Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Two "High" Points of Hualien

There are so many scenic, natural places to visit in Hualien. One day we went to the highest paved road in Southeast Asia, called Wuling Road, up in the mountains behind Taroko Gorge. The road leading to this high pass is narrow and winding, with many turns and small tunnels. 

The day was sunny and bright; here are some of the photos I took on the way up. 



I felt so close to the clouds up here! The temperature got progressively colder as we climbed higher. At the top, around 3275 meters above sea level, it was about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, drastically colder than the temperatures on flat land. Remember to bring a big coat if you plan to visit!


The sky was so bright and the fresh air was crisp and cold. There were different breath-taking mountain views around each turn - I never knew what to expect, but I was always amazed.



At the highest elevation, there is a pit stop and parking lot for people to get out of their cars and take photographs at an observation deck. There is also a lodge and a cafe to grab some coffee and warm up. 



Another great spot in Hualien is the Qingshui Cliffs, which would be translated as "Clear Water Cliffs." Here, the steep mountain cliffs meet the clear blue waters of the ocean, creating a beautiful contrasting landscape. 



The road in between the cliff and the water is very narrow, but there are several shoulders where you can get off, take photos and admire the view.


The water was stunningly blue.


My four day trip to Hualien was filled with lots of fun activities. If you are in Taipei, and you enjoy the outdoors, Hualien is highly recommended. There were some other spots that I didn't get to see, like a few rural farms, as well as some other spots in Taroko Gorge, so I hope to be able to go back.


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