A rich and diverse habitat exists in the oceans surrounding the island. The east coast of Taiwan has all the perfect qualities to plan an “ocean ecosystem mini-trip.” Follow along Provincial Highway 11 beside the stunning deep blue ocean until you reach the 157 km mark and you’ll arrive at the Jialulan Recreation Area. This is where the Amis Tribe lives in Hedong Township. The Amis used to refer to this area as “kararuan” which means “place of hair washing”. This is because the Amis people liked to wash their hair in the streams nearby. The name stuck because the streams gave their hair a shiny luster due to their high mineral content.

After many years of planning and organization, the Tourism Bureau of the East Coast National Scenic Area has made the Jialulan Recreation Area one of the popular destinations on the East Coast. As Jialulan is located between the mountains and oceans, there is something to see both in the daytime and at night. The vast horizons can be seen during the day while the evening sky gets painted in brilliant colors. It is also perfect for star and moon gazing or listening to the crashing waves at night. There are large driftwood installation art pieces all around so that visitors can feel the majestic charm of nature.

The Amis people always refer to the Pacific as their refrigerator, “we can just go to the ocean when we need something.” Their ancestors' wisdom of living in harmony with nature can be found in these words, only taking what is necessary and needed. As Taitung is blessed with unique and rich natural resources, they have worked hard to embody the spirit of sustainability, emphasizing the importance of marine ecological conservation awareness, in hopes of preserving the stunning views of Taitung for generations to come.

You can’t miss out on the surrounding natural scenic destinations when visiting the Jialulan Recreation Area. Xiaoyeliu which is just around the corner has a landscape formed over years of coastal erosion that is strikingly similar to that of Yehliu Geopark in Taipei. The many different looks at the shore make it an art museum on the ocean. You can observe unique scenes that are created with the changing tides that make you stop and stand in awe of the powers of nature. On clear days, you can even see Green Island in the distance. Guests can enjoy water activities, look at fish, or even camp at Xiaoyeliu.

The Mirror of the Sky at Douli Beach has been widely trending on social media platforms recently. The unique black sand beach has created a Taiwanese version of the mirror in the sky. If you’re looking to snap that perfect picture, make sure to check the tide schedule before going. The mirror on the shore can only be captured during low tides. If you’re planning a family trip, the ShanYuan Ocean Ecology Park’s intertidal zone is a prime option. Guests can observe schools of fish, corals, and a variety of intertidal ocean life in the clear waters.

Jialulan Shore Public Transportation

Take the Taiwan Railway to Taitung Station, and transfer to DingDong Bus number 8102 (towards Jingpu), 8103 (Chenggong), and 8109 (Taiyuan) routes to Jialulan Stop. Alternatively, take the Taiwan Railway to Taitung Station, and transfer to Taiwan Tourist Shuttle East Shore line 8101A to Jialulan Stop.