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Qingshui Cliff Scenic Area adventures

Qingshui Cliff Scenic Area Adventures

Qingshui Cliff Scenic Area features towering sea cliffs that plunge dramatically into the Pacific Ocean, offering spectacular coastal vistas and hiking opportunities along Taiwan’s eastern coastline.

6,000
Acres Protected
5
Miles of Trails
Over 1 million
Annual Visitors
1985
Year Established

About Qingshui Cliff Scenic Area

 

Qingshui Cliff Scenic Area is located along Taiwan’s rugged east coast in Hualien County, where the Central Mountain Range meets the Pacific Ocean. The cliffs soar up to 800 meters (about 2,600 feet) above sea level, making them one of the tallest coastal rock faces in the world. This geological marvel stretches for roughly 21 kilometers and is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of steep cliffs, deep blue ocean waters, and rolling mountains. The area is part of the broader Taroko National Park ecosystem, providing a unique geological and ecological interface between ocean and mountains. Vegetation here includes a mix of subtropical plant species adapted to the coastal environment, while marine birds and occasional cetaceans add to the wildlife diversity. Visitors are attracted by the scenic viewpoints, short hiking trails, and opportunities for photography, especially where the highway runs alongside the cliffs offering easy access to spectacular outlooks. Qingshui Cliff also holds cultural significance with local Atayal Indigenous heritage and historic ties to the coastal fishing communities. Its dramatic landscape has made it a popular destination for both nature lovers and casual tourists seeking dramatic seaside scenery. The area offers several well-maintained viewing platforms and short trails suitable for families and photographers alike. The cliffs are also a frequent subject of local art and travel literature due to their imposing presence and natural grandeur.

Highlights

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Breathtaking panoramic lookout points along the highway

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The towering cliffs rising up to 800 meters above the Pacific Ocean

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Spectacular photo opportunities at sunrise and sunset

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Close proximity to Taroko Gorge National Park and coastal beaches

Notable Natural Features

Qingshui Cliff Overlook

A series of federally maintained viewpoints along Highway 9 offering unobstructed views of the cliffs plunging into the Pacific Ocean.

High Mountain Tea Gardens

Terraced tea plantations nearby that grow Taiwan’s famous high mountain oolong teas, providing cultural context and additional scenic beauty.

Pacific Ocean Viewpoint

A coastal outlook where visitors can see the interplay of mountain geology and ocean swells, often with dolphins or whales visible offshore.