Taiwan's stunningly beautiful East Coast offers a stark contrast to the urban centers of the west. Far fewer people live on this side of the island, and it's not hard to see why. Tall, steep mountains meet the Pacific head-on, creating a coastline of towering cliffs, rugged beaches and small harbors. Until fairly recently, the region was all but inaccessible.

A highway following the coast is the most popular way to view the scenery, but if sharp, narrow turns aren't to your liking, there is also a train line between Taipei and Taitung.

The area is a favorite for adventurers, local and foreign. Hang gliders, kayakers and even some surfers from around the world are attracted to the region.

The largest town around is Hualien. Most people traveling down the coast stop here to rest or use the town as a jumping off point for recreational activities. The Central Cross-Island Highway (another must-see) joins the East Coast Highway just north of Hualien.

South of Hualien, the road forks, giving you an option between the mountains and hot springs or still more coastline. The routes rejoin in Taitung, a small remote town that remains the economic hub for the southeast region of the island. There is air service between Taipei and Taitung. You can also reach Taitung from Tainan or Kaohsiung via the Southern Cross-Island Highway, yet another outrageously beautiful road.

For more information on East Coast, visit
http://www.sinica.edu.tw/tit/scenery/
1096_RockyCoast.html