Located north of Taitung City, Donghe Township is a largely rural district on Taiwan’s east coast known for its rugged mountains, meandering rivers and beautiful beaches. It’s predominantly inhabited by the indigenous Amis people and features several landmarks associated with Taiwan’s period under Japanese rule.
Things to do in Donghe Township
Traversing the Mawuku River where it flows into the Philippine Sea is the Old Donghe Bridge, which was built by the Japanese in 1926. It was the longest bridge constructed during Taiwan’s period as a dependency and stretches to 127 metres in length. Today, it’s only accessible to pedestrians and offers a picturesque photo op between Donghe and Chenggong townships.
Want to stretch your legs? Spend a day hiking to the 1,190-metre-high peak of Dulan Mountain, which is a sacred place for the local Amis and Puyuma tribes. It offers sweeping views across Taiwan’s scenic east coast, stretching as far as the Philippine Sea when conditions are clear. For a day on the sand, head to Shanyuan Beach or surf the waves that break off Dulan Beach.
North of Dulan Village is an archaeological terrace where several well-preserved stone walls and coffins were discovered under Japanese rule. Subsequent excavations revealed objects dating back 3,000 years that are believed to have been part of the Kirin Culture. Follow the pathways that lead between its archaeological remains and browse the informative signboards detailing the excavations led by the Academia Sinica.
Getting around Donghe Township
Taitung Airport is just over an hour’s drive from Donghe Township and has regular flights to Taipei while the larger Kaohsiung International Airport is four hours away. Having your own vehicle is the most convenient way of exploring Donghe Township.