Discover Taitung: The Hawaii of the Orient
Located south of the Tropic of Cancer and bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, Taitung is Taiwan’s 3rd largest administrative region, with an area of approximately 3,500 square kilometers. Taitung is Taiwan’s least populous county, with a population of around 210,000 people. Half of the county’s population live in Taitung City.
Regions
Taitung can be divided into six regions: East Rift Valley, East Coast Area, South-Link, Southern Cross-Island Line, Taitung City, and the Offshore Islands.
- The East Rift Valley Area is relatively high land, with wide plains, and consists mainly of agricultural land;
- The East Coast Area is located between the Coastal Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, with 90 kilometers of largely coastline north to south
- The South-Link Area is located to the south of Zhiben River, also facing the Pacific Ocean to the east. In addition, it is a major settlement for indigenous tribes;
- The Southern Cross-Island Line along the Central Mountain Range is a great place for hiking and hot springs;
- Taitung City is the most populous area in the county, with many cultural and historical buildings. There are also various delicious foods in the city;
- Green Island and Orchid Island are famous islands with rich natural landscapes, and are also world-class diving and holiday destinations.
Activities
Taitung is an amazing destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering world-class surfing and diving spots. Visitors can also enjoy mountain climbing, camping, hot springs, triathlon races, paragliding, and a variety of other activities. Taitung hosts major international events annually, such as the Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival, Taiwan Open of Surfing, and Taiwan East Coast Land Arts Festival.
Weather
Taitung features a tropical and mountainous climate, with warm to hot temperatures year-round. Except for Orchid Island, Taitung experiences 8 to 9 months of summer, with temperatures averaging 0.5 degrees higher than western Taiwan.
Rainfall is abundant, with average annual humidity at 76%. The rainy season spans from May to October, receiving four times more rainfall than the dry season from November to April.
Precautions: Typhoons frequently occur from July to September, bringing increased rainfall and wind speeds. Travelers should plan accordingly and prioritize personal safety. Meanwhile, in summer, the Foehn wind phenomenon can cause sudden temperature spikes, so beware of heat stroke.
Economy
Taitung’s economy is dominated by a blend of agriculture and tourism. In terms of agriculture, it benefits from its tropical location and the geographical advantages of mountains and the sea, which support a diverse range of crops. Key agricultural products include custard apples, pineapples, summer snow mangoes, and rice. Taitung is also renowned for specialty items like Luye red oolong tea, orange daylilies, and roselle flowers, which are highly valued throughout the country. Additionally, Taitung’s coastal areas contribute to a variety of fishery products like sailfish, mahi-mahi, and bonito.
Indigenous Heritage
Taitung has the highest proportion of indigenous people in Taiwan, including seven ethnic groups native to the area: Amis, Paiwan, Bunun, Rukai, Puyuma, Kavalan, and Yami (Tao). The government actively supports the preservation of indigenous cultures, including language, festivals, and traditional practices.
You can taste the wide variety of indigenous cuisine, enjoy celebrations such as the Harvest Festival in July every year, and participate in tribal tours.
