East Rift Valley and Chishang in Taitung and Green Island

Part of the Taitung and Green Island travel guide — see every topic in All Taitung and Green Island Guides.

The East Rift Valley is a long, narrow valley between the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range. It runs north from Taitung towards Hualien. The valley floor is flat and covered with rice fields, tea gardens and small farms. Chishang, about one hour north of Taitung by train, is famous for its rice and for cycling through open green fields with mountain views on both sides.

Chishang and its rice

Chishang is a small farming town in the north of Taitung County. Clean water from the mountains and a cool, wide valley help farmers grow some of the most famous rice in Taiwan. Rice is grown in two crops a year, so the fields change colour with the seasons, from bright green to gold. Near the train station, shops sell the local rice lunch box, a simple meal of rice with meat, egg and vegetables, often wrapped in paper. There is even a small museum about the lunch box. The town is quiet, flat and easy to walk.

Cycling Mr. Brown Avenue

Mr. Brown Avenue is a narrow farm road through the middle of the rice fields east of Chishang. It became famous after a coffee advertisement was filmed here. There are no power lines and few buildings, so the view is open fields and mountains in every direction. Cars are kept off much of the route, which makes it safe for cycling. Bike rental shops near Chishang station rent normal bikes, electric bikes and tandem bikes. Ask for a map. The loop is flat and many people ride it in one to two hours, with stops for photos and drinks.

Dapo Pond and the wider loop

If you want a longer ride, combine Mr. Brown Avenue with Dapo Pond, a small lake and wetland near town. A cycling path goes around the water, with birds and reeds along the edges. Some riders continue on quiet roads to nearby villages and farms. The valley is mostly flat, so the cycling is easy, but there is little shade. In summer, ride early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat. In the late afternoon the light over the fields is soft and good for photos.

Best time to see the fields

The fields look different through the year. In spring and early summer, the young rice is bright green. Around June and July, the first crop turns gold and farmers harvest. The second crop grows through late summer and ripens again in autumn, often around October and November. Many visitors like the golden fields the most. Each autumn, Chishang holds a harvest arts event with music in the fields, which draws big crowds. Dates change each year, so check locally. Weekdays are calmer than weekends at any time of year.

Getting there and around

Chishang station is on the main railway line between Taitung and Hualien. Trains from Taitung take about 40 minutes to one hour, depending on the train type. Fast trains from Taipei also stop here. Bike shops are right next to the station, so you do not need a car. Some visitors combine Chishang with Luye and the nearby town of Guanshan, which also has a cycling path. Highway 9 runs along the valley if you drive. Book trains early on weekends and holidays, as seats sell out.

East Rift Valley and Chishang at a glance

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