From Hualien to Taitung, Taiwan’s east coast reveals its character in open skies, rice fields and fishing towns. The Haifeng and Shanlan trains trace these landscapes with uninterrupted views of the Pacific. In Hualien, stop for cocktails at 5m Under, a bar in a renovated house, or coffee at Longgone Café near Qixingtan Beach. In Taitung, local institutions like Beinan Pig Blood Soup, Young Quan peanut brittle and Wang Ji swordfish snacks showcase flavours that define the island’s quieter side.

5m Under
Address: 6, Jieyue St, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan

Longgone Café
Address: 3, Lane 79, Qixing St, Xincheng Township, Hualien County, Taiwan

Beinan Pig Blood Soup
Address: 117, Chuanguang Rd, Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan

Young Quan Peanut Brittle
Address: 86, Minzu Road, Guanshan Township, Taitung County, Taiwan

Wang Ji
Address: 53, Xinsheng Rd, Chenggong Township, Taitung County, Taiwan