With some of Northeast Asia’s tallest mountains, arresting coastal geology, dense forests that cover more than half of the island, and one of the world’s most spectacular gorges, Taiwan has more than its share of enthralling landscapes. The east is especially stunning. In the thinly populated counties of Hualien and Taitung, nature remains a powerful presence. What’s more, Taiwan’s cultural diversity is on full display, and the region is also home to rich indigenous cultural heritage.
It’s no surprise that artists, creatives, and dreamers are drawn to this beguiling realm, or that since 2015 it has hosted one of Taiwan’s most intriguing annual arts events. Centered on the core values of sustainability, environmental protection, and local engagement, the Taiwan East Coast Land Arts Festival (TECLandArt) returns in 2026 under the theme “We Are the Ocean.”
Through artist-in-residence programs, grassroots cultural initiatives, and the Moonlight Sea Concert series, the 2026 festival will again explore the many ways in which the east’s communities have developed their distinctive understanding of the nature that surrounds them. The festival’s bilingual website includes promotional videos, profiles of participating artists, concert details, and a map showing where featured works of art can be found.
This year’s Taiwan East Coast Land Arts Festival kicks off on June 21, concluding on the evening of September 29 with a final concert at Torik Visitor Center in Taitung County’s Chenggong Township. As with almost every part of the festival, admission to the concert is free.
The driving force behind the festival is the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration (ECNSA). Part of the central government’s Tourism Administration, the ECNSA oversees the glorious stretch of seaboard between Hualien City and Taitung City. It’s possible to drive from one of these population centers to the other in less than four hours, but it would be a great shame to rush through one of Taiwan’s most appealing regions.
One must-visit spot is Dashibi Hill, where a short trail leads to a headland offering spectacular views of the Pacific and Hualien’s rugged coastline. Moving southward, a lengthy pause at Shitiping is highly recommended. The topography here is dominated by the remnants of ancient volcanic activity; the rock platforms and coral reefs just offshore nurture a wide range of crustacean and fish species.
Perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in this part of Taiwan is Sanxiantai. Reflecting the significance of Taoism in Taiwanese culture, this toponym translates as “Terraces of the Three Immortals,” but the erosion that eventually turned what was once a small peninsula into an islet began long before humans appeared here. The iconic pedestrian bridge connecting the island to the shore has eight arches, designed to resemble a dragon bounding across the water.
Self-driving tourists should set aside a bit of time for Torik Visitor Center, a few kilometers south of Sanxiantai, which displays artworks from previous East Coast Land Arts Festivals. Just next door, the Amis Folk Center hosts music and dance performances that showcase the rich culture of the 224,000-strong Amis Indigenous people.
It goes without saying that, if you can, you should spend a night or two somewhere on the coast. There are several places where this makes sense, such as Dulan. Formerly a cog in Taiwan’s once-mighty sugar industry, Dulan — which the Amis call Atolan — has become known as a place where free spirits gather and surfers congregate. The sugar factory that closed down in 1991 now hosts artists’ studios, handicraft shops, and other creative enterprises.
For those willing to camp, there are additional overnight options, including Gao Shan Forest Tribal Ranch in Hualien County’s Fengbin Township. The ranch has been praised as a model of sustainable tourism, and its success in leading the local community to reclaim its cultural landscape was honored as one of the Top 100 Stories of 2025 by Green Destinations, a Netherlands-based tourism management organization.
As implied by the story’s title, “From the Forest to the Shore: A Bunun Story of Home and Reconnection,” the ranch aspires to drive not only local economic revitalization but also cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
This outpost of the Bunun Indigenous people is unique in being close to the ocean. The Bunun are usually associated with highland areas in Taiwan’s interior, but around a century ago members of the tribe migrated eastward to this spot.
Since 2017, working alongside neighbors from other Indigenous groups, as well as Taiwanese of Han descent, the ranch’s leaders have been offering a range of educational and immersive tourism experiences. These feature curated activities such as ecological monitoring, tribal rituals, tree climbing, and blindfolded walks during which visitors are guided through the forest, relying on touch, hearing, and smell. Every offering intentionally respects and leverages the location’s pristine wilderness.
Collaborating with local chefs and food artisans, Gao Shan Forest Tribal Ranch serves meals that feature traditional Indigenous ingredients. Travelers hoping to join the ranch’s activities should get in touch well in advance, so the necessary arrangements can be made.
Taiwan’s East Coast is separated from the equally splendid East Longitudinal Valley by a narrow but steep mountain barrier. The roads through this mountain range are well maintained, and motorists can cross from one side to the other in less than two hours, making attractions like Luye Plateau accessible even if you’re staying by the sea.
The plateau is one of Taiwan’s top paragliding spots, with conditions near ideal between May and October. Each summer, it’s also the main venue for the Taiwan International Balloon Festival, which this year runs from July 4 to August 20. Further details about the ballooning spectacle, along with a full calendar of year-round happenings, can be found on the websites of the Tourism Administration and the East Coast National Scenic Area.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Travelers planning a trip to East Taiwan can gather additional information from the following websites:
Taiwan East Coast Land Arts Festival (bilingual)
East Coast National Scenic Area (multilingual)
Gao Shan Forest Tribal Ranch (bilingual)
Taitung Travel (Taitung County Government) (multilingual)
Tourism Administration (Ministry of Transportation and Communications) (multilingual)
Back issues of Travel in Taiwan, a bimonthly English-language magazine sponsored by the Tourism Administration and filled with detailed articles, can be read online at travelintaiwan.net. The 24-hour tourist information hotline at 0800-011-765, which is toll-free within Taiwan, can answer all kinds of questions in English, Japanese, and Chinese.
The central government’s Tourism Administration and International Trade Administration are collaborating to encourage international travelers attending MICE events in Taiwan to explore the country through the Travel Incentive Program. In 2026, the program provides travel incentives of up to NT$2,000 per person per visit, with a maximum of NT$600,000 per proposal. The program aims to promote the development of both the MICE and tourism sectors, thereby supporting economic growth.
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