Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Jici Beach has showers, changing rooms and rental equipment, as well as a
camp-
ground
( 03-871 1251; per site NT$500)
. All Hualien buses (NT$121) pass by the beach,
so you should never have to wait more than an hour for a ride.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Shitiping (Shihtiping)
The Kuroshio Current runs closest to Taiwan at Shitiping (Shítīpíng, Shiti Fishing Vil-
lage) and misty conditions along the coast make the vegetation greener and denser than
elsewhere. The volcanic coastline has also eroded to form beautiful natural stone steps
(Shitiping in fact means 'stone steps').
Shitiping is divided into a rough-hewn village, a fishing harbour below this, and a
nicely landscaped park south of the harbour. Further south are a number of tiny Ami set-
tlements where fishermen can be seen casting nets at the mouths of rivers, and wood
craftsmen transforming driftwood into furniture and sculptures.
Shitiping is now a mandatory stop for Chinese tour buses and as such the entrance to
the landscaped park can be unpleasantly crowded at times. If you simply pass the groups
and head down toward the camping area, however, you'll find a quiet area of limestone
rocks with lookouts down the coast that will leave you breathless.
At 80km from Hualien, Shitiping is usually the first night's resting area for cyclists.
Note that as you head south, if you turn into Jingpu Village after crossing the bridge, it's
a lovely ride along the ends of the Xiuguluan River and then along the sea. In two kilo-
metres you reconnect with Highway 11.
Sleeping & Eating
In the park area of Shitiping, the national scenic administration runs a well-laid-out
campground
( 03-878 1452; per site NT$300 Mon-Fri, NT$500 Sat & Sun)
with raised plat-
forms that face the sea. There are hot water showers (evenings only) and toilets available.
Check in at the visitor centre at the end of the road.
Pakelang
GUESTHOUSE $
(Bāgēlàng Chuánwū Mínsù; 089-881 400;
http://pakelang.e089.com.tw
; d incl breakfast
NT$1500, weekday discount 20%)
At this beachside guesthouse you've got plenty of land to
stretch out on, as well as a long beach (swimmable only in summer). The guesthouse is
run by a local Ami family and seafood dinners are available for NT$800 per person.
