Overlooking the Pacific Ocean on Taiwan’s east coast, Changbin Township comprises six villages in Taitung County. It’s largely inhabited by the indigenous Amis people, together with a small number of Kavalan. In addition to large swathes of rice paddies and tea plantations, the area is renowned for its sea caves and prehistoric finds.
Things to do in Changbin Township
Etched into Hua Tung Mountain on the coast of Changbin Township are the Baxian Caves, which are named after the Eight Immortals in Daoist mythology. Ruins dating from the Old Stone Age have been discovered here, some of which are showcased at the site’s small exhibition centre. More recently, the wave-eroded caves were used as places of worship, with marked stone and wood trails now leading through several.
If you want to experience the natural beauty of the region, rent a bicycle to explore Diamond Avenue, a scenic cycling route that starts just west of Changbin village. It features centuries-old banyan trees, stone wishing wells and architectural ruins, accompanied by sweeping views across the sprawling rice paddies to the Pacific Ocean.
On the western edge of Changbin Township lies Yuli Town, which is famed for its vast fields of daylilies. Nicknamed “golden needle flowers”, they transform the slopes of Chike Mountain into a sea of orange and yellow from July to September each year. While visiting Chike Mountain, don’t miss the opportunity to try Taiwan Black Gold, a locally cultivated tea variety that flourishes in the foggy mountain conditions.
Getting around Changbin Township
Changbin Township is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Taitung Airport, which has regular flights to Taipei. Trains also connect from Taitung to the Taiwanese capital. Buses travel throughout Changbin Township, although having your own car gives you greater freedom to explore.