Taitung County

Taitung County is an administrative region in southeastern Taiwan that stretches along the Pacific coast and includes, besides the mainland, Green Island and Orchid Island. The landscape shifts between coastal plains, forested mountains to the west and narrow bays where small fishing villages sit.

The area remained largely untouched by Chinese settlement until the late 19th century, when Governor Liu Mingchuan recruited migrants during the Qing period. This late opening left the land less densely built than elsewhere on the island.

Seven indigenous peoples shape everyday life across this region, and their languages, festivals and traditions remain visible in public spaces. In many villages along the coast and inland, visitors find community halls, carvings and markets where traditional crafts are sold.

The region can be reached by plane through the local airport or by train from larger cities. Those exploring the coast should rent a vehicle, as the towns are spread far apart and public connections run less frequently.

In May 2004, the thermometer climbed here above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time in Taiwan's recorded history. This record surprised many, as the east coast is normally considered cooler than the densely populated west.

Location: Taiwan Province

Capital city: Taitung City

Shares border with: Hualien County, Kaohsiung, Pingtung County

Website: http://taitung.gov.tw

GPS coordinates: 22.93333,120.93333

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:52