Qingshui Cliff is a near-vertical fault cliff along the Suhua Highway between Heren and Chongde in Xiulin Township, Hualien County, running roughly 22.7 km with a drop exceeding 800 meters — one of the most extensive cliff coastlines in Taiwan. The rock face, made of marble, gneiss, and greenschist, plunges almost straight into the Pacific, and the viewing platform beside the Chongde Tunnel at highway marker 176.4K is the officially recommended vantage point.
According to Hualien County's official tourism website, Qingshui Cliff extends about 22.7 km along the Suhua Highway between Heren and Chongde, with a drop exceeding 800 meters; Qingshui Mountain on its eastern flank rises to 2,408 meters (per Wikipedia). The cliff face is composed of marble, gneiss, and greenschist, and the viewing platform beside the Chongde Tunnel entrance at highway marker 176.4K is the officially recommended vantage point.
Highlights of Qingshui Cliff
Qingshui Cliff owes its formation to a geological fault between Taiwan's Central Mountain Range and the ocean. Qingshui Mountain (elevation 2,408 m) drops precipitously to sea level within just a few kilometers, creating a near-vertical rock face. The cliff is composed of marble and gneiss; the white rock stands out vividly under clear-day sunlight, forming a striking color contrast against the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. The cliff face has been worn by long-term wave erosion, and some sections show visible collapse scars.
There are several ways to take in Qingshui Cliff. Along the Suhua Highway, some sections have viewing platforms or designated safe parking areas where you can stop to look up at the rock face close by. If you take the Taiwan Railways North Link Line between Hualien and Suao, the track runs close to the cliff in certain sections, offering a view of the precipice and breaking waves below from the window seat. Some operators also offer coastal boat tours that allow you to look up at the full cliff from the sea — the most visceral way to appreciate the vertical scale.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Time
- Qingshui Cliff runs along the Suhua Highway, approximately 30 to 40 km north of Hualien City. There is no single fixed entrance point along the whole stretch. The Suhua Highway is a mountain road — check road conditions and weather forecasts before driving.
- Due to the area's unique geological conditions, the Suhua Highway is frequently closed after typhoons or earthquakes. Check the Directorate General of Highways for the latest road status before setting out.
- If viewing by train, you can disembark near Chongde Station or Heren Station and explore nearby trails.
Nearby Connections
- The Chongde area has a gravel beach where you can stop on the way to or from Hualien to experience Pacific waves and the gravel shoreline.
- Heading south returns you to the Taroko Gorge area, combining Suhua coastal scenery with Taroko for a full grand-tour itinerary.
Sources: Directorate General of Highways; Taroko National Park Headquarters. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Qingshui Cliff?
According to Hualien County's official tourism site, Qingshui Cliff extends about 22.7 km along the Suhua Highway.
What is the maximum drop of Qingshui Cliff?
The maximum vertical drop exceeds 800 meters, with the rock face falling almost straight into the Pacific.
What rock types make up Qingshui Cliff?
The cliff face is composed mainly of marble, gneiss, and greenschist.
Where is the best viewpoint for Qingshui Cliff?
The viewing platform beside the Chongde Tunnel entrance at highway marker 176.4K is the officially recommended vantage point.
Sources
- 清水斷崖 - 花蓮觀光資訊網 — 官方旅遊資訊：長度22.7公里、落差800餘公尺、觀景台位置
- 清水斷崖 - 維基百科 — 清水山標高2408公尺等地理資訊