Taiwan's East Coast: Indigenous Trails, Temples & Regional Kitchens — 10 Days
Caoling Historic Trail to Alangyi coastline, with indigenous workshops and regional cuisine across Hualien, Taitung, and Pingtung
This ten-day route moves through Taiwan's eastern spine—a region most international visitors skip in favor of Taipei and the west coast. The itinerary anchors on three historic trails: the 7-kilometer Caoling trade route, the Batongguan path through Japanese-era conflict sites, and the Alangyi coastal walk along Taiwan's least developed shoreline. Between treks, the trip centers on hands-on engagement: dye workshops in Ruisui, calligraphy and rice-harvesting instruction from local elders, cooking classes with Amis hosts, and extended time at the Indigenous Wild Vegetable Center and Hunter's School. Three nights are spent in hot spring hotels in Ruisui and Mudan. Accommodations throughout are mid-range to upscale regional properties. A licensed bilingual guide leads all activities; private van transport handles the route. The trip departs and concludes in Taipei.
Highlights
- Hike the Caoling Historic Trail (7 km), a 200-year-old trade route linking coastal settlements, with views of the Pacific and a stop at a Daoist temple
- Learn Amis hunting traditions and cuisine at a local Hunter's School in Kiwit Village, followed by an herbal foot bath and evening in a Ruisui hot spring hotel
- Walk the Batongguan Historic Trail (Walami Trail), traversing suspension bridges and central mountain terrain while visiting a remote Bunan slate house
- Visit the Alangyi Historic Trail along Taiwan's undeveloped coastline, a path that weaves together indigenous, Japanese, and Taiwanese historical layers
- Participate in a dye workshop in Ruisui, creating a handmade keepsake using traditional methods
- Join local elders for calligraphy instruction and rice-harvesting traditions, followed by an Amis cooking class in Taitung
- Visit the Indigenous Wild Vegetable Center near Liyu Lake to learn about Amis preservation efforts for regional plant species
- Tour major regional temples, including a 300-year-old temple in Taipei and the Fo Guang Buddhist Temple complex
- Taste honey-flavored black tea at a regional tea house and visit night markets in Hualien and Taipei
Day by day
1Arrival in Taipei and Temple VisitTaoyuan International Airport · a 300-year-old temple in the city center · a vibrant shopping district
Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport and transfer to Taipei. Visit a 300-year-old temple in the city center, then gather for a welcome dinner as evening lights emerge. Stroll through a lively shopping district to close your first night.
2Caoling Historic Trail to HualienCaoling Historic Trail · Daoist Temple · Dadongmen Night Market
Hike the 7km Caoling Historic Trail, a 200-year-old trade route with coastal views and a Daoist Temple stop. Transfer to Hualien for the evening, then visit Dadongmen Night Market on foot.
3Indigenous Wild Vegetables and Liyu Lake WalkLiyu Lake · Indigenous Wild Vegetable Center near Liyu Lake
The morning focuses on the Indigenous Wild Vegetable Center near Liyu Lake, where the Amis people work to preserve local vegetable species and traditional food knowledge. After a lunch beside the lake itself, a flat 5-kilometer walk circles Liyu Lake on a mostly car-free designated path. The route is unhurried and offers time to observe the landscape and local activity around the water.
4Hunter's School and Kiwit VillageKiwit Village · Hunter's School in Kiwit Village · Ruisui hot spring hotel
A visit to a local Hunter's School in Kiwit Village introduces Amis hunting practices and the seasonal cuisine they sustain. A short walking tour follows, including time for an herbal foot bath. The day ends with a transfer to Ruisui, where you stay at a hot spring hotel with direct access to thermal pools.
5Dye Workshop, Tea Tasting, and Hot SpringsRuisui dye workshop · hot spring hotel · regional tea house
The Ruisui dye workshop gives hands-on experience with traditional dyeing methods; you create an item to take home. After lunch, a black tea tasting—focused on honey-flavored regional varieties—introduces the local tea culture. The evening returns to the hot spring hotel, where thermal baths and spa facilities are available.
6Batongguan Historic Trail and Bunan Slate HouseWalami Trail · remote Bunan slate house · Chishang
Walk the Walami Trail through sites of Japanese-indigenous conflict. Major suspension bridges span ravines with central mountain views. Visit a remote Bunan slate house, a traditional stone dwelling. End in Chishang.
7Rice Traditions, Calligraphy, and Amis Cooking in TaitungTaitung
Learn rice-harvesting customs from local elders, then practice calligraphy and its connection to the land. An evening Amis cooking class visits traditional food preparation with regional ingredients.
8Alangyi Historic Trail and Mudan Hot SpringsAlangyi Historic Trail · Mudan
An easy coastal hike along Taiwan's last undeveloped shoreline, tracing Indigenous, Japanese, and Taiwanese history. Evening transfer to Mudan for an overnight stay at a hot spring hotel.
9Glass Bead Workshop, Buddhist Temple, and Return to TaipeiSandimen · Fo Guang Buddhist Temple · Fo Guang Buddhist Temple to Taipei
The day begins in Sandimen with a visit to a glass bead cultural workshop, where artisans produce beads using traditional techniques specific to Paiwan communities. Lunch follows in the village. The route then moves north to the Fo Guang Buddhist Temple, a major regional religious complex. From there, the High Speed Rail carries you back to Taipei, arriving by evening.
10Departure from TaipeiTaoyuan International Airport
A leisurely breakfast precedes any final shopping or snacking before the airport transfer to Taoyuan International Airport and departure.
Where you go
- 1Caoling Historic Trail
Included
- 10-days of private van transportation (incl. airport transfers)
- 9-nights accommodation (3-4 star, 3 nights in hot spring hotels)
- 10-days of licensed, bilingual guide
- Daily liability insurance
- 21 Meals
- All admissions & activities