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The beauty of Taiwan is unforgettable, and every trip brings a new experience. There are many ways to travel in Taiwan, such as by railway. If you want to taste the beauty of Taiwan, why not arrange a railway trip for yourself? Among them, the Hualien-Taitung route is most popular with travellers. Along the way to Hualien and Taitung, the scenery is beautiful with views of the sea, mountains, fields, towns, and villages, all worth exploring with care. Come and experience it together!
Jianqingxiu Temple in Ji’an
Built during the Japanese colonial period, this third-class historical site is the most complete preserved Japanese-style temple in Taiwan today. The environment inside the temple is quiet and solemn, with 88 stone Buddha statues, which are said to have been invited from 88 temples throughout Japan’s Shikoku Island to provide spiritual comfort for the local Japanese immigrants. After years of changes, the traditional Japanese-style architecture, the garden with flowers and trees, and the dry landscape garden seem to have travelled back to the Edo period.
Hualien Tourism Sugar Factory
Located in the tourist-rich Hualien, this was once an important sugar factory in the east. After it ceased operation in 2002, it was transformed into a tourist sugar factory. In recent years, it has actively developed the park’s tourism features, combining guided tours, Japanese-style wooden houses, local cuisine, sugar factory ice cream, Taiwan Sugar Farm special products, and local specialty products to provide visitors with a rich experience of accommodation, food, travel, and entertainment.
Lotus City Lotus Garden
This is known as the “secret lotus viewing spot” in Hualien. The park has more than 70 kinds of lotus flowers, which bloom at different times throughout the year. The owner of the park is a lotus enthusiast who provides free visits. It is located among the rice fields and has a tranquil environment, like being in a beautiful fairyland. Strolling along the field path, viewing the lotus pond, feeding the fish, taking pictures, and even drinking free lotus tea, the refreshing aroma is like walking into a Chinese ink painting, finding a sense of peace.
Egret Coffee
This place is usually the Snow Cloud Castle Homestay, but it only opens to outsiders on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. With its dreamy European fairy tale scenes, it quickly became a popular photo spot. The stone house, European-style garden, elf house, and the exterior of the castle homestay which is not open for viewing have all become the most beautiful backgrounds, as if you have been transported to Europe. Take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee roasted by the owner as you spend half a day there leisurely!
Bolan Avenue
When you come to Taitung, you must visit Bolan Avenue. It is about 2.2 kilometers long, with no electric poles on either side of the rural fields. During the rice harvest season, the golden rice sways in the wind, creating a beautiful sight. The winding S path in the middle extends to the sky, hence the name “Heavenly Road.” In addition to the Golden Bell Tree, Jolin Tsai Tree, and the beautiful photo frames, do not forget to take a photo on the Heavenly Swing as you are accompanied by endless beautiful scenery, as if you are in heaven.
Native Plant Garden
The garden focuses on the development of biotechnology for cultivating medicinal plant germplasm, integrating leisure and dining, and creating a medicinal herb industry, while combining Taitung’s pure natural landscapes. The restaurant overlooks the lush pasture and vast mountain valley, and at night you can even see the night view of Taitung. The famous healthy hot pot has a refreshing taste. In addition, you may also feed and have up-close encounters with flocks of sheep and ostriches.
Chulu Ranch
Taitung’s oldest large-scale tourist ranch is located on a high plateau between 200 and 390 meters above sea level. The park covers an area of about 72 hectares, with over 200 dairy cows, and areas for grazing, rolling around, feeding, forest bathing, and product sales. The related products of Chulu such as fresh milk, mantou, and biscuits are worth a try.
Luye Plateau
The plateau stands out on the Hualien-Taitung Valley plain with excellent views. Climbing up to the highest point of the grass slope, the Gao Niao Ting, you can see the neat farmland scenery above the Longtian River in the Hualien-Taitung Valley. Every year from June to August, hot air balloons take off from Luye Plateau, attracting travellers from all over the world to experience hot air balloon rides and admire the beauty of Taitung. The light and music show at night, with hot air balloons and theme music, is stunningly beautiful.
Tiehua Music Village
Taitung is the place with the most abundant indigenous music talent and creative energy. The Tiehua Music Village, which was transformed from the Taiwan Railway warehouse dormitory, provides a space for local indigenous creators to showcase their work. In the evening, listen to their roaring or soft singing about the understanding of life and life itself, and enjoy a Taitung special drink at the Tiehua Bar. In addition, there will be a slow market on weekends, selling unique handmade items and local specialty products.
