Even visitors with no intention of diving, climbing, or swimming will find plenty to appreciate simply strolling along the shoreline and taking in the scale of the cliffs.

Visit Longdong Cape Trail

For a different perspective on the bay, the Longdong Cape Trail offers a scenic coastal walking path along the clifftops above the water. The trail winds along the promontory, giving hikers sweeping views over the bay, the surrounding cliffs, and the Pacific Ocean stretching out beyond.

It's a relatively easy and accessible walk compared to the technical climbing routes below, making it a great option for visitors traveling with family or anyone who wants to take in Longdong's dramatic scenery without getting in the water. Many visitors combine the cape trail with a stop at the diving platform along the way, watching climbers and divers in action from above before heading back down to the bay.

Final Thoughts

From world-class rock climbing to some of the best diving in northern Taiwan, Longdong offers an unusually dense concentration of outdoor adventure for such a compact stretch of coastline. Whether you spend your day underwater exploring reefs, scaling sandstone cliffs, or simply walking the cape trail and soaking in the views, this dragon-shaped bay rewards visitors willing to venture slightly off Taipei's beaten path.

Because so many activities are packed into one relatively small area. You could realistically snorkel in the morning, hike the cape trail after lunch, and watch the sunset from the cliffs before heading back to the city. Pack good shoes, sun protection, and a sense of adventure, and Longdong will not disappoint.
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