Taitung County Government English

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About Taitung's Townships

Changbin
Chenggong
Chishang
Haiduan
Guanshan
Donghe
Luye
Yanping
Taitung
Beinan
Green Island
Taimali
Jinfeng
Dawu
Daren
Orchid Island
Changbin Township
Changbin Township has an indigenous name, Pikakasawan. In the Amis language, it means terrace. This township is in-between Taitung City and Hualien City. It was originally the indigenous land of the Amis. Other ethnicities began to migrate into the area during the Japanese Colonial Period. Today, it is now a mixed village, but the majority of people in Changbin are still Amis. However, when prehistoric remains were discovered in this township, this quiet farming village suddenly became a center of international attention. Every year, many foreign and domestic tourists travel to Changbin to see the mystery of Baxian Caves.
Chenggong Town
The Amis are the largest ethnic group in the Chenggong Township. Chenggong is the proud owner of the longest coastline in Taitung County. Thanks to the Kuroshio Current, Chenggong is one of the largest fishing centers along the east coast of Taiwan. The abundance of fishing resources brought prosperity and turned Chenggong into the largest township of Taitung County. The diversity of the coastal geology in Chenggong is beautiful and captivating.
In recent years, the relocation of the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration Center to Duli has driven the development of tourism in the township. Well-planned tours, an abundance of marine attractions and the vivid colors of Amis culture, have made Chenggong the most important tourist town in Taitung County.
Chishang Township
Chishang Township has the best climate to grow rice of the highest quality. Rice grown in this township has large grains and excellent texture. Rice from Chishang was once given as an offering to the Emperor of Japan. Chishang bento boxes are famous around Taiwan because of their delicious rice. Dapo Lake is one of the most scenic spots in the East Rift Valley. The lake has rich ecology, featuring an abundance of fish, prawns, lotus roots, and water chestnuts for local residents.
Haiduan Township
Haiduan Township is the largest township in Taitung County. The majority of the residents are Bunun, who make a living farming and hunting. A few years ago, the Bunun took the lead to seal off Xinwulu Creek and established an ecology protection zone. The local residents wanted to give the national treasure, the Deep-body Shovelnose Minnow (Varicorhinus Alticorpus Oshima) some room to breathe. These villagers have set a great example. It’s shown the next generation of young people the importance of preserving the environment as well as promoting sustainable tourism.
Guanshan Town
Guanshan Township, is situated on a vast expanse of grassland, making it highly suitable for agriculture. Rice is the most important crop in this town. In addition to the beautiful fields of Guanshan Rice, there are farms and gardens planted by earlier settlers. Wherever there are settlements, there are traces of history. Historical landmarks commemorate the tough days of yesteryear. All of these are precious assets and have the potential for the development of tourist attractions. Recently, the opening of the Guanshan Bicycle Path and Guanshan Water Park have begun to attract tourists who love to ride the winding trails through the fields, around the ponds of ducks, and into the memories of the good old days.
Donghe Township
Donghe Township has several tourist attractions along the coast, such as Muzi Bay, Water Running Upward, Dulan, and Jinzun. Located in northern Donghe, Jinzun is the only tombolo in Taiwan. Old Donghe Bridge is situated in the stunning Mawuku Valley. The sky here glances into the sea. It is a Shangri-La amid the ocean and the hills. Prehistoric rock formations greet visitors as they walk along Mawuku Creek into the Taiyuan Valley. Winding streams, rising riverbeds, and the fragrance of nature make people think they are in a mythical wonderland. Donghe Township has unique attractions. Dynamic culture, beautiful landscapes, ecology, and agriculture all come together perfectly in Donghe.
Luye Township
Luye Township has abundant water sources, a mild climate, and fertile soil. The government has been developing Luye into an important area for growing tea. Fulu Tea is now quite popular. In recent years, residents of the area have been also working hard to develop its recreational agriculture. The Luye Highland is now home to paragliding. The local government is expected to develop this township into a new tourist destination through infrastructure improvements and enhanced recreational facilities.
Yanping Township
Yanping Township was once a hunting ground of the Rukai. In 1968, a little league baseball team started training with bamboo sticks and stones. They went on to defeat the world champions from Japan and claimed the world title for Taiwan. The Hongye Baseball Team roused a great amount of energy for little league baseball in Taiwan. Along Luye Creek, hot springs accompany the simple serene hillside villages. This immerses visitors in the relaxing tranquility of Taitung’s idyllic countryside. The outdoor hot springs are the best vantage point to take in the green hills. Recently, the Central Mountain Range National Scenic Area Administration has started a plan to improve transportation and enhance tourist facilities. In the foreseeable future, Yanping will become one of the biggest vacation spots in Taiwan.
Taitung City
Strolling on Carp Mountain, or looking from the Pacific Ocean, you can see mountains cutting through the heart of the city. Enjoy the beautiful blue ocean stretching out along the horizon. Beautiful views of hills merging with the sea are quite normal in Taitung City. Zhengqi Street is a street hawker fair and has the famous “Fruit Street.” Seashore Park and Forest Park are home to Pipa Lake and Egret Lake. Fugang Fishing Harbor, Jialulan, the National Museum of Prehistory, the Beinan Cultural Park, and Taitung Airport all make Taitung a vibrant and colorful place.
Beinan Township
Beinan Township is rather hilly. The famous Zhiben Hot Spring is inside of this township. It has become one of the major tourist destinations in Taitung, famous for hot springs and beautiful forests. There are many hot spring hotels in Zhiben. Also, the scenic Shanyuan Beach Park is in Beinan. A visit here gives you the chance to take a dip in the ocean and is an essential part of a well-rounded holiday.
Green Island Township
Lyudao Township (Green Island), also known as “Burning Island,” was once the home to the Yamis. The island is surrounded by coral reefs, rich ocean ecology, and unique eroded rock landscapes. Thriving tourism and the establishement of the Green Island Visitor Center, has made Green Island start to shine like a jewel in the Pacific Ocean.
Taimali Township
Taimali Township is one of the major farming villages in eastern Taitung. It is an important area for growing fruit, especially the large and sumptuous sugar apple. Sugar apples have become synonymous with Taimali. They have brought wealth to the local fruit farmers. Located along the Kuroshio Current, Taimali has become an important commercial fishing hub as well. In addition, fishing enthusiasts crowd the beach all year and use nets to fish right from the shore next to Sanhe Village. Nets are retracted twice a day. Catching a glimpse of this ritual showcases the vibrant fishing culture of Taimali.
Taimali Beach, which is comparable the most scenic beaches in Hawaii, stretches out a few kilometers and is shaded by the lazy shadows of coconut trees. Tens of thousands of people flocked into Taimali Beach to ring in the millennium and greet the first daylight of the 21st century. Jinlun also boasts a spectacular daylily season. This golden country, the home of sunrise, has the refreshing charm of a brand new day.
Jinfeng Township
Jinfeng Township has steep mountains and flourishing forests. Therefore, it is heaven for wild animals because few people have settled in this area. In recent years, indigenous people along Taimali Creek have begun to host the Masalu Tour. Jinfeng Township is one of the major spots along the tour route. Well-trained indigenous guides now show the world Taimali’s special ecology that’s colored by Paiwan culture. Hot springs are also an important tourist attraction in Jinfeng.
Dawu Township
Dawu Township has the sleepy charm of a small town. In the midst of indigenous architecture and nostalgic flair, residents here are mostly farmers and fishermen. Lychee is most the famous crop in this small town. This sweet and juicy fruit it is one of Dawu’s most popular souvenirs. Off the coast of Dawu, a rare saltwater gusher has been found. It is rich in sodium and has become a transient stop for migrating fish.
Daren Township
Daren Township is nestled in a remote part of Taitung. Therefore, its natural beauty is well preserved. It is a hotspot for whitewater rafting. As ecotourism becomes more popular, Daren’s pristine river landscapes have become a favorite for nature lovers. Vipers and Formosa Lily are the most representative totems of the area’s indigenous people. The innovative villagers are turning their ethnic colors into beautiful crafts.
Orchid Island Township
Qing Dynasty documents called Lanyu Township (Orchid Island) the "Red Head Island.” Because of the area’s abundance of orchids, the island was renamed Orchid Island in 1946. The island is a product of volcanic activity. Nature has left a series of amazing spectacles on the island. The unique volcanic geology has created several special attractions such as Dragon Head Rock, Elephant Rock, Iron Helmet Rock and Mantou Rock. Sampans (a kind of boat) are representative of Yamis culture. After boats are built, they are colored with geometric patterns. Also, don’t be surprised to see roofs lying on the ground on Orchid Island! Traditional Yamis houses lay two to three meters underground. The unique agriculture, fishing techniques and architecture of the Yamis are treasured assets of not only Orchid Island but also the whole world.

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About Taitung's Townships