Tourism Administration, Republic of China (Taiwan)-Taiwan Tourism Administration's Taiwan Tourism Information Website

Small Mountain Town – Ji'an Township, Hualien County

"Round-the-Town Cycling Route" trail in Ji'an is Taiwan's one and only cycling network that incorporates sceneries of the mountains and the sea. Moreover, Ji'an's charming farming villages, rich cultures and history of its immigrants, and other unique landscape are also all the elements that make the town fascinating. Ji'an Township possesses great natural resources that are perfect for the building of a comprehensive town-wide leisure and recreation tourism system. As our effort to set up a round-the-town route with leisure landscape and create a superior living environment for Ji'an, the township government has, supported by central government’s subsidies, completed the following cycling routes: "Mountain Route", "Water Route", "Field Route", and "Chuying Route". In addition, an overall network for Hualien County has also gradually been established. Visitors to Ji'an have already all been mesmerized by its tranquil and natural surroundings.

Taroko National Park - Taroko Visitor Center

Taroko became a national park in 1986, including Hualien City, Nantou County and Taichung City. Taroko is famous for its spectacular mountains and marble canyons. Cliffs and canyons stretch along Liwu River. Four million years ago, the island of Taiwan was formed by the collision of plates. After millions of years of wind erosion, the marble rocks were exposed and cut by Liwu River, creating impressive grand canyons. From Qingshui to Nanhu Peak, the drop height is 3,742 meters. Such special geography has also bred special flora and fauna in this area.

Shakadang Trail

The entrance to this trail is conveniently located only a minute or so from the entrance of Taroko Gorge, behind the Shakadang Toll Station. To reach the trailhead, follow the path behind the toll station that leads down toward Liwu River. After crossing the stream, follow the bank until the river forks at the Shakedang tributary. The trailhead can be found nearby on the right bank of the tributary.

Zhuilu Old Road

Zhuilu Old Road is a segment of the Cross-Hehuan Mountain Old Road left behind from the period of Japanese rule. Along the Road, there still stand today sites of tribal remains and monuments, which are of significant historical and cultural values; the Old Road has therefore been designated as a "Heritage Conservation Area". In 2008, Zhuilu Old Road once again opened to the public after renovations and maintenance were done by the Taroko National Park Headquarters. Anyone interested in visiting the Old Road would have to apply entrance permit with the Headquarters in advance. Zhuilu Old Road would allow its visitors to experience abundant primitive natural sceneries, and learn about the rare and precious native plants. Looking over Yayung Paru gorge from the Old Road’s trail, visitors would enjoy the most spacious view as they walk over the trail and above the clouds. Parts of the trails along Zhuilu Old Road are crossing over the great Zhuilu Cliff with extremely narrow pathways, forming an approximately 500m differential distance in height relative to Yayung Paru Valley; it is therefore considered a highly challenging Hiking Trail.

Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area

Taiwan's mountains are attracting the attention of hikers from all over the world for their height, which rivals the Alps and the Rocky Mountains, and their beautiful alpine scenery. While some of the highest peaks require considerable time and effort to reach, there is one place on the island that gives an instant overview of what Taiwan's mountains have to offer. Mt. Hehuan, despite its altitude of more than 3,000 meters, has a road that goes right across it, making access very convenient. It is the best place to see snow in the tropics, and escape from the summer heat. In as little as one day, you can travel the highest road in East Asia, and take the many hiking paths that lead off the main road. These are usually short and always safe. Mt. Hehuan, Taiwan's "tourist mountain," rivals the island's other high peaks in scenery and atmosphere, yet it is easily reachable by car or on foot. Accommodation is offered at Hehuan Cottage. At the same time, it is the starting point for one of Taiwan's most challenging and exciting treks, Qilai Ridge, a two-day "ultimate experience" that involves negotiating a knife-edge ridge with many dizzying pinnacles. Although the road scares away many of the birds and animals for which Taiwan is known, a short walk along the trails leading off the main road, particularly those in the direction of Qilai, will reveal their presence.

Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is a famous natural lake in Taiwan at an altitude of 760m. It is surrounded by layers of green mountains and magnificent views – everywhere you look is a painting of the most splendid mountainous and lakeview sceneries. Various kinds of fish can be found in the Lake if you like to enjoy fresh and delectable dishes. But all in all, travelers should visit Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan's largest inland lake, for the breathtaking lakeside views that offer sights varying in four seasons and at different times of the day.