Taiwan, one of Asia's must-see destinations!

※Eastern Taiwan- Taroko National Park、East Rift Valley、Rueisuei & Hongye、Jhihben

Taroko National Park

Taroko National Park in Eastern Taiwan covers a wide area including parts of Hualien, Taichung and Nantou Counties . Its topography is mountainous: valleys, gorges, mountains, rapid rivers and waterfalls characterize most of the area. Its spectacular scenery has long been world-renowned, especially along the Central Cross-Island Highway between Taroko and Tiansiang.

Taroko is located where the Central Cross-Island Highway and the Suhua Highway meet. The spot is marked by a Chinese-style gate to commemorate the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway . The starting point for the highway, a famous photo spot, is a gathering place for many local aborigines who still wear traditional costume for photographers. The Highway winds its way through the mountainous forest. The Tunnel of Nine Turns (Jioucyudong) is a man-made wonder created by the builders of the highway. Here the highway penetrates the mountains through winding stone caves and tunnels. On one side of the road is a deep valley and on the other side are vertical stone cliffs. It's not hard to imagine how difficult and heroic its construction was. Cihmu Bridge is another attraction along the Highway. The bridge is faced with snow-white marble from Hualien and is located at the confluence of the Liwu and Laosi Rivers .

Taroko Gorge is formed by the Liwu River cutting through the marble mountains. Because of the continuous tectonic movement in this area, cliffs, faults and creases in the marble surface are very common. As the river flows through the gorge, it forms V-shaped valleys and precipitous cliffs, on which beautiful stone patterns can clearly be seen. In some places, the stone walls of the valley stand so close together that they only allow a thin line of sunlight through to the floor of the gorge. Waterfalls cascade off the cliffs, and trees cling to their vertical surfaces. The majestic scene is like that of a poetic Chinese brush painting. The Gorge is one of the natural wonders of Asia and should not be missed.

The Eternal Spring Shrine was built to commemorate those who died building the Central Cross-Island Highway . A plume of white water flows down from the cliff before the shrine. Behind the shrine are some stone steps, called “The Heavenly Stairs”, leading up to Guanyin Cave and Changuang Temple . Swallow's Grottos (Yanzihgu) are natural holes carved out of the marble by the erosion of the Liwu River . During late spring and early summer the holes are the nesting place of thousands of swallows.

Tiansiang marks the terminus of the Taroko section of the highway, and the township has lots of tourist facilities such as the Grand Formosa Hotel, the Tiansiang Suspension Bridge , Pudu Temple , and the nearby Baiyang Trail. Return back down through the gorge and you'll reach the Suhua Highway , which is set between the Pacific and the high mountains of Eastern Taiwan . The Cingshuei Cliffs are a particularly magnificent sight that you don't want to miss.

East Rift Valley

Liyu Lake ( Carp Lake ) of Shoufong Township in Hualien is a well-known scenic spot surrounded by mountains. Here you can rest in the stone and wood pavilions on the lakeshore, and marvel at the beautiful view of the water set amongst green mountains. Or you may want to do something more active: recreational activities include rowing on the lake, picnicking, camping, and visiting the nearby Chihnan Forest Recreation Area, where a museum displays logging machines and various historical relics of Taiwan 's logging industry.

Singuang Jhaofong Farm boasts a European-style garden, a tourist orchard, a herb farm, log cabins, and vegetable fields. The farm provides tourists with a chance to get closer to nature and to learn about the life of a farmer. You can even help to milk the cows!

The Fuyuan Forest Recreation Area has huge camphor forests, with creeks and rich wildlife. From April to July the area is alive with butterflies, which is a sight no visitor will want to miss. Fuyuan Waterfall is another attraction in this area.

Wuhe Tea Farm is located to the south of Rueisuei Township . Farmers here grow and roast many different kinds of teas such as Jinsyuan, Cueiyu, and Oolong. Near the tea farm are many hotels and B&Bs. Vacationers are welcome to stay here for a leisurely tea vacation. The East Rift Valley holds tourist attractions such as the Guanshan Water Park , Chihshang Dapo Lake , Luntian Bunun Culture Park , Luye Tableland, and Chulu Farm.

Rueisuei & Hongye

Both Rueisuei and Hongye are popular with tourists for their hot springs . Rueisuei's spring water is rich in mineral iron and is yellowish in color, while Hongye's spring water is completely transparent and odorless. Both springs are said to be beneficial to the health. There are many hot spring hotels in the neighboring area, and buildings in the old Japanese style retain a colonial atmosphere. Rueisuei Farm is blessed with clear water from the Central Mountain Range and is an ideal place for dairy farming. The farm is also open to tourists who wish to experience farm life and sample fresh dairy products.

Jhihben

Jhihben is also known for its hot springs and forests. The hot spring emerge from the riverbed in the mountainous region south of Jhihben and are of alkaline carbonate nature. The water temperature is high, at about 45 to 55 degrees Celsius. Well-planned recreational facilities are located around the hot springs , making Jhihben one of Taiwan 's most celebrated hot spring tourist spots. The Jhihben Forest Recreation Area is not far from the hot spring area: it's an ideal place for nature lovers.

South of Jhihben, the area of Taimali and Jingfong is one of Taiwan 's major day lily growing areas. Every August and September, the fields and mountains here are covered with the bright yellow lilies. The flowers are even used in the delicious local cuisine which visitors can try.