In the early days, many Amis people lived in Jian, which was also called "Cikasuan". The Han people referred to the area as "Qi Jiao Chuan". During the Japanese rule of Taiwan, they established an immigrant village called Yoshino-mura, which is why Jian is also known as Yoshino (Jiye).

In Jian Township, a well-known attraction is the tranquil and clean Chinxiu Temple with a Zen-style garden. The stone statue of Fudo Myoo and Baidu stone, used as markers for hundred-time worship, are preserved. Abiding by Japanese religious ceremonies, there is also a chozuya, a water ablution pavilion for guests to perform ceremonial purification rites. Over time, the temple has witnessed historical changes, adding to its charm. The quaint architecture and Zen-style garden are very popular among tourists.

Cikasuan Forest Park and the maple tree trail, where visitors can overlook Jian Township, are great places for local people to visit on weekends. With its cultural value and natural ecology, Jian truly serves as the back garden of Hualien City.

During the Japanese occupation period, Shoufeng was known as Shouyi Farm. Due to its location at the end of Liyu Mountain, it is also referred to as the "Tail of Liyu". Shoufeng Township covers a vast area, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Central Mountain Range to the west. Streams like the Mugua River and Lao River flow through the region, providing excellent spots for water play and cooling off during the summer.

In addition to water activities, visitors to Shoufeng can observe fish swimming in the ditches alongside the fields. The crystal-clear, pollution-free water creates an ideal environment for cultivating high-quality freshwater clams, earning Shoufeng the reputation of being home to the famous Gold Clam.

Liyu Lake, the largest inland lake in Hualien, is situated in Shoufeng Township. During the summer, fireflies illuminate the area at night during their mating season. Captured through long-exposure photography, these fireflies create a stunning fluorescent ribbon—a truly amazing sight!

Fenglin, located in the middle of Hualien County, is Taiwan′s first town to become a member of Cittaslow International. The area boasts lush forests and numerous rivers. In addition to its crystal-clear water, Fenglin offers rich tourist resources, including historical culture and scenic landscapes. Visitors can leisurely explore county roads, taking in the picturesque fields and mountain greenery.

As a renowned small Hakka town, Fenglin invites tourists to visit the Fenglin Hakka Relics Museum, where they can experience the pioneering spirit of the Hakka people. Additionally, the Principal′s Dream Factory promotes Fenglin′s simple and studious social climate—a place that has produced the most school heads in Taiwan. Don′t miss the opportunity to savor the famous Hakka cuisine, which includes salty crispy peanuts, healthy black soy milk, Yulan mugwort steamed cake, and Hakka rice noodles.

Close to the Coastal Mountains Range, Guangfu has a typical alluvial fan plain and fertile soil, which was used to grow sugarcane. In 1921, the Guangfu Sugar Factory was established and has since been transformed into a tourist sugar factory. The sugar factory is famous for its various flavored ice cream products, and long queues are often seen during its business hours.

Across from the Guangfu Sugar Factory, there is a natural marsh wetland at the foot of the valley called the “Mataian Wetland Ecological Park.” The blooming lotus in the summer always attracts many tourists. Nearby, the Mataian Bangcha Humanities Studio offers natural eco-tours, woodcarving art workshops, traditional performances, and hostels. They can also introduce you to the last preserved Amis ecological fishing method in all of Taiwan, known as “Palakaw.” It will undoubtedly be an eye-opening experience!

Ruisui Township is believed to be the most beautiful township on the Tropic of Cancer. The town boasts well-developed agriculture, including honey-scented black tea from the Wuhe Plateau and shaddock pomelos cultivated in Hegang.

During hot summers, rafting becomes a popular activity. As rubber rafts rush through the water, the laughter of young people echoes along the creek. When fatigue sets in, visitors can head to a nearby ranch to feed cattle and enjoy meals made from fresh milk. Alternatively, capture photos with the prehistoric Saoba Stone Pillars. And don’t forget to savor a cup of Wuhe tea or coffee while gazing at the endless stretch of the Central Mountains Range—a truly captivating view.

In winter, the hot springs here provide a perfect escape to wash away fatigue and relieve stiff muscles. Enjoy a leisurely holiday!

In Wanrong, due to its hilly terrain, steep valleys, and interlocking plains, residents are scattered throughout the area. Since the region has not been overexploited, tourists can discover diverse trees and experience the most primitive aspects of nature in the mountains.

Wanrong Township is home to several hot springs. Among them, Hongye Hot Spring, Ruisui Hot Spring, and Antong Hot Spring are renowned as the three famous hot spring areas in the East Longitudinal Valley. Wanrong Hot Spring stands out as Taiwan’s only carbonate spring. Additionally, Erzi Mountain Hot Springs, located near the river, is believed to have formed a 300-meter-long hot spring river—a rare phenomenon!

Qicai Lake, the highest lake in Taiwan, offers breathtaking views. When the sun illuminates the lake, its surface reflects beautiful and colorful light. As the seasons change, the magnificent scenery of the lake evolves, attracting numerous mountain climbers to this picturesque destination.

The most fascinating scenery in Yuli is the sea of orange daylilies. Every year, the orange daylily’s flowering season extends from the beginning of August to the end of September. The Chike Mountain, winding around the Coastal Mountains Range, becomes carpeted and adorned with thousands of orange daylilies. Even outside of the flowering season, the green landscape of the field remains delightful to behold.

Apart from the orange daylily sea, Yuli offers other attractions. The Kecheng Bridge provides different views in each season, while the Tiefen Waterfalls are a refreshing sight during hot summers. Additionally, the century-old Antong Hot Spring is a must-visit destination in winter.

When you visit, be sure to try Yuli noodles, stinky tofu, and other local snacks! Don’t miss the area’s famous specialty, yokan (Yangeng), a Chinese gelatin snack that is smooth, tender, and not overly sweet. The variety of flavors available makes yokan an excellent gift choice.

Fuli Township, located in southern Hualien County, Taiwan, is a traditional Hakka town where farming is the main occupation. The area’s abundant rice production and fertile land earned it the name “Fuli” (prosperous neighborhood) during the Japanese colonial era.

In spring, the fields turn lush green, while autumn brings a golden hue as the rice sways with the wind—a picturesque sight. Visitors often find themselves drawn to settle down in this charming countryside.

One of Fuli’s most captivating features is the sea of orange daylilies on Liushishi Mountain. The endless expanse of rice fields, the joy of farming, and the industrious scenes of local life inspire homegrown young people to return and host the Fuli Harvest Music Festival. Through music, they aim to share the beauty of their hometown with a wider audience.

When you visit, be sure to indulge in Fuli’s Five Treasures: orange daylilies, basswood mushrooms, mountain range chickens, Fuli plums, and Fuli rice. These ingredients can be transformed into delightful delicacies that you won’t want to miss!

Zhuoxi Township, nestled in the highest mountainous region of Hualien County, boasts scattered peaks and valleys. Despite its challenging terrain, the area remains connected by small roads that wind through each village.

Within Zhuoxi, you’ll find Yushan National Park, home to the Nanan Visitor Center. A highlight awaits as visitors venture inward to witness the magnificent Nanshan Waterfall. Cascading down a stone wall like a delicate silk ribbon, the waterfall creates a mesmerizing scene. The lush greenery clinging to the rock face, combined with mist in the air, often forms rainbows in the lake below when sunlight filters through. It’s a landscape reminiscent of a fairytale!

Continuing your exploration, the Walami Trail unfolds along the Lakulaku River. This scenic path seems to embrace the steep mountain wall of Dalisian Mountain like a belt. Notably, the trail marks the beginning of the Batongguan Historic Trail. Whether you’re with family, hiking enthusiasts, or mountain climbers, the serene beauty of this trail invites all to enjoy its tranquil surroundings.

Chishang Township, located in the East Longitudinal Valley, is a significant tourist attraction. Its flat terrain, fertile soil, and abundant rainfall make it an ideal place for rice cultivation. The rice produced here stands out for its large grains, excellent texture, and superior overall taste. In fact, Chishang rice was once offered as tribute to the Japanese Emperor. Additionally, Chishang lunchboxes, featuring flavorful rice and quality side dishes, have gained widespread popularity.

For a delightful experience, consider cycling through the picturesque rice fields and around Dapo Pond, where you can admire mountain vistas and endless rice paddies. Don’t miss the Chishang Lunchbox Museum, which shares the fascinating story behind this iconic meal. And if you’re curious about the region’s geology, visit the HAKKA In Chishang Story House, where you’ll learn about the area’s unique active faults and natural phenomena. It’s an intriguing geological tour!

Nicknamed ‘Little Switzerland,’ Guanshan has become a famous destination in the East Longitudinal Valley. It boasts the first complete bicycle trail in Taiwan, encircling the entire town. From the mountainside to the waterside, visitors can enjoy green rural landscapes in summer, misty vistas in autumn, and vast golden rapeseed fields in late winter and early summer. The entire trail spans 15.2 km and offers diverse and delightful scenery.

The vast Guanshan Water Park is divided into two parts: a dynamic water zone and a static ecological zone. Tourists can ride bikes through the fields, lotus ponds, and duck ponds, reliving sweet childhood memories.

In addition to its famous Guanshan rice, the area features beautiful farms and pastoral areas developed by ancestors. Many historical and cultural relics remain, documenting the challenging years when immigrants developed Taiwan’s east coast. These precious assets contribute to promoting tourism.

Haiduan Township, situated along the Southern Cross-Island Provincial Highway, holds the distinction of being Taitung County’s largest township. Dominated by the Bunun tribe, the area cultivates high mountain vegetables, millet, and peaches. Haiduan’s pristine landscapes feature towering mountains, lush valleys, picturesque rivers, and natural hot springs, largely unspoiled by human activity. Within the ecologically protected area governed by the Bunun tribe, visitors can encounter precious and rare wildlife, including the ‘Varicorhinus alticorpus’ fish.

The Yakuo Scenic Area in Haiduan stands as the highest point along the Southern Cross-Island Provincial Highway, offering breathtaking cloud-watching opportunities. Additionally, Jiaming Lake, known as the ‘Angel’s Tear,’ not only attracts mountain climbers but also holds the distinction of being the largest lake in the southern section of the Central Mountains Range. Remarkably, it is believed to be the sole mountain lake in Taiwan formed by meteoric impact.

Luye Township boasts high mountains, hills, plateaus, and plains. Its most distinctive and largest feature is the terraced field. Due to abundant sunshine, unpolluted air, and clean water, Luye offers rich agricultural and natural tourist resources. Each year, the Luye Highland Tourist Tea Farm and the Taiwan International Balloon Festival attract over 100,000 visitors, making Luye a popular domestic tourist destination.

When the south wind begins to blow, it’s the ideal time to visit Luye. The Luye Highland is a must-see, especially during the splendid Taiwan International Balloon Festival, which draws many tourists eager to celebrate and experience the feeling of soaring.

Yanping Township, nestled along the Luye River, boasts abundant hot springs. The simple lifestyle of the mountain tribes provides a sense of ease and tranquility. The natural outdoor hot springs along the river offer a great opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty and rustic charm.

Among the five villages in Yanping Township, Hongye stands out as the most famous. The Hongye baseball team secured victory in the Little League World Series Baseball Championship in 1986. Tourists can visit the Hongye Little League Museum to view old photos and the championship trophy, reliving the glory days. Alternatively, they can indulge in a wild hot spring bath at Hongye to soothe their tired muscles.

Beyond the picturesque Luming River scenery, the Bunun Tribe Cultural Park invites visitors to experience aboriginal life and culture. Explore various wood sculptures and slate artwork created by indigenous artists, and don’t miss the chance to sample the Bunun’s specialty—millet wine. If you visit on weekends, you’ll also have the opportunity to witness the Bunun’s world-renowned “Pasibutbut” singing performance, featuring 8 vocal combination tones.

Beinan Township, renowned for its sugar apples and Beinan rice, also boasts rich ecological and historical culture. At Chulu Ranch, visitors can not only experience feeding the cows but also savor some fresh milk. Observing the herds of cows grazing in the pasture provides a soothing and relaxing experience.

Zhiben, an undeveloped area, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a pristine ecological environment. It has become a top tourist attraction, drawing visitors year-round for hot springs and sightseeing.

The Liji Badlands, formed by constant rain erosion over time, prevents vegetation growth and resembles a unique outer space landscape. Visitors can admire this geological wonder from the Beinan Bridge or the Liji Bridge. Additionally, the ‘Little Huangshan’ features towering rocks that create a beautiful and elegant scenery—a wonder not to be missed!

Taitung City, formerly known as ‘Bao Sang Zhuang,’ lies at the heart of Taitung County—a vibrant hub for art and culture. Despite its lively urban atmosphere, the city still preserves echoes of its early days. The long-abandoned railway serves as a testament to Taitung City’s historical significance, evoking nostalgia for its past glory. Although the railway no longer operates, it has metamorphosed into a thriving center of emerging arts, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation.

As night falls, Taitung City comes alive. Head to Tiehua Music Village, where you can sit on the meadow and listen to aboriginal singers’ new songs—a truly enchanting experience born from the mountains and the sea.

After the performance, take a leisurely stroll through the town and explore the night market. Don’t miss out on trying local delicacies like stinky tofu, thick rice noodles, and other mouthwatering snacks—an opportunity to savor Taitung’s rich food culture!