Baxian Caves are a cluster of natural sea caves where stone tools and bone implements dating back approximately 15,000 years were unearthed. The cultural layer they represent was named the "Changbin Culture" — the earliest known prehistoric cultural remains in Taiwan. This is both a nationally significant archaeological site and an outdoor heritage park open for on-site exploration.
Highlights of the Changbin Culture Site
Baxian Caves are located beside the coast of Highway 11 in Zhangyuan Village, Changbin Township. Several sea caves of varying sizes are distributed across the reef cliff face, connected by wooden boardwalk trails. The geological origin is erosion of limestone layers by ancient seawater. As the sea retreated, the caves were left suspended several meters to tens of meters above the current sea surface, forming a typical marine terrace landform. The site is a National Grade 1 Historic Site administered by the Ministry of Culture.
In 1968, archaeologist Song Wenxun from National Taiwan University excavated chipped stone tools, bone implements, and shell midden deposits from these caves, confirming them as Late Paleolithic remains. The Changbin Culture people lived by gathering, fishing, and hunting, had not yet developed agriculture, and were active here from approximately 15,000 to 5,000 years ago. Parts of some cave interiors are enclosed in glass, allowing visitors to observe the stratigraphic profile on the cave walls and experience the spatial scale of the archaeological site firsthand.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Time
- Located at kilometer 133 of Highway 11, approximately 1 hour by car from Taitung City. No direct bus service — self-driving or renting a scooter is recommended.
- The site is open all day. Morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the intense midday sun. Trails can be slippery after rain — wear non-slip shoes.
Nearby Connections
- Can be combined with Changbin Township's Jingang Boulevard and Zhangyuan Beach into a single itinerary, heading south along Highway 11 to connect with Sanxiantai in Chenggong Township.
- Changbin town center has local snacks for resupply; Chenggong Township is about 20 minutes away by car with more resupply options.
Source: Cultural Heritage Bureau, Ministry of Culture; Song Wenxun archaeological excavation report (1969). Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.