The Caoling Historic Trail (草嶺古道) is one of the most popular sections of the Danlan Historic Trails (Tamsui-Kavalan Trails, 淡蘭古道)—and for good reason. This route is renowned for both its natural beauty and its historical significance. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Northeast Coast (北海岸) and Turtle Island (龜山島). In autumn, the trail is especially famous for its silver grass (miscanthus) season, when hills are blanketed with white plumes. Once an important transportation route during the Qing Dynasty, the Caoling Trail today is a classic hike. Most visitors begin at Yuanwangkeng Riverside Park (遠望坑親水公園) in Gongliao District, New Taipei City, and end at Dali Station in Yilan County, before returning to Taipei. But there’s more to this region than just the Caoling Trail—the Northeast Coast is filled with fascinating communities and hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Dongxing Temple and Fulong Beach (東興宮和福隆沙灘)
Fulong Beach, stretching out in front of Dongxing Temple, has long been a surfing hotspot in northern Taiwan. The estuary where the Shuangxi River (雙溪) and Longlong River (隆隆溪) meet brings much more than just good waves. This unique setting has shaped the region’s history, development, and ecology.
Besides paying respects to the temple’s principal deities—the Three Lords (Sanfu Wangye, 三府王爺) and Mazu (the Heavenly Holy Mother, 天上聖母)—visitors can also take in sweeping views of the river mouth and its surrounding landscape. This area is believed to be the origin of both the Kavalan and Ketagalan indigenous peoples. The convergence of rivers made it a hub for river transport during the Qing Dynasty and Japanese era.
Longmen Community (龍門社區)
Longmen is a small, close-knit community tucked between the Shuangxi River and the sea. Although it’s near both the river and the coast, unique sand dunes formed by the river’s flow and monsoon winds mean that river and ocean views are rare within the village itself.
Longmen’s story mirrors that of the entire Northeast Coast. Originally a Ketagalan settlement, it later became home to Han settlers from Zhangzhou during the Qing Dynasty, who built temples and established the area as a religious center. The construction of a local power plant once brought in many migrant workers. Thanks to its location by the Shuangxi River, Longmen once thrived on river transport, and today you can still find remnants of its maritime heritage.
If you’re interested in a cultural tour of Longmen Community, feel free to contact us or our friends at 曙旅工作室.
Gongliao Old Street (貢寮老街)
Unlike some of Taiwan’s more commercialized old streets, Gongliao Old Street is a modest one-kilometer stretch. In the past, it was a crucial stopover for travelers on the Danlan Historic Trail. Though it may not be as bustling as more famous old streets, Gongliao preserves a uniquely local flavor, with small shops and an authentic “Taiwanese” vibe. Many young people are now working to keep the spirit of Gongliao Old Street alive.
One must-visit spot is “Li He He Rice Barn (狸和禾小穀倉)”, a charming little shop where rice-themed decorations fill every corner—perfect for photos. They sell locally-grown Hehe Rice using plastic-free, zero-waste packaging, and are deeply committed to sustainable, environmentally friendly farming.
If you need a rest, check out the Gongliao Organic Bookstore (貢寮有機書店), run by a local elementary school teacher at the far end of the street. Here, you can sip coffee, exchange books, and meet the adorable resident cat.
Grandma Yao-Yao’s Seaweed Jelly (搖搖石花凍阿嬤)
Everyone knows about Taiwan’s bubble tea, but did you know that the Northeast Coast has its own all-natural, healthy “topping”? That’s seaweed jelly—shí huā dòng (石花凍).
Made from local seaweed, the process involves hand-harvesting, followed by six rounds of sun-drying and rinsing to achieve its signature jelly-like texture. Rich in dietary fiber and minerals, seaweed jelly is as nutritious as it is delicious.
At “Grandma Yao-Yao’s Seaweed Jelly (搖搖石花凍阿嬤)”, a humble shop beside the gas station, 74-year-old Grandma *Yao-Yao—once a sea urchin diver—now harvests and sells seaweed jelly. She happily demonstrates her homemade goggles and tools, and even shows visitors how the seaweed is gathered and processed.
*Yao (搖) means shaking in Chinese. It means you need to shake the bottle before enjoying your seaweed jelly.
Notes
As Cheng-Meng Guo (郭城孟), Honorary Chair of the Taiwan Ecotourism Association (台灣生態旅遊協會名譽理事長), once said: “Though Taiwan is a small island, every region and community has developed its own unique character and features. On the smallest patch of land, you can find the greatest diversity of ecology.”
The Northeast Coast, less than two hours from Taipei, is a perfect example. Its unique landscape and resources have fostered a distinctive way of life, culture, and history. Next time you set out for the Caoling Historic Trail, consider spending some time exploring the Northeast Coast—you just might discover a whole new side of Taiwan.
If you are interested in exploring more about Northeast Coast, feel free to contact us or Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Headquarters under Tourism Administration!