Taitung on Taiwan’s East Coast is the gateway to many natural attractions – from tropical islands to beautiful beaches, Taitung is full of natural wonders and scenic activities.
An easy train journey from Hualien or Taipei, Taitung is a great place to base yourself for a few epic east coast days.
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Even if you don’t have access to a car or don’t want to do group tours, there is an inexpensive East Coast shuttle bus to explore the coast plus Taitung city has its own attractions.
Known for its rugged beauty, tribal villages and traditional crafts scene, there are lots of things to do in Taitung and in the surrounding townships.
From fishing ports to folk centers, temples to dragon bridges, here is our guide to Taitung in Taiwan with photos.
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How to get to Taitung
The best way to reach Taitung from Taipei is to take the train which takes around 4-5 hours.
From Taipei you can take a TRA express train to Taitung station (Taroko Express, Tze-Chiang Limited Express 3000 or Puyuma Limited Express trains). High speed rail trains do not do this route.
You can also take a direct train from many other cities in Taiwan including Hualien or Kaohsiung.
You can check the up to date pricing and timetable on the Taiwan Railway website.
You can also fly from Taipei’s Songshan Airport to Taitung Airport in just over 1 hour on either Uni Airways or Mandarin Airlines, for approximately £100 one way ($130 USD / 4,300 TWD).
Taiwanderers Tip
Grab a Taiwan EasyCard as a convenient way to use buses and public transport in Taipei and across Taiwan. They can be easily topped up at stations and convenience stores.
Read more about how to use a Taiwan EasyCard, including how to top up >
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Taitung hotels and recommended accommodation
Mid-Range ($$)
Fish Hotel
Comfortable and affordable hotel located within walking distance of shops and restaurants. The hotel has a coin operated laundry machine. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
Luxury ($$$)
Formosan Naruwan Hotel
Huge resort with outdoor swimming pool and spa centre located a 7 minute drive from Taitung Railway Station. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
Taitung, Taiwan – things to do
1. Mt. Liyu Temple Trail & Martyr’s Shrine
We start our Taitung list with a few of the downtown Taitung city attractions which don’t require tours or cars to access them.
For us, our favourite thing to do in Taitung is the Mt Liyu trails which offer incredible views of the city plus Green Island on a clear day – you can also see Taitung Stadium from the top which due to its unusual shape, locals refer to jokingly as the ‘UFO’.
Mt Liyu is a public park in Taitung City with several uphill trails and viewing platforms and goes via the Taitung Martyr’s Shrine and the famous pagoda with a dragon and phoenix. The trails are a little steep but generally OK for all abilities.
Try this – Taitung tours with Klook and Viator
2. Taitung Railway Art Village
Taiwan isn’t short on railway villages and old train stations that have been converted into cultural hubs – we’ve seen similar old stations in Hualien, Kaohsiung and Taichung.
Taitung’s Railway Village sprung up after the old railway line and station here was decommissioned in 2001.
The former warehouses and sidings have been transformed into a museum, gift shops plus a very useful Tourist Information and Visitor Center (where you can book the Taiwan Tourism East Coast Line shuttle).
Outside along the old railway line, you can admire various outdoor installations and artworks or just sit on the old platform. Taitung Railway Art Village is free to visit and located right next to one of the main bus stations in Taitung.
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3. Taitung Temples & Shrines
There are several Taitung temples and shrines you can walk to downtown including the Taitung Martyr’s Shrine Taitung Longfeng Temple – nearby you will see an incredible dragon and phoenix pagoda that is several stories high.
We found the Taitung temples so quiet with very few tourists plus some interesting sites – in the trees outside Taitung Martyr’s Shrine, there was a group of locals singing karaoke which was entertaining.
A little further away is Taitung Tianhou Temple (around 1km from the bus station), Taitung’s largest temple dedicated to Mazu, the deity of the sea – the shrine is adorned with lanterns.
You might like – Our 1 day ‘best of Taipei’ itinerary or our Taipei highlights 3 day itinerary
4. Taitung Night Markets
There are two main night markets in Taitung, Taidong Guanguang Night Market which is open Wednesday to Saturday and Siwei Night Market, open on Sundays only.
Given our Taitung schedule, we weren’t in the city on a Sunday so the only Taitung Night Market we experienced ourselves was Taidong Guanguang Night Market.
With around 150 stalls stretching across one main road, it was one of the quieter night markets we’ve encountered in Taiwan (possibly because not so many tourists stay in Taitung).
Open from 5pm to midnight Weds through Saturday, Taidong Guanguang Night Market is an alfresco affair with stalls selling local dishes like duck rolls, chicken skewers, grilled squid plus Korean and Japanese dishes (the okonomiyaki stall was one of the most popular).
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5. Tiehua Music Village – catch it whilst you can
Once one of Taitung’s most famous attractions, Tiehua Music Village is set to close at the end of 2024 so visit it whilst you can.
A former railway repair yard, it has become popular for its art installation and live music performances from local Taitung musicians – there used to be regular music and Taitung culture shows here but they appear to have stopped now.
The area is lit with illustrated lanterns at night and on the Friday night we visited, there was a midnight bazaar at Tiehua music village with about 20 stalls selling arts and crafts, snacks, food plus a stage with live entertainment.
This village also has several good bars and restaurants to choose from in the evening including Mitay, which we’ll mention later.
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6. Taitung Seaside Park / Haibing Park
Time for sea-breeze – we stayed in one of Taitung’s downtown hotels near the Railway Village and wanted to check out the coast and Taitung beaches, some of which are within walking distance of downtown.
Taitung’s city beaches are generally more pebble / rock beaches but we did enjoy the walk to Taitung Seaside Park and Haibing Park. It reminded us of Cijin Island near Kaohsiung with palm trees, coastal paths plus some random art installations and sculptures.
Haibin Park is also home to a kind of cool and unusual beach pavilion sculpture overlooking the ocean plus locals flock here at night to see the moon reflect off the ocean
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7. Taiwan Tourism East Coast Line bus
Compared to other Taiwan cities, we found there to be not so much to do in downtown Taitung itself – ideally you need access to a hire car or do some form of group tour from Taitung to see the Taiwan East Coast highlights.
Whilst at Taitung Railway Art Village, we discovered that you could buy Taiwan Tourism East Coast Line tickets that take you to lots of sites way out of the city for only NT$399 per ticket (that is less than £10 or $12 USD).
We did the East Coast Line 8101A bus but there are other half-day shuttles that cost just NT$250.
These are effectively inexpensive full day tours from Taitung (likely subsidised by Taiwan Tourism) that allow you to see famous Taitung attractions out of the city like Chenggong Fishing Village and Sanxiantai Arch Bridge.
Taitung east coast shuttle tickets can be booked at the Taitung Tourist Information offices.
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8. Temperature Brewery Taitung
‘Ganbei’ to Taitung’s best (only?) craft beer bar, Temperature Brewery. We spotted this taproom after exploring Mt Liyu mainly because there was a skeleton popped up in the serving hatch – now that is a way to get your attention!
We popped into Taitung Temperature Brewery so we could try some Taiwan Honey Lager plus a hazy IPA. Staff were friendly and we got some free nuts with our drinks – we didn’t eat here but the food smelled amazing and it was a busy spot.
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9. Sanxiantai Arch Bridge
Stairway to heaven! Another Taitung thing to do that needs to be accessed by bus, car or tour, Sanxiantai Arch Bridge is an epic crossing that leads to Three Saints Island.
The eight arched Sanxiantai Bridge is said to represent a giant dragon stretching across the sea. The local shores feature three huge rocks which are said to represent several Chinese deities: He-Xiangu, Lyu-Dongbi and Li-Tieguai.
Legend states that they visited the area spawning the name – Three Saints Island.
We visited on a very windy and blustery day so if you do plan to visit Sanxiantai Arch Bridge, make sure you take extra clothes just in case.
Try this – Paiwan culture DIY experience in Taitung by ATA Studio >
10. Fugang Geopark
Like a little Yehliu Geopark or Heping Island, Fugang Geopark is a coastal park that comprises incredible geo-formations, shaped sandstone rocks and sublime coastal views.
Made over hundreds of years by tectonic plate movements and coastal erosion, Fugang Geopark is perhaps best known for its distinct, animal shaped rocks such as the ‘Big Eyed Frog Rock, Sea Turtle, Python, Dinosaur.
Other rocks include the famous ‘Tofu Rock’ and a telephone shaped formation.
There is also a small cafe and gift shop area at Fugang Geopark plus boardwalks to get down to the beach.
You might like – Our guide to Anping District, near Taipei (coming soon)
11. Taitung Dulan Sugar Factory Café and Art Gallery
Built in 1913, this former refinery closed down in the 1990s and former workers banded together to create a cute artist village with gift shops, accommodation plus a live music stage.
Here you can find lots of traditional aboriginal crafts and original art pieces including canvases and glass-blowing. There are several cafes and sweet shops and it is a popular drop off point for Taitung coach tours and day trips.
On the weekends and on public holidays, there are often festivals and live music plus demonstrations of craft-making and woodworking.
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12. Amis Folk Center
Around 40km away from Taitung city centre in Duli, we visited the Taitung Amis Folk Center as part of the East Coast Line bus shuttle.
It is a traditional Taiwanese indigenous village where you can watch daily cultural performances (11am and 2pm daily except Wednesdays), take part in activities like archery or wander round traditional buildings and a small museum.
We found the whole thing a bit of a tourist trap as coach loads turned up to watch the dance show – however, the scenery here is stunning looking out to the east coast. We just retired to the cafe at Amis Folk Center to eat ice-cream and play with all the cute cats!
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First time in Taipei? Check out these helpful guides:
- Taoyuan Airport MRT Train to Taipei city guide >
- How to use / buy a Taiwan EasyCard >
- Taipei 1 day itinerary >
- Taipei 3 day itinerary >
- Best Taipei neighborhoods to stay in >
- Best Taipei shopping malls >
- Unique and unusual Taipei activities >
- Things to do in Taipei with kids >
- 25+ Taipei at night activities >
- Din Tai Fung dumpling restaurant guide >
- Taipei’s highest cafe, Simple Kaffa Sola 101 >
13. Chenggong Fishing Pier/ Xingang Fishing Pier
A cute fishing village and coastal port located north of Taitung near Donghe Township, we arrived at Chenggong Fishing Pier (also known as Xingang Fishing Pier) just in time to see one of the fish auctions.
The bidding was frantic and it was fun to watch all the action – just don’t raise your hand at the wrong-time or you’ll be eating fresh fish for the rest of your trip!
The fish market has an outer section which is themed like a giant trawler / ship. Chenggong is the largest town located between Hualien and Taitung and has a small high street with several convenience stores, cafes and restaurants
Given its location, Chenggong’s views of the surrounding hills and waterside are nice plus there are several great seafood spots including 旗遇海味, overlooking the harbor and famous for its fresh marlin sashimi.
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14. Taitung Forest Park
Famous for its ‘whistling pines’, Taitung Forest Park is a short cycle or taxi ride away from Taitung city – it boasts 280 hectares of parkland where you can swim, birdwatch, bicycle and enjoy natural scenery.
It is the largest park in Taitung and popular at the weekends with local families – please note Taitung Forest Park charges NT$30 admission (correct as of summer 2024).
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15. Old Donghe Bridge
Another stop on the Taitung East Coast Line shuttle, the Old Donghe Bridge spans the Mawuku River and the area is home to macaque monkeys – like LOTS of monkeys who come bounding across the bridge.
The Old Donghe Bridge dates back to the 1930s and is a suspension bridge that is surrounded by forests and was once the only way to get across the bridge – a newer road bridge has since opened to it which all the traffic goes across.
Try this – 3D2N or 4D3N Jiaming Lake (Angel’s Tears) hiking tour in Taitung >
16. Boting Art Center Taitung
A free to visit Taitung attraction, Boting Art Center is located in former dormitories and houses that were built for the Japanese during colonial times.
Over 20 years ago, the area was renovated using Japanese craftspeople to restore the buildings to their former glory.
Boting Art Center now has various cultural activities and craft workshops (although when we visited on a weekday afternoon, there seemed to be very little going on).
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17. Green Island
Just over 30km east of Taitung, Green Island is one of East coast Taiwan’s best known natural features and landmarks, accessible by ferry or organised tour.
Popular for its coastal walks, diving, snorkelling and swimming, Green Island also has a strip of bars and cafes (and a 7-Eleven) and is best explored by hiring a scooter.
There is a 20km outer loop road which takes in all the main sites like Zhaori Hot Spring and LIttle Great Wall, offering incredible views of the island.
18. Orchid Island / Lanyu
Another small Taiwan island off the east coast, Orchid Island (also known as Lanyu) is a tropical Taiwan paradise known for its sea turtles, flying fish, volcanic landscapes plus home to indigenous communities.
Explore by scooter and head up to Orchid Island Weather Station for 360 degree views of the island or visit Iranmeylek Bay, renowned for its sunkissed sunrise shores or turquoise blue seas.
There are several traditional villages to explore like Yeyin Village and Yuren Village (home of the iconic ‘welcoming gate’). In fact, there are lots of Orchid Island activities to enjoy >
Get your Orchid Island Ferry tickets with Klook here departing from Taitung or Kenting >
19. Water Running Upward
Taitung’s famous optical illusion, Water Running Upward in Taitung is a drainage channel that appears as if the water is going uphill, surrounded by a lush green park. Magic or mundane? You decide whether this water oughta impress.
As with most attractions, there are gift shops and food kiosks onsite if this amazing ‘miracle’ left you feeling hungry.
20. Taitung White House
Possibly the most unusual thing to do in Taitung, the White House is a bit of an oddity.
Built by former soldier Li Wenchang, in his very own unique architectural style, Li constructed the four storey house over many years using salvage and bits of materials he found. He began the project in the late 60s and he lived there until his death a few years ago.
Now, it can still be seen from the outside and is an unlikely Instagram hot-spot – although nothing special in itself, this can be easily covered off if you are walking to the sea and towards Taitung Seaside Park / Haibing Park nearby.
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Check out all our themed 7-Eleven stores in Taiwan guides:
• Coca-Cola
• Hello Kitty
• Mofusand
• Snoopy / Peanuts
• Pokémon
• Ultraman
• STARLUX
• Sumikko Gurashi
Plus check out our guide to why 7-Elevens in Taiwan are the best in the world!
A couple of food recommendations in Taitung
There are lots of top Taitung City food places to enjoy like Chang’s Oyster Noodles and Mr Pig (pork blood soup) which are featured in various guides and literature. A few of our favourites spots in Taitung included:
21. Mitay
A quick mention of Mitay, a nice downtown venue located just across from Blue Bar at the former Tiehua music village (on Lane 135 Xincheng Road on Google Maps).
A cute and cosy restaurant, Mitay delivers good food at reasonable prices – we went for set menus where you can pick a main dish accompanied with several sides.
We had mackerel, plus the duck, both accompanied with the most amazing pumpkin and ginger soup for $NT320 each. Recommended.
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22. Taitung Breakfast Places
The two best Taiwanese Taitung breakfast places we found were Chu Breakfast (map) and Good Morning Place (map).
We particularly liked Good Morning Place (a small chain) as it was run by the most adorable Taiwanese couple who despite our joint language barriers, made us feel so welcome – they even gave us miniature deck chairs for our phones!
We had traditional fried breakfast rolls with ham, egg and cheese and a few other dishes like radish cake – they even gave us a freebie dish to try. The food was hearty and inexpensive.
Chu Breakfast in Taitung was one of the most popular restaurants we encountered in Taitung – it has around 12 tables and serves Taiwanese breakfast and noodle dishes all day long.
Place your order on a piece of paper, take it to the cashier outside and then your order arrives in a few minutes. Another brilliant place for Taiwanese breakfast rolls.
Try this – Duoliang Station & Huayuan Bay half day guided tour >
23. Other things to do in Taitung
- Starbucks Taitung – yes, we know it is sacrilege but if you are into Starbucks coffee and Taiwan Starbucks mugs, the branch next to Taitung Railway Art Village and Tiehua music village has Tainan Starbucks mugs.
- Taitung East Rift Valley tour (in Mandarin) >
- Taitung Chishang SUP canoe dragon boat raft >
- Taimali, Sabuyou Tribal coffee day tour in Taitung >
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