East Coast

East Coast National Scenic Area is one of Taiwan's premier coastal protected landscapes, stretching along the Pacific-facing eastern coastline of Hualien and Taitung counties in southeastern Taiwan. The scenic area protects a dramatic stretch of coast where the Central Mountain Range meets the Pacific Ocean, creating spectacular cliffs, cobblestone beaches, and coastal terraces. Designated as a national scenic area by Taiwan's Tourism Administration, the East Coast encompasses some of the island's most pristine and visually dramatic coastal scenery, largely undeveloped compared to Taiwan's western coast. The area is also culturally significant as home to Amis and other indigenous communities whose traditional territories and cultural practices are interwoven with the coastal landscape.

The East Coast's marine and coastal ecosystems support rich biodiversity shaped by the meeting of the Kuroshio Current with Taiwan's shores. The nearshore waters are productive marine environments supporting various fish species, sea turtles, and marine mammals including dolphins that are regularly observed offshore. Rocky intertidal zones along the cobblestone and cliff coastline host diverse communities of marine invertebrates. Seabirds including various tern and swallow species nest on coastal cliffs and offshore islets. The Pacific-facing slopes and riparian zones inland from the coast support bird communities characteristic of Taiwan's eastern lowland forests. The area serves as an important wildlife corridor along Taiwan's eastern coast, linking habitats between Hualien's Taroko National Park region and the Taitung coastal zone.

Coastal vegetation along the East Coast reflects adaptation to salt spray, strong winds, and rocky or sandy substrates. Seashore vegetation communities including coastal scrub and strand vegetation colonise beaches and lower cliffs. Hala (pandanus) trees, a distinctive tropical coastal species, are characteristic elements of the East Coast landscape, appearing in traditional Amis culture as both a practical material and a symbolic plant. Banyan trees, tropical figs, and other subtropical forest species occur in sheltered valleys and on lower slopes above the coast. The vegetation transitions from coastal strand communities at the shore through to subtropical broadleaf forest on the inland slopes. Native coastal plant communities have faced pressure from invasive species and development, making the scenic area's protection important for their conservation.

The East Coast lies at the geologically active boundary zone where the Philippine Sea Plate converges with the Eurasian Plate, making Taiwan one of the world's most tectonically dynamic settings. The collision of these tectonic plates has uplifted the Central Mountain Range and created the dramatic topography that defines the East Coast, where mountains plunge steeply toward the Pacific. The coastline features distinctive geological formations including marine terraces lifted by ongoing tectonic activity, providing visible evidence of the coast's continuing rise relative to sea level. Sea caves, sea stacks, and wave-cut platforms characterise the rocky headlands, while river deltas and alluvial fans create small flat areas at the mouths of mountain streams. The geologically young and active landscape is prone to earthquakes and occasional tsunamis.

The East Coast experiences a subtropical climate strongly influenced by its Pacific-facing exposure and the Kuroshio Current. The area receives abundant rainfall, particularly in autumn and winter when northeasterly monsoon winds bring moisture from the Pacific, with some areas receiving over 2,000 millimetres (79 inches) annually. Summers are warm and humid, with typhoons a significant seasonal hazard from June through October. Direct Pacific exposure means the East Coast frequently experiences typhoon impacts more severely than Taiwan's western coast, with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges affecting coastal areas. Winters are mild compared to northern Taiwan, with temperatures rarely falling below 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) in most areas. The climate supports the lush subtropical vegetation and productive marine ecosystems of the region.

The East Coast has been inhabited by Amis, Bunun, Puyuma, and other indigenous Austronesian peoples for thousands of years, with communities developing sophisticated maritime and agricultural cultures adapted to the dramatic coastal environment. Traditional Amis communities developed distinctive fishing techniques, canoe-building skills, and coastal resource management practices suited to the Pacific coast. The Amis Harvest Festival, known as Ilisin, is one of Taiwan's most celebrated indigenous cultural events, with coastal communities hosting elaborate ceremonies that mark the agricultural and fishing calendar. Historical records from the Qing Dynasty period document indigenous communities along the East Coast as the administrative incorporation of eastern Taiwan lagged behind the western plains. Japanese colonial administration during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries transformed land use and introduced infrastructure to the previously isolated eastern coast.

East Coast National Scenic Area was designated by the Taiwanese government to protect and promote the outstanding natural and cultural values of the Pacific-facing eastern coastline. Designation followed recognition that the East Coast represented Taiwan's most intact stretch of natural coastline, spared the industrial and urban development that transformed the western coast. The scenic area designation created a management framework balancing conservation of natural landscapes, support for indigenous cultural heritage, and development of sustainable tourism. Management has involved significant investment in interpretation facilities, trail development, and support for indigenous cultural tourism, reflecting Taiwan's commitment to integrating indigenous rights and perspectives into protected area governance. The scenic area continues to evolve its management approach to address climate change impacts and changing visitor expectations.

The scenic area's primary coastal route, Provincial Highway 11, offers one of Taiwan's most spectacular driving experiences, winding between sea cliffs and ocean along a coastline largely free of the industrial development that characterises Taiwan's western shore. Sanxiantai, an offshore island connected to the shore by an arched bridge, is among the most visited sites, known for its distinctive rock formations and sea caves. Xiaoyeliu features marine erosion landforms similar to the famous Yehliu formations on Taiwan's north coast. Qingshui Cliff, one of the tallest sea cliffs in Taiwan, provides dramatic scenery from both land and sea. The Amis Folk Centre and other cultural sites offer interpretation of indigenous heritage. Sea kayaking and snorkelling in the clear Pacific waters are popular activities.

The East Coast is most easily accessed by the South Link Railway connecting Hualien and Taitung, or by Provincial Highway 11 running directly along the coast. Hualien and Taitung cities serve as the main visitor gateways, both accessible by air from Taipei and other Taiwanese cities. Cycling is a popular way to explore the coast, with a dedicated cycling trail paralleling the highway for much of its length. Accommodation options range from international hotels in the gateway cities to smaller guesthouses and indigenous cultural homestays within the scenic area. Visitor centres at key sites provide interpretation in multiple languages. The scenic area is open year-round, though typhoon season requires flexibility in planning, and some facilities may close during storm events. Weekends and public holidays see significantly higher visitor numbers.

Conservation management focuses on protecting the coastal natural environment from the pressures of development and visitor impact while supporting indigenous cultural heritage. Coastal erosion is a significant management challenge, exacerbated by sea-level rise and the tectonic uplift that continues to change the coastline. Invasive plant species management is ongoing to protect native coastal plant communities. Sustainable tourism development is a priority, with efforts to encourage locally owned and operated tourism businesses that benefit indigenous communities and incentivise conservation. Marine resource management aims to protect nearshore fishing grounds and sea turtle nesting beaches. Climate change, particularly through increased typhoon intensity and sea-level rise, presents long-term threats to the coastal landforms and ecosystems that define the scenic area's value.