From Waves to Rice Paddies: A 2-Day Tour of Art and Culture
Post date: 2025-06-24
318
Day 2 Days
Category East Rift Valley、East Coast
Transport Drive
Highlight
Itinerary
Anchor
In addition to breathtaking mountain and coastal scenery, Taitung also boasts a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Set against the backdrop of the stunning blues of the Pacific Ocean, the Paul Chiang Art Center in Jinzun serves as a landmark that combines artists’ studios, exhibition spaces, and striking architectural design. The Bunun Leisure Farm allows a glimpse into the cultural soul of Taiwan through performances of traditional dances and music that showcase the unique artistic vitality of the indigenous Bunun people.
Recommended Itinerary:
Paul Chiang Art Center → Meishan Station & Chengnong Flower Field Restaurant → Yiwan Presbyterian Church → King Kong Avenue → Overnight in Chishang → Chih-Shang Soybean Space → Chishang Art Center → Takofan Wonderland → Guanshan Rice County School → Bunun Leisure Farm → Hong Ye Vakangan Hot Spring Park
Stop 1: Paul Chiang Art Center
Located in Jinzun, Donghe Township, the Paul Chiang Art Center showcases the modernist paintings and sculptures of this important Taiwanese artist. The center’s design blends architecture with stunning Pacific Ocean views.
Twelve years in its construction, the art center adds an important cultural landmark to a location already internationally famous for surfing.
【Paul Chiang Art Center】
Address: No. 132-2, Jinzun, Donghe Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM–05:00 PM (last admission 04:30 PM); closed on Tuesdays
Tel: +886-966-421-049
Official Website: Paul Chiang Art Center
Getting There: Travel by car. Or take the Shing Dong Bus (formerly the Diing Dong Bus Coastal Line) to the Art Center stop.
Tip: Advance booking recommended
Stop 2: Meishanyi Station and Chengnong Flower Field Restaurant
This combination farm- restaurant offers fresh, local cuisine set amidst fields of flowers and dramatic mountain views. On a clear day, you can even glimpse the scenic coastline around Sanxiantai in the distance.
【Meishan Station & Chengnong Flower Field Restaurant】
Address: No. 139-2, Meishan Rd, Chenggong Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM–02:00 PM, 05:00 PM–08:00 PM; closed Mondays & Tuesdays (Business hours are subject to change. Please refer to the store’s official announcement.)
Tel: +886-89-871909
Facebook Page: Chengnong Flower Field Restaurant
Stop 3: Yiwan Presbyterian Church
Located along the Coastal Highway, this Presbyterian church is famous for its unique design. From the front, it looks like a church out of a fairytale, but it’s actually just a thin façade, like a movie set. For its magical, cartoon-like appearance, it has been nicknamed the “Greeting Card Church.”
【Yiwan Presbyterian Church】
Address: No. 11, Yiwan Rd, Chenggong Township, Taitung County
Getting There: Travel by car. Or take the Shing Dong Bus (formerly the Diing Dong Bus Coastal Line) to the Yiwan Stop.
Tip: Please respect local religious customs.
Stop 4: King Kong Avenue
One of Taiwan’s most photogenic coastal roads, King Kong Avenue runs straight through a long section of lush green rice paddies and is set against the backdrop of majestic King Kong Mountain, which is so named for features said to resemble a gorilla’s face. It’s a beautiful stretch of countryside that’s perfect for cycling or hiking.
【King Kong Avenue】
Address: Township Road 13 East, Changbin Township, Taitung County(Changguang Industrial Road)
Opening Hours: Open year-round
Getting There: Drive along Provincial Highway 11, then turn onto Township Road 13 East
Stop 5: Chih-Shang Soybean Space
This cozy café in Chishang serves fresh tofu dishes and rice-based treats. The adjacent farmers’ warehouse is decorated with striking blueprint-style murals, giving the venue a unique artistic touch.
Signature dishes include tofu wraps, silken tofu pudding, soy milk, rice buns, and vegetarian rice balls—perfect for either a meal or a snack.
【Chih-Shang Soybean Space】
Address: No. 12, Tongshui Alley, Zhongshan Road, Chishang Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: Tue–Thu & Sun 08:00 AM–06:00 PM; Fri–Sat 08:00 AM–08:00 PM; closed on Mondays (Business hours are subject to change. Please refer to the store’s official announcement.)
Tel: +886-89-862050
Facebook Page:Chih-Shang Soybean Space
Stop 6: Chishang Art Center
Housed in a renovated rice granary, this art space hosts rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to discover. The peaceful surroundings also make it a lovely spot for leisurely walks or amateur photo shoots.
【Chishang Art Center】
Address: No. 6, Zhongxi 3rd Rd, Chishang Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: Wed–Sun 10:30 AM–05:30 PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Tel: +886-89-862089
Official Website: Chishang Art Center
Tip: Hours may vary depending on exhibitions. Check online before visiting.
Stop 7: The Takofan Wonderland
Located on the banks of the Beinan River, this artificial wetland near the Degao Tribal Village takes the name “Takofan”from the Amis word for the Degao community.
A hidden gem, the Takofan Wonderland features a small lake, open rice fields, and the dramatic backdrop of the Central Mountain Range. Its idyllic scenery has become a favorite of Instagrammers.
【The Takofan Wonderland】
Address: Takofan Wetlands, Guanshan Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: Open year-round
Tel: +886-89-811179
Stop 8: Guanshan Rice County School
A must-visit for learning about the culture of local rice cultivation, this center for the Guanshan Township Farmers’ Association is surrounded by vast rice paddies. Around the Lunar New Year, colorful rice-themed artworks are installed in the surrounding fields, making for a curious spectacle.
The school building also houses a rice museum, an agricultural products gift shop, and hands-on rice cultivation workshops and activities.
【Guanshan Rice County School】
Address: No. 24-1, Changlin Rd, Guanshan Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM–05:00 PM
Tel: +886-89-814903
Facebook Page: Rice County School
Tip: Advance reservations are recommended for experience activities.
Stop 9: Bunun Leisure Farm
An ideal destination to immerse yourself in Bunun culture, this indigenous village hosts daily performances of traditional songs and dances, including the performances of the Bunun’s world-renowned eight-part harmonic singing.
Visitors can participate in activities like archery, weaving, and handicraft workshops. Lodging is available for overnight stays, and there is a restaurant.
【Bunun Leisure Farm】
Address: No. 191, Shengping Rd., Yanping Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM–05:00 PM
Tel: +886-89-561211
Official Website: Bunun Leisure Farm
Stop 10: Hong Ye Vakangan Hot Spring Park
This spot is highly unique in the way that it combines hot springs with green energy initiatives. As a visitor, you’ll be able to relax in soothing mineral baths and unwind. Then enjoy a meal of local fare at the park restaurant.
Embodying the values of sustainability and low-carbon emissions, the “Good Things Market” showcases handmade goods by local artisans and packaging-free farm produce.
【Hong Ye Vakangan Hot Spring Park 】
Address: No. 121, Honggu Rd., Hongye Village, Yanping Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM–09:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
Tel: +886-89-561068
Official Website: Hongye Valley
Tip: Discounted tickets are available for purchase online.
Photo source: Provided by the Taitung County Government (2024)
Recommended Itinerary:
Paul Chiang Art Center → Meishan Station & Chengnong Flower Field Restaurant → Yiwan Presbyterian Church → King Kong Avenue → Overnight in Chishang → Chih-Shang Soybean Space → Chishang Art Center → Takofan Wonderland → Guanshan Rice County School → Bunun Leisure Farm → Hong Ye Vakangan Hot Spring Park
Stop 1: Paul Chiang Art Center
Located in Jinzun, Donghe Township, the Paul Chiang Art Center showcases the modernist paintings and sculptures of this important Taiwanese artist. The center’s design blends architecture with stunning Pacific Ocean views.
Twelve years in its construction, the art center adds an important cultural landmark to a location already internationally famous for surfing.
【Paul Chiang Art Center】
Address: No. 132-2, Jinzun, Donghe Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM–05:00 PM (last admission 04:30 PM); closed on Tuesdays
Tel: +886-966-421-049
Official Website: Paul Chiang Art Center
Getting There: Travel by car. Or take the Shing Dong Bus (formerly the Diing Dong Bus Coastal Line) to the Art Center stop.
Tip: Advance booking recommended
Stop 2: Meishanyi Station and Chengnong Flower Field Restaurant
This combination farm- restaurant offers fresh, local cuisine set amidst fields of flowers and dramatic mountain views. On a clear day, you can even glimpse the scenic coastline around Sanxiantai in the distance.
【Meishan Station & Chengnong Flower Field Restaurant】
Address: No. 139-2, Meishan Rd, Chenggong Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM–02:00 PM, 05:00 PM–08:00 PM; closed Mondays & Tuesdays (Business hours are subject to change. Please refer to the store’s official announcement.)
Tel: +886-89-871909
Facebook Page: Chengnong Flower Field Restaurant
Stop 3: Yiwan Presbyterian Church
Located along the Coastal Highway, this Presbyterian church is famous for its unique design. From the front, it looks like a church out of a fairytale, but it’s actually just a thin façade, like a movie set. For its magical, cartoon-like appearance, it has been nicknamed the “Greeting Card Church.”
【Yiwan Presbyterian Church】
Address: No. 11, Yiwan Rd, Chenggong Township, Taitung County
Getting There: Travel by car. Or take the Shing Dong Bus (formerly the Diing Dong Bus Coastal Line) to the Yiwan Stop.
Tip: Please respect local religious customs.
Stop 4: King Kong Avenue
One of Taiwan’s most photogenic coastal roads, King Kong Avenue runs straight through a long section of lush green rice paddies and is set against the backdrop of majestic King Kong Mountain, which is so named for features said to resemble a gorilla’s face. It’s a beautiful stretch of countryside that’s perfect for cycling or hiking.
【King Kong Avenue】
Address: Township Road 13 East, Changbin Township, Taitung County(Changguang Industrial Road)
Opening Hours: Open year-round
Getting There: Drive along Provincial Highway 11, then turn onto Township Road 13 East
Stop 5: Chih-Shang Soybean Space
This cozy café in Chishang serves fresh tofu dishes and rice-based treats. The adjacent farmers’ warehouse is decorated with striking blueprint-style murals, giving the venue a unique artistic touch.
Signature dishes include tofu wraps, silken tofu pudding, soy milk, rice buns, and vegetarian rice balls—perfect for either a meal or a snack.
【Chih-Shang Soybean Space】
Address: No. 12, Tongshui Alley, Zhongshan Road, Chishang Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: Tue–Thu & Sun 08:00 AM–06:00 PM; Fri–Sat 08:00 AM–08:00 PM; closed on Mondays (Business hours are subject to change. Please refer to the store’s official announcement.)
Tel: +886-89-862050
Facebook Page:Chih-Shang Soybean Space
Stop 6: Chishang Art Center
Housed in a renovated rice granary, this art space hosts rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to discover. The peaceful surroundings also make it a lovely spot for leisurely walks or amateur photo shoots.
【Chishang Art Center】
Address: No. 6, Zhongxi 3rd Rd, Chishang Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: Wed–Sun 10:30 AM–05:30 PM (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Tel: +886-89-862089
Official Website: Chishang Art Center
Tip: Hours may vary depending on exhibitions. Check online before visiting.
Stop 7: The Takofan Wonderland
Located on the banks of the Beinan River, this artificial wetland near the Degao Tribal Village takes the name “Takofan”from the Amis word for the Degao community.
A hidden gem, the Takofan Wonderland features a small lake, open rice fields, and the dramatic backdrop of the Central Mountain Range. Its idyllic scenery has become a favorite of Instagrammers.
【The Takofan Wonderland】
Address: Takofan Wetlands, Guanshan Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: Open year-round
Tel: +886-89-811179
Stop 8: Guanshan Rice County School
A must-visit for learning about the culture of local rice cultivation, this center for the Guanshan Township Farmers’ Association is surrounded by vast rice paddies. Around the Lunar New Year, colorful rice-themed artworks are installed in the surrounding fields, making for a curious spectacle.
The school building also houses a rice museum, an agricultural products gift shop, and hands-on rice cultivation workshops and activities.
【Guanshan Rice County School】
Address: No. 24-1, Changlin Rd, Guanshan Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM–05:00 PM
Tel: +886-89-814903
Facebook Page: Rice County School
Tip: Advance reservations are recommended for experience activities.
Stop 9: Bunun Leisure Farm
An ideal destination to immerse yourself in Bunun culture, this indigenous village hosts daily performances of traditional songs and dances, including the performances of the Bunun’s world-renowned eight-part harmonic singing.
Visitors can participate in activities like archery, weaving, and handicraft workshops. Lodging is available for overnight stays, and there is a restaurant.
【Bunun Leisure Farm】
Address: No. 191, Shengping Rd., Yanping Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM–05:00 PM
Tel: +886-89-561211
Official Website: Bunun Leisure Farm
Stop 10: Hong Ye Vakangan Hot Spring Park
This spot is highly unique in the way that it combines hot springs with green energy initiatives. As a visitor, you’ll be able to relax in soothing mineral baths and unwind. Then enjoy a meal of local fare at the park restaurant.
Embodying the values of sustainability and low-carbon emissions, the “Good Things Market” showcases handmade goods by local artisans and packaging-free farm produce.
【Hong Ye Vakangan Hot Spring Park 】
Address: No. 121, Honggu Rd., Hongye Village, Yanping Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM–09:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
Tel: +886-89-561068
Official Website: Hongye Valley
Tip: Discounted tickets are available for purchase online.
Photo source: Provided by the Taitung County Government (2024)2 Days
