Taiwan Food Atlas

Qingshui Cliff

Marble plunging straight into the Pacific — 21 km of sheer coastal cliffs along the Suhua Highway
📍 Hualien · Xiulin Township · Suhua Highway🏞️ Nature🔖 Fault Cliff · Coastal Precipice · Suhua Highway Landscape

Qingshui Cliff runs along the Suhua Highway between Chongde and Heping, formed by a fault cliff on the eastern side of Qingshui Mountain. The sheer coastal precipice extends approximately 21 km, with a maximum vertical drop exceeding 800 meters. Marble and gneiss fall directly into the sea, making this the most extensive cliff scenery on Taiwan's coastline and one of the natural wonders of Taiwan regularly cited in international geography publications.

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

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Stop at Designated Viewpoints Along the Suhua HighwayWhen driving the Suhua Highway, stop only at viewing platforms or legal parking areas. Do not pull over on the road shoulder. Safety on mountain roads comes first.
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Take the North Link Railway for a Relaxed ViewThe Taiwan Railways North Link Line runs close to the cliff between Chongde and Heren. Sitting on the ocean-facing side offers a window view of the cliff scenery — one of the most comfortable and safe ways to appreciate it.
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View from the Sea on a Coastal Boat TourLooking up at Qingshui Cliff from the sea surface gives the strongest sense of the cliff's vertical drop. Some operators offer short coastal cruise departures from Hualien — check for yacht or boat tour services at Hualien Port.
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Best Seen on a Clear DayThe white marble is most vivid in direct sunlight, and the contrast with the deep blue sea is strongest. On overcast or foggy days, the cliff face appears gray and the visual impact is diminished.

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.

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