A spectacular marble-walled cleft that runs for 19 kilometers through the mountains on Taiwan's east coast and lies at the center of the Taroko National Park. The marble gorge was formed over millions of years by orogenetic movement and erosion by Liwu River. Yanzihkou and Jioucyudong are two popular sections: Yanzihkou ("swallow entrance") is a potholed cliff once inhabited by swallows, and Jioucyudong ("nine-curve tunnel") is the most rugged section of the gorge.

The East Rift Valley National Scenic Area is famed for its rural serenity. From December to February, rape blossom in the fields is like a carpet spread from one side of the valley to the other. By paragliding, a sport that is becoming increasingly popular in Taiwan, tourists can even gain a bird's-eye view of the rape fields. Taiwan's rocky eastern coast is very different from the sandy beaches of western Taiwan. Ocean-eroded caves, cliffs, and rock formations are a particularly attractive feature of the East Coast National Scenic Area. There are nine aboriginal tribes in Taiwan. Four of them, the Amei, Atayal, Bunun and Puyuma tribes, inhabit the Hua-tung valley. The Amei tribe is famous for its folklore singing and dancing, clothing and sacrificial culture. The Atayal is the only tribe that has facial tattoo customs. Matriarchal society is prevailing in the traditional Puyuma tribe. Millet is deeply involved in the sacrificial culture for the Bunun tribe. One sacrificial song called Pasibutbut is famous worldwide.

Beinan Culture Park is situated at the northern edge of Nanwang Village of Beinan Township in Taitung County. This is the site of the largest and most complete prehistoric settlement that has been discovered in Taiwan so far; in its heyday, the settlement may have covered an area of more than 300,000 square meters. It was found during construction work on the back part of Taitung's New Railway Station when the South-Link Railway was being built in 1980, when a graveyard containing several thousand slate coffins was unearthed.

Chulu Farm is located in the hills to the east of Chulu Village in Taitung County. The farm covers about 60 hectares and is owned by the Land Bank of Taiwan. The fresh milk produced at Chulu Farm is famous throughout Taiwan. Another attraction is the sight of the cattle being let out to graze every day at 3:30 p.m.

A seaside escape on the East Coast Scenic Route. This name was given to the island as according to a Chinese legend that these three peaks are the three immortals who rested here for a while on their way towards heaven. The island was originally a part of the peninsula but later got separated by constant wave action. Sanhsientai has one of the best beaches on the east coast, and is quite a crowd puller.

The Alishan (Ali Mountain) National Scenic Area is best known for the forest railway taking visitors up the mountain and its view of sunrise over a sea of clouds. There are at least six spots in the scenic area that are recommended for viewing sunrise. The most popular is at Jhushan, the forest railway's terminal station.

Being the manifestation of two aboriginal girls who died for love, the two ponds are about 50 meters apart. The larger is 528 square meters in size, with an island on which there is a cypress tree stump that has been converted into a pavilion. It can be reached by a bridge from the edge of the pond. The second pond is only 66 square meters in size. To its right is one of the most densely grown natural cypress forests in the whole area.

Reconstructed in 1969, is the biggest temple in the area. The temple is dedicated to the Lord of the Somber Heavens, the Earth God, and the Goddess of Birth . According to local folklore, each year during the week before the third day of the third lunar month, three silkworm moths settle before the alter for about a week before flying off again.

The old name for Sun Moon Lake was "Where water and sand meet". Can you imagine what this immense stretch of deep blue-green water looked like in earlier times when it was a shallow marsh covered with vibrant green water plants? Many people like to observe nature, but few people know about the many nature trails at Sun Moon Lake. Sun Moon Lake is also home to the Thao, one of Taiwan's 12 officially recognized indigenous ethnic groups.

At the south end of the lake. The pagoda is a tall white tower which can be climbed. At the top is a large bell and a viewing platform with magnificent views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Trails Around Sun Moon Lake

Eight trails surrounding Sun Moon Lake allow visitors to explore the area around the lake and near the mountain. The trails range from the 80 meter Dazhuhu Natural Trail, taking a mere 10 minutes to walk its length to the Shuishe Mountain Natural Trail, which takes 7 or 8 hours to traverse. Hiking these eight trails is the best way to get a look at the lake and the local wildlife.

There are a lot of interesting shops here selling locally produced aboriginal products such as handicrafts and foods, and some high-end hotels and restaurants. There is a wharf here where the cruise yachts stop; you can see right across the lake from here. I got underway again after a brief rest and whizzed back to the hotel through fitful showers.

This temple again is in a wonderful position on top of a high hill and overlooking the lake. It is an attractive and quiet temple.