Things to see and do East

The Taiwanese call it more Liyu Tan, it is one of the largest natural lakes on the island. Bordered by exotic crops and surrounded by hills, the Lac des Carpes is a place of entertainment that can easily occupy half a day. Possibility to go boating to observe the fish or to walk along the trail around the lake. In recent years, several restaurants have opened on the western shores of the lake, disfiguring the idyllic landscape in the process. On the other hand, nature is rather well preserved.

You will reach these open-air springs only after climbing up and down 408 steps and crossing a movable bridge over the gorge. The path, although short, is not recommended for children and the elderly. This exceptional site, clinging to the Tasha River, consists of a small platform dug into the mountain and four basins ranging from warm to hot. Rich in carbon dioxide, these waters are very popular for the well-being they provide but also - and above all - for the view they offer of the immensity of the gorges.

Situated on the opposite side of the Swallow Cave, the bridge leading to it is the best viewpoint to observe the gorge where the Yindianren rock can be admired. Yindianren meansIndian, and it is true that this rocky outgrowth formed by erosion bears an uncanny resemblance to the profile of a great American Indian chief. You won't be alone if you visit the park on a weekend day as it is one of the most famous sites in the park.

An impressive 51 ha complex with brand new facilities including a water park and a marine zoo with dolphins and sea lions, all built according to ecological principles and (supposedly) respectful of animal welfare. Dressage shows are organized every day and musical comedies are used to raise children's awareness of ocean preservation. Some hotels can arrange the tour for you.

Apart from the green island, this phenomenon of hot springs in the open sea exists only in Japan and Sicily. Located at the southern tip, several circular pools and natural baths have been set up to fully enjoy this almost unique experience in the world and not to be missed under any circumstances. The view from the springs is also magnificent, especially in the early morning, with the first light of dawn illuminating the Pacific Ocean.

Literally large expanse of white sand, the idyllic spot is ideal for snorkeling. The coral reefs indeed offer a superb spectacle. To discover the best reefs, you have to follow the tides, as some will only be accessible at high tide. Unlike other beaches in Taiwan, Dapaisha beach is not very crowded, and even in high season there is always room to lay out your towel. A few restaurants and hotels have opened their doors nearby: ideal for seafood tasting.

Since 1989, the Taroko cliffs, the mountains surrounding them and the ecosystem they shelter, have been classified as a National Park and are therefore protected: no construction is allowed there. Fortunately, the landlocked nature of this region of Taiwan has allowed this natural wonder not to suffer from human activity. Although the Aboriginal peoples had already explored the region, one of the first Westerners to visit and admire its splendour was the British photographer John Thomson. He explored Taiwan in 1871 and offered a beautiful description of the Taroko Gorge: "We stopped to admire the unspeakable beauty of this mountain gorge and to take a photograph of it, deeply regretting that the sensitized plate could only reproduce the shades of light and shadow, without any of the varied colours that would show the rocks, mosses, climbing plants, masses of foliage among which the rays of the brilliant sun were playing with their bright or dark shades. "Proof that already the twilight light in Taroko was dazzling the visitors. The 37,000 ha park also stands out because of the fauna it shelters: no less than 34 species of mammals such as the Formosa macaque, the black bear or the leopard cat, 144 species of birds including the famous Formosa blue magpie... In other words, the ecosystem of the place is remarkable, not to mention that Taroko is unique of its kind since it is the only place in the world where marble cliffs of such importance, reaching hundreds of meters, rise. If the Hualien region is inhabited mainly by the friendly tribe, Taroko also has representatives of the atayal tribe identifiable - less now - by their facial tattoos. The first representatives of the tribe, originally from central Taiwan, did not arrive until the beginning of the last century. They then took the old Hohuan Trail, built in 1914 and linking the west and east of the country. Some sections are still preserved. Before the 20th century, the gorge could only be reached by the Suhua path dating back to 1874. Nevertheless, although the construction of the Hohuan Road opened up the region, it was not until 1960 that the site was opened to all thanks to the construction of the central transinsular road. Starting in 1956, soldiers bulldozed their way through the marble cliffs finally linking the east and west coasts.

This huge pebble beach is one of Hualien's main tourist attractions. The locals don't swim there, however, the waters are rough and the currents unpredictable: only good swimmers in perfect physical condition could risk it, and even then... But the exceptional panorama of the foothills of the mountains flowing into the Pacific is well worth the detour. There's also a small, friendly museum of Aboriginal crafts, a tourist information office, and some not-so-good seafood restaurants