Taroko Gorge, the Alishan sunrise, and the east coast by train

Taroko Gorge's marble canyon is the natural highlight; parts of it have been closed since the 2024 earthquake, so check which trails are open before going. The Alishan forest railway and the sunrise over the sea of clouds are the mountain experience; book the mountain train early. The east coast from Hualien to Taitung, by the slower trains along the Pacific, is the quiet, beautiful Taiwan most visitors miss. The high-speed rail runs down the busy west coast only.