Couples traveling to Taitung may plan romantic journeys into nature, trek to Taiwan’s most beautiful alpine lake, and enjoy delicious meals along Taitung’s sparsely populated coastline. Taitung’s slower pace of life and expansive nature means there is more time to relax and enjoy being in the moment.
📍 Route 1: East Rift Valley & Southern Cross Island Highway
Cycle Chishang and the Cross Island Highway
- Chishang Station (rent the bicycle)
While Mr Brown Avenue is often advertised as the single most attractive destination in Chishang, the real treasure of the town is the network of well maintained yet quiet farm roads that traverse the East Rift Valley in every direction connecting small villages and towns with the main roadways. These roads extend as far north as Yuli and as far south as Guanshan, and offer the intrepid bicyclist even more chances to explore the agricultural beauty of the East Rift Valley. Yuli and Chishang both have bike rental shops, making it easy to rent in one city, plot a route along the valley, and then take the local train back to avoid having to retrace one steps. Catching a local train back to your place of rental is a great way to make the trip more dynamic and not have to worry about retracing your path. As an added bonus, be sure to grab a bite to eat at whatever town you stop at while waiting for the local train back.
Lisong Hot Spring
Lisong Hot Spring is often referred to as “Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Wild Hot Spring”. Located one hour’s drive up the Southern Cross-Island Highway from Chishang, it is one of the most romantic and rewarding natural attractions that Eastern Taiwan has to offer. Unlike some of the walking trails in Taroko National Park to the north, the trek to Lisong is a physically demanding out-and-back hike that can take anywhere from 2-6 hours depending on fitness level. The hike, which quickly descends deep into the Xinwulu River Valley is steep and lined with ropes. For most, the way down is the easy part. It’s climbing back up that has had even local hikers calling for assistance. However, for those that have the stamina and the time, Lisong is one of the most beautiful natural hot springs in the world.
Jiaming Lake National Trail (Overnight Trek)
Those who have taken a look at Lisong Hot Spring and think of it as a warm-up can consider one of Taiwan’s most iconic high-mountain treks: the Jiaming Lake National Trail. This hike begins at the Xiangyang National Forest Recreation Area entrance (2320 meters above sea level) and travels through the Guanshan Major Wildlife Habitat. The 26 kilometer-long trail climbs over two of Taiwan’s 3000 meter “Baiyue”, or Top 100 peaks, before ending at Taiwan’s most famous alpine lake, Jiaming Lake. The lake is often referred to as an “Angel’s Tear” for the legendary beauty of the mountain scenery surrounding it.
📍 Route 2: Taitung City
Tiehua Music Village
More than just a tourist attraction, Tiehua Music Village is an arts market and performance venue where locals and passersby come to exchange and rest. Impromptu musical performances, street performances or story telling are not uncommon. The artisan handicrafts and local agricultural products sold at the market are generally high quality and are usually sold by the artists and farmers themselves. Some market stalls sell inventive food, refreshments, and freshly brewed coffee. Wednesday through Sunday evenings, musical performances start at 8 PM.
Taitung Art Museum
Taitung Art Museum is located on the edge of Taitung City and Taitung Forest Park and within walking distance of many eateries and cafes. The museum features wooden boardwalks, several cafes, and free admittance. While the museum itself is quite small, the surrounding grassy lawns and wooden installation art make the Museum feel warm and welcoming. Across the street another park provides opportunities for a picnic.
Mt. Dulan Trail
Mt. Dulan, or “A’tolan” in the local Amis language, is considered to be a sacred mountain and the dwelling place of the Amis god. The mountain is also the most prominent peak in the lower Coastal Mountain Range and is famously the source of a rare blue form of jade. The trail entrance, located at 590 meters above sea level, already offers a nice view of the coast and Taitung to the south. Surrounded by lush vegetation and often muddy, the trail climbs steeply 600 meters before reaching the summit. Climbers should be aware that afternoons on Mt. Dulan are often foggy and should be prepared. At the summit, visitors can enjoy a unique view of the East Rift Valley to the west.
📍 Route 3: Donghe and Changbin
Surfing in Dulan
The hidden coves and friendly surf breaks of Donghe Township offer year-round surfing opportunities and are one of Taiwan’s most famous surfing destinations. Several shops and bed and breakfasts in the towns of Dulan and Donghe offer surfboard rentals, beginner surf lessons, and even convenient shuttle service. Even if you don’t end up standing up, being out on the water and looking up at the wild and towering peaks of the Coastal Mountain Range rising above the beaches is a pleasure in itself.
Nature’s Paradise
For a romantic and lazy evening, consider booking one of four unique and freestanding houses in Nature’s Paradise, a hand-built bed and breakfast tucked away in the coastal foothills of Chenggong Township. Built and run by husband and wife duo Nancy and David, Nature’s Paradise features a treehouse, a hobbit home (built into the mountain and complete with a cave-bathroom), a cathedral-styled room with a piano, and the promise of redefining what a natural retreat really is. Due to the distance to nearby towns, delicious breakfasts are provided and dinner’s can be provided if booked in advance.
Sinesera24 & Changbin
Changbin is one of the most idyllic and isolated regions in Taiwan. Here the Coastal Mountain Range retreats slightly away from the ocean leaving space for terraced rice paddies and scattered private villas. Recently, a new generation of business owners has return from the city to open bars, bookstores, and restaurants which have made Changbin all the more diverse a destination. One example woule be Sinesera 24, a French restaurant run by Michilin-trained Chef Nick which specializes in local ingredients and passionate, sincere presentation. The restaurant’s extensive wine list and heartfelt service have received accolades from the country’s most demanding clientele. For those seeking to extend their stay in Changbin, the restaurant offers limited modern accommodation on its second floor.
