east coast
Ah, the east coast of Taiwan, where the mountains decide to take a dramatic plunge into the Pacific, and the ocean waves respond with thunderous applause. At Green Water Breaking Cliff - Tsing Shui Twun Yat (清水斷崖) near Taroko (太魯閣), it’s like nature’s own version of a soap opera, minus the bad acting and melodrama. Here, the cliffs stand tall and proud, their rugged faces telling tales of ancient geological drama.
And then there’s Taroko Gorge (太魯閣峽谷), where the mountains seem to have a secret pact with the clouds to create the most dramatic entrances. As if the sheer cliffs and verdant slopes weren't enough, they’ve decided to accessorize with a misty veil, adding an air of mystery and grandeur. Venturing deeper into Taroko Gorge, you encounter the Eternal Spring Shrine (長春祠), perched defiantly on the mountainside. The waterfalls cascading beside it seem to challenge nature itself, creating a symphony of awe.
As I continued my journey along Taiwan’s east coast, the dramatic landscapes unfolded like pages of an epic novel. The lush green mountains stood in a perpetual stare-down with the vast, restless ocean. It’s a dance of elements—earth and water in an eternal embrace.
The journey continued to the Eight Immortals Cave (八仙洞), where stone figures stand in silent reverence, each one a testament to artisans' skill and local mythology. Lined up with almost military precision, these statues add a layer of mystique to the towering rock face with its dramatic striations and lush greenery. The small shrines at the base offer a splash of color amidst nature's grand entrance.
As the coastal highway meandered along, I found myself at San Sien Tai Bridge (三仙台橋). The bridge stretches out like a graceful dancer poised between the rugged coast and the mysterious island beyond. The overcast sky added a touch of drama, making the red-brick path with its elegant white railings feel like something out of a dream.
Continuing along Taiwan's east coast, I stumbled upon a hidden gem that encapsulates the region's raw beauty—a black sand beach stretching out like a dark ribbon against the azure waters. Nearby, Little Yehliu in Taitung (台東小野柳) showcased nature's ability to create art out of rock and water. The stunning formations, carved by centuries of relentless waves, seemed like ancient scrolls unfurling towards the Pacific Ocean.
As I wandered among these rock formations at Little Yehliu (小野柳), I marveled at nature's relentless artistry. Each elongated, layered rock told a story of time and tide. Amidst this natural gallery, a large fallen leaf resting on pebbled ground caught my eye. Its rich brown hue and prominent yellow veins stood out against the grey stones, creating a striking contrast.
Further along my journey, I stumbled upon the Dulan Sugar Factory (都蘭糖廠), a relic of Taiwan's industrial past now transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. The factory's weathered facade, with its rusted corrugated metal and faded paint, whispered stories of days gone by while embracing its new role as a center for art and community.