Eastern Taiwan
What It Encompasses
Eastern Taiwan includes Hualien County and Taitung County, separated from the western side of Taiwan by the Central Mountain Range. This region comprises nearly half of Taiwan’s land area but contains less than 10 per cent of its population.
Distinctive Characteristics
Eastern Taiwan feels like a different island entirely. The dramatic mountains rise almost directly from the Pacific coast, leaving only narrow coastal plains. Development is constrained by geography, with just a few sizeable towns connected by a winding coastal road and rail line. The result is Taiwan’s most unspoiled and naturally spectacular region.
This is Taiwan’s indigenous heartland. While indigenous peoples represent only about 2 per cent of Taiwan’s total population, they comprise a much larger proportion in the east. Amis, Bunun, Paiwan, Puyuma, Rukai, and other indigenous groups maintain stronger cultural continuity here than anywhere else on the island. Many villages still practice traditional festivals, languages, and customs.
The east’s relative isolation has preserved both natural and cultural elements that vanished elsewhere. Rice paddies run right to the edges of mountains, small fishing villages line the coast, and the pace of life remains unhurried. However, this same isolation means fewer amenities, less English signage, and more challenging logistics for independent travellers.
Key Highlights
Taroko Gorge stands as eastern Taiwan’s marquee attraction: a marble canyon with sheer walls rising hundreds of metres, carved by the Liwu River over millions of years. The gorge offers hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs, all amid genuinely spectacular scenery.
Beyond Taroko, the east offers the East Rift Valley, a fertile agricultural region running between two mountain ranges; the coastal road from Hualien to Taitung, with dramatic sea cliffs and hidden beaches; and numerous hot springs, both developed and wild. Taitung offers a more relaxed pace, aboriginal cultural experiences, and access to Green Island and Orchid Island (in this post we classify them into the offshore islands region).
The east is Taiwan’s premier destination for outdoor activities: hiking, river tracing, diving, surfing, paragliding, and simply appreciating dramatic natural landscapes less modified by human activity.
Key Considerations
Eastern Taiwan rewards travellers who prioritise natural beauty and outdoor experiences over urban amenities. It’s ideal for those comfortable with less developed infrastructure, fewer English speakers, and more limited food options (particularly for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions).
The east suits travellers who want to slow down, spend time in nature, and gain insight into Taiwan’s indigenous cultures. It’s also excellent for those seeking to escape the tourist crowds that concentrate in the west, though Taroko Gorge itself can be very busy.
However, the east requires more planning. Public transportation is limited compared to western Taiwan, so having a car or scooter provides much more flexibility. Accommodation and dining options are more spread out and can be limited in smaller towns.
Climate Considerations
Eastern Taiwan’s climate is heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean and the mountains. Summers are hot and humid, though coastal areas benefit from sea breezes. Winters are mild but can be surprisingly wet and grey, particularly around Hualien.
The region faces directly into Pacific weather systems, making it particularly vulnerable to typhoons from July through October. When typhoons approach, they almost always affect the east first and most severely. The northeast monsoon also brings persistent rain and wind from October through March, particularly affecting northern areas like Hualien.
The most reliable weather comes in spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November), though even these seasons aren’t guaranteed. For beach and outdoor activities, summer offers the warmest water and most stable weather between typhoons, whilst winter is better for hiking in the mountains when higher elevations become more comfortable.