Taitung Taiwan Complete Travel Guide and itinerary: Eastern Paradise

Taitung County in eastern Taiwan offers stunning natural beauty from mountains to dramatic coastlines. This comprehensive 4-day itinerary showcases the region's best attractions. Getting Around Rent a scooter or car for maximum flexibility. Highway 9 runs through the scenic Rift Valley, while Highway 11 follows the spectacular coast. Tourist shuttle buses connect major attractions. Day 1: Taitung City Begin at Tiehua Music Village for evening concerts and local arts. Visit Taidong Night Market (Wed-Sat, 5pm-midnight) featuring 150 food stalls with regional specialties. Explore Taitung Forest Park for peaceful nature walks and the National Museum of Prehistory showcasing indigenous cultural heritage. Day 2: Coastal Highway 11 Drive north along stunning coastal Highway 11. Stop at Xiaoyeliu for unique rock formations created by ocean erosion. Visit Sanxiantai, the iconic offshore island connected by an eight-arch bridge where Taiwan's first sunrise appears daily. Explore Dulan village, known for its artistic community and surf culture. Day 3: Rift Valley Take Highway 9 through the scenic valley. Chulu Ranch near Luye offers dairy farming experiences and pastoral scenery. Luye Highland provides paragliding and hot air balloon festivals with spectacular valley views. Stop in Chishang for cycling tours through golden rice paddies along the famous Mr. Brown Avenue. Day 4: Natural Wonders Lisong Hot Spring requires a challenging 3-hour hike but rewards visitors with colorful mineral deposits and pristine natural pools. For serious trekkers, Jiaming Lake offers multi-day alpine hiking experiences requiring permits. Island Hopping Ferries from Taitung harbor connect to Green Island and Orchid Island for snorkeling, diving, and indigenous culture experiences. Local Cuisine Sample indigenous mountain vegetables, fresh Pacific seafood, and locally grown rice. Night markets offer the best variety, while coastal restaurants specialize in ocean-to-table dining. Best Time to Visit Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) provide ideal weather. Summer brings festivals and water activities, while winter offers comfortable hiking conditions. Practical Tips - Rent transportation in advance during peak seasons - Bring sun protection for coastal activities - Book accommodations early in Taitung City - Respect indigenous cultural sites - Learn basic Mandarin phrases for local interactions Taitung combines natural wonders with rich cultural heritage, offering an authentic Taiwan experience away from urban centers. This eastern paradise showcases diverse landscapes from pristine beaches to alpine lakes, making it perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. #slowtravel