Fanshuliao Rest Area

Fanshuliao boasts a rare canyon landscape on Taiwan's East Coast. Unlike the majestic grandeur of Taroko Gorge viewed from below, the canyon scenery of Fanshuliao, observed from the observation deck, presents a steep and perilous, yet distinct, kind of beauty. West of Bridge No. 18 lies a river valley basin, while the east side features a steep canyon. This topographical difference is primarily due to the distinct rock types found on either side. The west side of the bridge is composed of the Fanshuliao Formation and Baliwan Formation, consisting of interbedded mudstone and sandstone-shale, which are soft rocks. In contrast, the east side features the hard and dense volcanic agglomerate of the Tuluanshan Formation. This variation in rock hardness leads to the contrasting terrains. It is at the old bridge beneath Bridge No. 18 that the true character of Fanshuliao becomes apparent, revealing the East Coast's most unique canyon landscape. The lower reaches of Fanshuliao Stream have carved deep, steep canyon topography into the hard rock layers, with towering rock walls. This canyon is approximately 45 meters wide and nearly a hundred meters deep, presenting a formidable appearance comparable to Taroko Gorge. If visitors can stay for a full day and trace the section of Fanshuliao Stream from here to the sea, they can gain an even deeper appreciation for the East Coast's most distinctive canyon scenery. Legend has it that indigenous people living in Fanshuliao Pit long ago established a rule: whoever could pole vault across the canyon with a bamboo pole would be honored as chief. However, many young men died attempting the feat, falling to the bottom of the valley. The bamboo poles they used, stuck into the streambed, eventually grew into a bamboo forest over time, leading to the saying "遺勇成林" (meaning "the sacrifices of the brave created a forest"). Transportation: ● Public Transport: Take Hualien Bus (Coastal Line via Provincial Highway 11) - Routes 1127, 1140, 1145 - and alight at the Fanshuliao Stop. Address: Next to Bridge No. 18 on Provincial Highway 11, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County.