About Taitung

Taitung is located in southeastern Taiwan coasted by the Pacific Ocean, and is neighbor to Hualian, Pingtung and Kaohsiung Counties.  Orchid Island and Green Island are also included in Taitung County.  The total area of Taitung County is 3,515km2, which is equivalent to 9.78% of Taiwan, the third largest second to Hualian and Nantou Counties. Taitung County has a mountainous terrain but also includes plains and coasts, giving a very mixed topography.

In ancient times, Taitung was called Chongyao, and because of its location, it also has the nickname of Hou shan or “Behind the mountains”.  5000 years ago, the Taitung area was one of the most culturally developed parts of the island, with many precious cultural relics still remain today, including artifacts from the Paleolithic Changpin Culture and the Neolithic Kylin and Puyuma Cultures.

Taitung has a population of approximately 240,000 people.  Apart from the Han and Hakka immigrants from China, the aboriginal people make up a large part of the population.  The aboriginal peoples found in the area come from the Amis, Paiwan, Puyuma, Bunun, Rukai, and Yami tribes, all living together in harmony.

Taitung is an agricultural county.  The produce of the area include Soursop, Orchids, Day lilies, Roselle, Chishang rice, and especially Fulu tea.  With mountains on one side and the ocean on the other and blue skies and emerald seas, and because industry is at a minimum through out the county, Taitung is one of the cleanest parts of Taiwan, just perfect for tourism.  The most famous tourist spots are the Sanhsiantai, Hsiaohuang Mountain, Hsiaoyeliu, Jhihben Forest Amusement Park, Chulu Farms, Gaotai Tea Gardens and Green Island.  A leisurely tour through the county with its blue skies and green fields will make one feel limitlessly relaxed and carefree.