The Huadong Rift Valley scenic area, located in the eastern part of Taiwan, stretches approximately 180 kilometers from north to south. It is a sedimentary plain nestled between the island’s central mountain range and coastal mountain range, acting as a ‘green corridor’ connecting Hualien and Taitung. This region remains largely undeveloped, preserving its rustic charm and scenic beauty with verdant mountains, waterfalls, canyons, streams, and hot springs. Visitors can also enjoy pastoral farms, explore prehistoric cultures, learn about the cultures of Taiwan’s indigenous people, and visit Taitung’s industrial heritage sites. Within the Huadong Rift Valley, there are several well-known attractions, such as the Carp Pond and Chi Nan National Forest Recreation Area in Hualien, Farglory Ocean Park, Matou Marsh, Ruishi Hot Springs, Ruishi Pasture, and Xiuguluan Creek. In Taitung, visitors can find rural beauty spots like the Lu Ye High Terrace, Lu Ye Sightseeing Tea Garden, and Chu Lu Pasture. Due to limited transportation options, tourists typically opt for chartered vehicles or, for those with cycling experience, bicycles are also a good choice. Spring offers a view of the rapeseed flower sea, while the transition between spring and summer is ideal for firefly watching at Carp Pond. In the height of summer, the paragliding performances at Lu Ye High Terrace are a must-see, and in autumn, the hillsides are covered with golden needle flowers. For those seeking a taste of the wild, Carp Pond offers fresh air and Xiuguluan Creek provides an exhilarating rafting experience. Visiting the golden needle flower sea at Shih Shih Shih Mountain in the middle of the Huadong Rift Valley during August and September is a rare treat. Friends who prefer comfort and tranquility can start with a visit to Ruishi Pasture to see open, natural livestock farming and sample famous green dairy products. Then, a soak in Ruishi Hot Springs or Red Leaf Hot Springs allows one to enjoy the preserved village spa atmosphere, providing a relaxing and delightful experience. During July and August, the hot air balloon carnival at Lu Ye High Terrace offers a chance to witness a sky filled with paragliders and hot air balloons, and for the adventurous, the opportunity to experience flying in the sky. From high above, the surrounding expansive views are breathtaking, with mountains encircling vast green grasslands and the orderly sight of Lu Ye High Terrace sightseeing tea gardens passing beneath, complemented by the colorful paragliders and hot air balloons against the blue sky, creating a captivating scene. The area is open all year round, accessible 24 hours a day.
Related Content：
Discover the Magic City’s Winter Hot Spring Journey with a Genuine Urban Spa
Winter Tour in Mingyue Mountain, Jiangxi. Play with snow on the mountain and soak in hot springs at the foot. See waterfalls and floating clouds and take a small train. Beautiful scenery and fun activities.
Explore the Authentic Hot Springs in Shanghai: Fun and Leisure at ‘Red Pavilion’
West of Tibet, Towards the Scorching Mountains and Rivers
Jiangnan Song City: Scenic Beauty, Hakka Cradle, and Fun in Ganzhou!
Jiangxi Wangxian Valley: The Xianxia World on the Cliff