Northeast Coast Side Trip in Jiufen and Pingxi
Part of the Jiufen and Pingxi travel guide — see every topic in All Jiufen and Pingxi Guides.
Below Jiufen, the northeast coast of Taiwan is a strip of rocky bays, sea cliffs and small fishing harbours. It is one of the most scenic coastlines near Taipei, and it is easy to add to a Jiufen trip. Mineral streams from the old mining hills colour the rocks and the sea. Further along the coast, cliff-top trails, a sandy beach and a cycle path through an old railway tunnel make good half-day trips.
Yin Yang Sea
Below Jinguashi, the small bay at Shuinandong has water in two colours. Near the shore, the sea is yellow-brown. Further out, it turns deep blue. The colour comes from mineral-rich water that flows down from the old mining hills into the bay. The line between the two colours is clearest from the road above, on the way down from Jinguashi. There are several roadside viewpoints with space to stop. Buses from Jiufen and Jinguashi run down this road, and some stop near the bay. A clear day gives the strongest colours, so plan this stop for good weather.
Golden Waterfall
On the same road down from Jinguashi, a small waterfall flows over rocks that are stained bright gold and orange. The colour comes from minerals in the water, which drains from the hills above. The water is not safe to drink or touch for long, and there is no swimming. The falls are close to the road, and you can see them in a few minutes. It makes a good short stop on the way to the Yin Yang Sea. The water flow is strongest after rain, when the colours on the rocks also look brighter.
Old Caoling Tunnel cycle path
Near Fulong station, further east along the coast, a cycle path runs through the Old Caoling Tunnel. This tunnel was built for the railway in the Japanese colonial period and later replaced by a new line. Today it is a cool, lit tunnel about two kilometres long, used only by cyclists and walkers. Bike rental shops sit near Fulong station. You can ride through the tunnel and on to the coast at the far end, then ride back or continue along a seaside path. The route is mostly flat and suits most riders. Check opening times, as the tunnel can close for maintenance or storms.
Cliffs and beaches
Bitou Cape, between Shuinandong and Fulong, has a cliff-top trail with sea views and a lighthouse. The walk is short but exposed, so wear a hat in summer. Nearby Longdong is known for rock climbing on sea cliffs. Fulong Beach is a long sandy beach near Fulong station, and it is busiest in summer. Swim only at beaches with lifeguards and during the official season, and never during big waves or typhoon warnings. Along the whole coast, sea spray and wind can be strong, so stay away from wet rock edges, especially at high tide.
Getting around the coast
Public buses run between Ruifang, Jiufen, Jinguashi and the coast road, and the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle runs routes along this coast on some days. Fulong has its own train station on the main line between Taipei and Yilan. For more freedom, a taxi for a few hours from Ruifang or Jiufen works well for a small group; agree the route and price before you start. Scooter rental requires a valid licence that Taiwan accepts, such as an International Driving Permit with your home licence. Roads are narrow and winding, and cliffs can have falling rocks after heavy rain.
Northeast Coast Side Trip at a glance
| Getting there | Bus or taxi from Jiufen or Jinguashi; train to Fulong for the tunnel |
|---|---|
| Hours | Viewpoints open; tunnel and bike rental keep daytime hours |
| Cost | Viewpoints free; bike rental is a modest fee |
| Combine with | Jiufen in the evening; Pingxi Line in the morning |
| Best time | Clear days; summer for Fulong Beach |