There’s something about Taitung. The moment I cross into the east valley, the rest of the world gets quiet.
The air feels clearer. Mother Nature is bigger. Worries melt away.
And this trip—just me & Abie—was exactly the reset we needed.
Abie’s my best road trip partner. She’s small, sturdy, curious & always down for an adventure (or a nap in the backseat). And this ain't her first rodeo. Together, we've clocked tens of thousands of miles roadtripping & adventuring across the USA, many an hour exploring the New Zealand bush and have enjoyed years of mountains, camping and general shenanigans here in Formosa.
She's very familiar with the routine: music up, windows cracked, smiles wide.
The drive from Tainan to Taitung isn’t short, but it’s gorgeous. We wound through the central mountains, made pit stops for coffee & views & cruised through small towns that feel frozen in time. Taiwan’s landscapes never disappoint—and Taitung's views of mountains falling into the Pacific always leave ya wanting more.
Taitung isn’t flashy. It’s not trying to be anything it’s not. It’s slow, open, kind. Every time I visit, I remember what it feels like to just be. To breathe. To connect. With nature, with myself, with the things that matter.
It's good to press pause.
Abie & I will be back. We always will. Taitung calls us home in a quiet, beautiful way. And we're happy to respond in kind.
I've asked ChatGPT to compile a list of Taitung historical facts for you readers -
Originally Home to Indigenous Tribes
Taitung has been inhabited for thousands of years by various Indigenous groups, including the Amis, Puyuma, Rukai, Bunun, and Paiwan. Today, it has the highest percentage of Indigenous population in Taiwan, and their cultures remain deeply woven into the region’s identity.
The Name “Taitung” (臺東 - literally Tai-East）Emerged During the Qing Dynasty
During the late Qing period, the area was referred to as “Taitung Prefecture” (臺東直隸州). Before that, it had no official Chinese administrative designation and was mostly autonomous Indigenous territory.
Japanese Colonial Rule Brought Rail and Agriculture
Under Japanese rule (1895–1945), Taitung saw the introduction of railroads, agricultural development, and structured urban planning. The Japanese also implemented policies to integrate Indigenous people into the imperial system, often forcefully.
Taitung Was One of the Last Areas Fully Controlled by the Qing Dynasty
Due to its remote location and rugged terrain, Qing control over the Taitung area was limited and delayed. Full administrative incorporation only occurred late in the 19th century.
It Was Historically Cut Off from the West
The Central Mountain Range made access to Taitung difficult for centuries. Roads connecting Taitung to the rest of Taiwan weren’t fully completed until the mid-20th century, contributing to its preserved natural and cultural landscape.
A Hub for Austronesian Studies
Taitung plays a key role in Austronesian cultural and linguistic research. Many scholars believe Taiwan is the origin point for Austronesian migrations that spread as far as Madagascar and Polynesia.
Luye Highland Was a WWII Airbase
The scenic Luye Highland, now famous for its balloon festival, was once used by the Japanese as a military airbase during World War II.
Rich in Prehistoric Sites
Archaeological digs in Taitung, such as those at the Beinan Site, have uncovered ancient burial grounds and artifacts dating back over 5,000 years, shedding light on Taiwan’s prehistoric cultures.
