Central Taiwan is blessed with exquisite scenery and a unique cultural heritage. Cental Taiwan is dominated by the Central Mountain Range. There are aboriginal villages scattered throughout the valleys where life hasn't changed much in centuries. Travelling can be difficult at times; heavy rains can turn fast flowing rivers into flood zones that can put bridges and roads out of commission. But the spectacular environment makes visiting this part of the island well worth the effort.
Central Taiwan
Ilan County
Ilan is known for its Children's Festival
and also known having the only Cold Spring in Taiwan, in a small city called Suao. These Cold Spring Baths are naturally carbonated and sulphur-free. There are trains and buses that can take you to Suao directly from Taipei. Further south, Hualien is Taiwan's third largest city and a major tourist destination wedged between the Central Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean.
Hualien is home to Taroko Gorge, Taiwans top tourist destination. (It is also home to a marble industry that is destoying the environment. If you purchase a piece of carved marble you are contributing to the problem). Taroko National Park is over 120,000 hectares and is split in half by the Liwu river and the cross-island highway. There are hiking trails everywhere that lead to religious shrines, temples, hot-springs and spectacular mountain views. If you see nothing else in Taiwan, visit Taroko Gorge.