Taiwan Food Atlas

Chaoyang National Trail

A coastal hillside trail in Nan'ao — a 3-kilometer path overlooking Nan'ao Bay and the Pacific
📍 Yilan · Nan'ao Township · Chaoyang Village🏞️ Nature🔖 Coastal trail · Nan'ao Bay · Atayal settlement

Chaoyang National Trail is approximately 3 km long, planned along the coastal hillside of Nan'ao Township. The starting point is near Chaoyang Fishing Harbor, and the endpoint is at a high point on the hillside with a broad open view. The trail is not long, but along the way you can look down over the arc of Nan'ao Bay and the open sea; the scene of fishing boats moored at Chaoyang Harbor is also within the field of view. The Chaoyang community where the trail is located has a traditional Atayal settlement background; some local cultural information can be obtained at the community entrance.

Highlights of Chaoyang Trail

The trail topography is coastal hillside; the vegetation is mainly low shrubs and grassy slopes with little visual obstruction, so most sections offer a clear view of Nan'ao Bay. Chaoyang Fishing Harbor is an important local fishing operation point; boats return concentrated in the early morning, and when you visit you can observe the daily routines of fish unloading and catch sorting.

The trail has a moderate gradient, and many sections have no shade. During summer midday the perceived temperature is high; early morning or after 3 p.m. is recommended. Along the way you can observe how coastal plants have adapted to strong wind and salt spray; some points have interpretation signs explaining the Atayal cultural background of the Chaoyang community. The endpoint offers the widest viewing angle; on a clear day you can see the full panorama of Nan'ao Bay and the horizon beyond.

How to make the most of your visit

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Combine an early morning visit with the fish unloading at Chaoyang HarborBoats return to unload fish in the early morning, about 1 to 2 hours after sunrise; combining an early-morning walk with the trail lets you observe both harbor daily life and morning views of the bay in one visit.
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Avoid direct sun exposure on the trail in summer middayMany sections of the trail have no shade; in summer (June to September) early morning or after 3 p.m. is recommended. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.
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The endpoint overlooks the full panorama of Nan'ao BayThe hilltop at the end of the trail offers the best view; on a clear day you can see the full arc of Nan'ao Bay's coastline — the main visual reward of the trail. It is worth completing the full route before turning back.
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Fresh catch available at Chaoyang Fishing HarborChaoyang Fishing Harbor is not large, but a small amount of fresh catch is sold directly after boats return in the early morning. Available items depend on that day's catch and are not guaranteed.

Practical information

Getting there and travel time

  • Drive along the Suhua Highway to Chaoyang Village, Nan'ao Township; the trailhead is near Chaoyang Fishing Harbor with limited roadside parking.
  • From Nan'ao TRA Station to Chaoyang Village is about 15 to 20 minutes by car; there is no direct public transport — a taxi or private vehicle is needed.

Nearby connections

  • The Nan'ao Historic Trail trailhead is near Nan'ao town center; the two trails can be combined into a half-day Nan'ao Township itinerary.
  • Nan'ao Township is about 20 to 30 minutes by car from Su'ao; connections to Su'ao Cold Spring or the scenic sections of the Suhua Highway are possible.

Sources: Forestry Bureau trail information; Wikipedia entry on 'Chaoyang Trail.' Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

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