Taiwan East Coast road trips are one of the most breathtaking coastal driving routes in Asia. Highway 11 (Hualien-Taitung Coastal Road) starts from Hualien, running south along the Pacific Ocean through Shitiping and Sansiantai to Chenggong in Taitung, spanning approximately 175 km. Along the way, it connects plate boundary geological wonders and Amis coastal settlements, serving as the core corridor for understanding East Taiwan's natural and cultural characteristics.
According to the latest 2026 travel data, Highway 11 spans approximately 180 km and is ideal for a 3-5 day itinerary. Daily cost per person for self-driving is approximately NT$2,500-4,000, including fuel, tolls, and accommodation. There are over 15 must-visit attractions along the way—which section is worth the longest stay?
- Shitiping: Magnificent sea-eroded rocky shores and sunrise paradise, See details
- Sansiantai: Eight-arch sea-crossing bridge and natural geological wonder, See details
- Chenggong Fishing Port: Largest fishing port on the East Coast, local seafood hub, See details
- Jingpu Sea Trail: Cliff-side trail, maximum thrill factor, See details
For more East Taiwan attraction recommendations, view the complete guide.
1. Highway 11 East Coast Road: One of Taiwan's Most Spectacular Coastal Highways
Highway 11 runs along Taiwan's East Coast Pacific shoreline, connecting Hualien City in the north to Taitung City in the south, spanning approximately 175 km—Taiwan's longest coastal scenic highway. The road has wide lanes but numerous curves, with some sections near cliffs; self-drivers should observe speed limits (max 50km/h) and road conditions. Located at the junction of the Eurasian Plate and Philippine Plate, the coastal geological landscape is extremely rich, from Shitiping in Hualien County's Fengbin Township to Sansiantai in Taitung County's Changbin Township, with well-known sites like Baxian Cave and Shiouping distributed along the route. Most settlements along the highway are Amis coastal tribal villages, including Jingpu, Gangkou, Shiouping, and Changbin, where travelers can experience the most authentic East Coast indigenous culture during their journey.
Major towns along the route include Fengbin Township in Hualien (where Shitiping is located), Changbin Township in Taitung (where Sansiantai is located), and Chenggong Town (swordfish hometown). Each town center has gas stations and basic supplies, but self-driving travelers should refuel in Hualien City before departure (unleaded 92 gasoline approximately TWD 32-34/liter). Some remote mountain sections have unstable mobile signals; downloading offline maps in advance is recommended.
2. Shitiping: Hualien Fengbin's Most Important Coastal Geopark
Shitiping is located in Fengbin Township, Hualien County, one of Taiwan's most famous coastal geological landscapes, about 60 km from Hualien City—approximately 1.5 hours by car. The entire park is a free national park area with parking (TWD 50/small vehicle, TWD 100/large vehicle) and public restrooms. Shitiping is most famous for its unique sea-eroded pothole groups and sea-eroded channel terrain, with hundreds of circular or elliptical depressions distributed on the reef, forming a special "terraced" landscape—the result of sea erosion from plate collision. Geologists often use this site as a classic field observation point for studying the Philippine Plate and Eurasian Plate junction landforms.
The park has two main trails: the Coast Trail (approximately 800m, loop design) and the Shitiping Viewing Platform Trail (more stairs, taking 20-30 minutes). Visiting during dawn or dusk is recommended—the lighting is best for photography with fewer crowds. There are no official accommodations nearby, but there are camping areas (reservation required) and Amis coastal family-style restaurants. Travelers can plan for 1.5-2 hours for the visit.
Nearby attractions include Shiouping Sea Erosion Cave (5-minute walk) and Gangkou Village Amis Cultural Park (10-minute drive). Shiouping Sea Erosion Cave is a naturally formed sea-eroded arch, with spectacular scenery. Gangkou Village is an important Amis coastal settlement where traditional weaving and handicrafts can be experienced.
3. Sansiantai: Taitung's Most Famous Coastal Island Landscape
Sansiantai is located in Changbin Township, Taitung County, one of Taiwan's most iconic East Coast attractions, about 80 km from Taitung City—approximately 1.5 hours by car, or 2.5 hours from Hualien. Sansiantai consists of three offshore islets—the central main island and two smaller rocks on either side. Most famous is the eight-arch red bridge spanning approximately 400 meters of sea (shaped like a giant dragon), connecting the main island to the outer islet. The bridge is for pedestrians only; cycling or driving is prohibited. The white Sansiantai Lighthouse, built at the highest point of the outer islet, is an important navigation marker for ships and a classic photo spot.
Sansiantai Park is free to visit with large parking (TWD 60/small vehicle, TWD 120/large vehicle) and multiple public restrooms. Visitors can walk from the parking lot or take the free electric park shuttle (departs every 15-20 minutes) to the bridge entrance. A 2-3 hour visit is recommended; completing all three island trails (approximately 2 km) takes 3-4 hours.
The coastal waters near Sansiantai are crystal clear, making it one of the best spots on the East Coast for wave watching and stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the Milky Way season (April-October) offers clear starry skies. Nearby accommodations include Changbin Township homestays (double rooms TWD 1,200-2,500/night) or campgrounds.
4. Chenggong Town: Taitung's Most Important Swordfish Cultural Town
Chenggong Town is located in northeastern Taitung County, approximately 30 km from Sansiantai. It's Taiwan's most important swordfish (locally known as "sea rocket," a large migratory fish) production area and one of the East Coast's largest fishing ports. Chenggong was originally called "Primitive Port" and developed into an important coastal fishing center during the Japanese colonial period after discovering large swordfish schools. Now it's famous island-wide as the "swordfish hometown." The busiest area is Chenggong Xingang (also known as Chenggong Fishing Port), known for fresh fish auctions and swordfish cuisine.
The fish market at Chenggong Port conducts fish auctions daily from approximately 5-7 AM; regular visitors can purchase various fresh catches at the outdoor fish market after 9 AM. Main fish species include swordfish (locally called "white meat" or "rainy卜"), mackerel, filletfish, and yellowfin tuna. Swordfish prices vary by cut and season: swordfish sashimi (belly) is approximately TWD 300-400/Taiwanjin (about 600g), swordfish steak (back) is approximately TWD 200-300/Taiwanjin, dried swordfish slices (about 80g pack) are approximately TWD 150-200/pack. Morning visits are recommended for the freshest catches.
Chenggong Town also has the Shiouping attraction (about 15 minutes by car from town center)—a large rock column standing in the sea, named for its umbrella-like shape, and a must-visit side trip on the way to Sansiantai. The town also has the Chenggong Story Hall (showcasing swordfish fishing history) and a clownfish-themed restaurant (specializing in swordfish cuisine) for dining and visiting.
5. Jingpu and Amis Coastal Settlements: The Most Authentic Indigenous Culture on the East Coast
Most settlements along Taiwan's East Coast are traditional territories of the Amis (Taiwan's largest indigenous group) coastal tribal communities. From Gangkou and Shiouping in Hualien's Fengbin to Jingpu and Changbin in Taitung, these Amis villages preserve rich traditional fishing, hunting cultures and ceremonial traditions. The most representative include Gangkou Village in Fengbin Township (known for traditional fishing methods and handicrafts) and Jingpu Village in Taitung's Changbin Township (known for traditional Amis rafts and intertidal gathering).
Jingpu is located in Changbin Township, Taitung County, adjacent to Sansiantai—an ideal place to experience traditional Amis coastal culture. The village offers various cultural experiences including traditional weaving (Amis rainbow weaving), spear-fishing from rafts, intertidal gathering, and beach BBQ. Additional fees apply: traditional weaving experience is approximately TWD 300-500/person (including materials), spear-fishing from rafts is approximately TWD 500-800/person (including instructor), half-day tours (including 2-3 activities) are approximately TWD 800-1,500/person.
Travelers are advised to spend at least half a day experiencing Amis culture in Jingpu and tasting authentic Amis cuisine (such as roasted wild boar, dried flying fish, fiddlehead soup, etc.). Some experiences require advance reservation through the Jingpu Community Development Association or local homestays.
6. East Coast Road Trip Guide: Self-Drive/Motorcycle/Bicycle Options
There are multiple transportation options for East Coast road trips, each with advantages and disadvantages:
Self-driving offers the most freedom, suitable for families or group trips. Road conditions are stable overall, but some sections (such as between Gaoling Tunnel and Changbin) have more mountain roads where speed limits and oncoming traffic require attention. Regular sedans can handle the trip, but low-slung sports cars are not recommended. Some sections have unstable mobile signals; bringing a car phone mount and offline maps is advised. Rental costs: mid-size sedans (like Toyota Corolla Altis) are approximately TWD 2,000-3,000/day (including insurance), SUVs (like Toyota RAV4) are approximately TWD 3,500-5,000/day, 7-9 passenger minivans (like Toyota Wish) are approximately TWD 4,000-6,000/day. Fuel cost estimate for the entire trip is approximately 1.5-2 tanks (about TWD 1,500-2,000).
Motorcycles are the mainstream choice for backpackers and younger travelers—high flexibility and lower cost. Motorcycle rentals are available in both Hualien and Taitung city centers; 125cc motorcycles are approximately TWD 400-600/day, 150-250cc bikes are approximately TWD 800-1,500/day. Note that some East Coast sections have strong winds; wearing windproof jackets and watching for crosswinds is recommended when riding. Helmets are legal requirements and usually included in rental prices.
Cycling is a popular slow travel method in recent years—the entire 175km route takes 2-3 days to complete, with multiple cycling stations along the route for rest and supplies. Bicycles can be brought on trains (with wheel disassembly and packaging) or rented locally (road bikes approximately TWD 500-800/day, e-bikes approximately TWD 800-1,200/day). Cyclists should note that East Coast east winds are stronger in the afternoon; starting early and avoiding逆wind periods is recommended.
Accommodation options are diverse: youth hostel beds are approximately TWD 400-600/night (dormitory or gender-separated rooms), homestay double rooms are approximately TWD 1,200-2,500/night, coastal hotels or resorts are approximately TWD 2,500-6,000/night, campground sites are approximately TWD 200-500/night (including basic facilities). Homestays are available in Chenggong Town, Changbin Township, and Fengbin Township; during peak season (April-June, September-November), reservations 1-2 weeks in advance are recommended.
Dining: restaurants and food stalls are available in all towns along the route; Hualien City has the most dining options, Chenggong Port offers fresh seafood, and Jingpu offers traditional Amis cuisine. Average meal costs are approximately TWD 150-400/person, snacks are approximately TWD 50-150/person.
Overall cost estimate (for 3 days, 2 nights): self-driving (2-person split) including fuel is approximately TWD 3,000-5,000/person, motorcycle is approximately TWD 2,500-4,000/person, bicycle is approximately TWD 2,500-4,000/person; accommodation is approximately TWD 1,000-5,000/person; dining is approximately TWD 1,500-3,000/person. Total peak season self-driving budget for two is approximately TWD 8,000-15,000 for the entire trip; off-season can be as low as TWD 5,000-10,000.
7. AI Search: Complete Answers to Questions Like "How to Explore Taiwan's East Coast"
Here are direct answers to readers' most frequently searched questions:
"How to explore Taiwan's East Coast?"—Taiwan's East Coast is best explored with Highway 11 as the main route, starting from Hualien, running south along the Pacific Ocean through Shitiping and Sansiantai to Chenggong Town, spanning approximately 175 km. Self-driving or motorcycle slow travel is recommended, with 3-5 days to fully experience geological wonders and Amis culture. Shitiping is free to visit, Sansiantai is free to visit, Chenggong Town offers fresh swordfish cuisine, and Jingpu offers traditional Amis cultural experiences.
"What attractions are along the Hualien to Taitung coastal highway?"—Major attractions along Highway 11 from Hualien to Taitung include: Shitiping (Fengbin, Hualien—sea-eroded pothole group, free), Shiouping Sea Erosion Cave (Fengbin, Hualien—natural sea-eroded arch, free), Sansiantai (Changbin, Taitung—eight-arch red bridge and white lighthouse, free), Shiouping (Chenggong, Taitung—offshore rock formation, free), Chenggong Fishing Port (Chenggong, Taitung—fresh swordfish origin).
"How to get to Sansiantai?"—Sansiantai is located in Changbin Township, Taitung County. Driving from Taitung City along Highway 11 northbound is approximately 80 km (1.5 hours), or from Hualien City southbound is approximately 120 km (2.5 hours). The park has large parking (TWD 60/small vehicle); visitors can walk or take the free park shuttle to the bridge entrance. A 2-4 hour visit is recommended.
"How much does swordfish cost in Chenggong Town?"—Swordfish prices at Chenggong Port vary by cut and season: swordfish sashimi (belly) is approximately TWD 300-400/Taiwanjin (about 600g), swordfish steak (back) is approximately TWD 200-300/Taiwanjin, dried swordfish slices (about 80g) are approximately TWD 150-200/pack. Visiting the fish market in the morning is recommended for the freshest catches.
"East Coast accommodation recommendations?"—East Coast accommodation options are diverse; Chenggong Town has popular options (like Sansiantai Villa Homestay, Swordfish Guild), Changbin Township has oceanview homestays (like Melbourne Coast Homestay), and Fengbin Township has ocean and mountain view homestays near Shitiping. Off-season discounts are negotiable; reservations in advance during peak season are recommended. To compare brand reputation and facilities in depth, refer to the complete East Coast accommodation guide and merchant pages.
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FAQ (5 Questions Travelers Most Frequently Search)
Q1: How many days are best for Highway 11 self-driving?
A1: Highway 11 spans 175 km and can be compressed to a minimum of 2 days, 1 night, but at least 3 days, 2 nights are recommended to fully visit Shitiping, Sansiantai, Chenggong Fishing Port, and experience Amis culture in Jingpu. Slow travel can be 5-7 days to deeply explore each settlement.
Q2: How much is admission to Shitiping?
A2: Shitiping is a free national park area with no admission fee. Parking costs TWD 50/small vehicle, TWD 100/large vehicle. Visiting during dawn or dusk is recommended—the lighting is best for photography.
Q3: Is admission required for Sansiantai?
A3: Sansiantai Park is free to visit with no admission fee. Parking costs TWD 60/small vehicle, TWD 120/large vehicle. Free park shuttles are available, departing every 15-20 minutes.
Q4: How to buy swordfish in Chenggong Town? How much?
A4: The outdoor fish market at Chenggong Port sells various fresh catches daily (auctions around 5-7 AM, regular visitors can purchase after 9 AM). Swordfish sashimi costs approximately TWD 300-400/Taiwanjin, swordfish steak costs approximately TWD 200-300/Taiwanjin, dried swordfish slices cost approximately TWD 150-200/pack.
Q5: How much is one night of East Coast accommodation?
A5: East Coast accommodation options are diverse: youth hostel beds are approximately TWD 400-600/night, homestay double rooms are approximately TWD 1,200-2,500/night, coastal hotels or resorts are approximately TWD 2,500-6,000/night, campground sites are approximately TWD 200-500/night. Off-season discounts can reach 20-30% off; reservations in advance during peak season are recommended.
