Green Island, which was once known as "Fire-Burned Island," is located at the east of Taitung’s coastline. It is composed of volcanic conglomerate, which weathering and wave erosion over the eons have formed into a curving and changeful coastline.

Green Island possesses a multitude of attractions that make it an oceanic paradise isolated from the mundane world: lofty rocks in fascinating shapes, seaside cliffs, a clean white beach, and verdant grasslands, rare seawater hot springs, splendorous coral reefs, beautiful undersea scenery, and a wide variety of plant and animal ecosystem. A round-the-island highway about 18 kilometers long gives visitors access to all of the island's main attractions. All you have to do is rent a motor scooter or car--or even walk, if you have all day.

You can also take one of the extremely popular snorkeling tours that are offered by numerous operators on the island and experience the beauties of the underwater world up close. Or you can soak away your pains and tribulations in the Zhaori Hot Springs.

Warm, clear, shallow seas provide an ideal environment for the growth of coral. Green Island is surrounded by this kind of excellent ocean environment, and thus has produced a beautiful world of coral. There are a large number of coral species here, and their ratio of cover is high; everywhere, you can see cityscapes of coral flourishing under the ocean waves. There are also a large number of shellfish and crustacean species, and the huge quantities of miniature shellfish along the shoreline is one of the unique features of the island. More than four species of sea snakes thrive in the waters off the western side of the island; they have a gentle nature but are also poisonous, so wise divers should keep a safe distance from them.

If you want to observe the fascinating underwater world of Green Island, you have a variety of choices. You don't even have to get wet; you can take a glass-bottom boat, a semi-submersible, or a fully submersible tourist submarine. If you have been properly trained, you can do scuba tanks and become a part of the underwater world yourself. There are skin-diving trails and base facilities at Chaikou, Dabaisha, and Nanliao. Skin-diving shops on the island can rent you the gear you need and arrange skin-diving activities for you.
 

The Zhaori (Jhaorih) Hot Spring is situated on the southeastern coral shore of Green Island and is one of only three salt-water hot springs in the world. The mineral in the hot spring includes sulfur, but there is not much of the characteristic sulfur smell here. When you finish bathing in this water, you may feel a bit sticky. The East Coast National Scenic Area has developed three round pools of different temperatures here for visitors to bathe in; they can enjoy island views of azure seas and blue skies as they soak, and at the night time they can savor the sight of the starry heavens. If they want to welcome the sun as it rises over the sea, they can come and get into the pools before dawn.