Taitung｜Liji Badlands—A "Sand Painting Made of Stone" by the Pacific Ocean: Gray-black ridges, rain-eroded gullies, and a pleasant wooden boardwalk ⛰️🌬️

#September2025

Walk through the Liji Badlands and you'll see the lines carved by rain and time—gray-black mudstone rises like origami, wooden boardwalks weave through grasslands and undergrowth, jagged ridges rise above, and broken rocks and cracks below—a rugged yet beautiful sight.

• Name | Liji Badlands
• Location | North of Taitung City, near Liji on the left bank of the Beinan River (approximately 15–25 minutes from downtown Taitung)
• Price/Availability | Outdoor natural landscape, free admission; follow on-site notices; closures may occur during heavy rain or renovations.
• Transportation | From downtown Taitung, follow signs toward the Beinan River and enter via the Liji Badlands trail (industrial roads are narrow, so slow down when passing vehicles).
• Parking | Small parking spaces are available at the trailhead and on the roadside; arriving early during peak season is recommended.
• Recommended Time of Day | Early morning or afternoon, when oblique sunlight creates a more three-dimensional effect on the terrain; strong midday sun, so bring water.

Background and Development | Why is there a "Moon World" in the East?

Most people associate "badlands" with the Southern Moon World, but Liji in Taitung is a rare, well-developed eastern badlands. The mudstone and shale here, exposed to the surface after uplift, quickly cracked under intense sunlight and heavy rain, and then carved into a series of rain-eroded ridges and furrows by the rain. The fine salt particles make it difficult for trees to grow, resulting in this gray-black, bare surface resembling a sand painting. In recent years, viewing platforms and wooden boardwalks have been installed to keep movement within established paths—both protecting the landscape and allowing for safer access.

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My Actual Route

① The Ridge at First Glance
As soon as the car parked, I looked up to see the jagged ridge. The sunlight cast shadows on each groove, like the rings of time. I stood for a moment on a flat, open area, listening to the wind and letting my eyes "refresh themselves to the colors of the badlands."

② The Boardwalk Cuts In

The boardwalk cuts through the grassy plains into the undergrowth, then hugs the gray-black slope. Underfoot, finely crushed mudstone pebbles make a crunching sound. Looking up, another rock face, like a curtain, looms. I walked very slowly along this stretch, watching the raindrops carve fine lines across the surface.

③ Viewing Point for a Panoramic View

When the view opened up, the badlands resembled a frozen wave, flanked by green hillsides—roughness and softness juxtaposed. It was beautiful in both direct and indirect light; direct light revealed textures, while indirect light captured silhouettes.

④ Turning Around to Finish

On the way back, I revisited that gray-black landscape: while it lacked the vastness of the mountains or the blue of the ocean, it was so quiet that it made one want to keep the noise down. This is the charm of the Liji Badlands.

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10 Reasons I Recommend the Liji Badlands

1. Rare badlands terrain in the East, a textbook example of topography.

2. The wooden boardwalk is gentle and easy to walk, making it a safe and relaxing stroll for families and elders.

3. The light and shadows are fantastic for photographing: the setting sun carves three-dimensional layers into the rain-eroded gullies.

4. The color palette is minimalist: gray-black x grass green x blue sky—it could easily become a wallpaper. 5. Close to downtown Taitung: A round trip is possible in half a day, making it perfect for adding to a city itinerary.
6. Perfect for all seasons: High contrast in summer, clear air in autumn and winter; the terrain becomes clearer after rain (watch for closed signs).
7. Relatively uncrowded: Quiet and immersive.
8. Equal emphasis on nature and conservation: The boardwalk diverts traffic to reduce foot traffic.
9. Great for portraits: The jagged ridges serve as a backdrop, and the scale is surprisingly impressive.
10. Can be combined with a coastal tour: Connect to Taitung Seaside Park/Xiaoyeliu on the same day, framing the mountains and the sea together.

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Photography Cheat Sheet (You Can Take Great Photos with Your Phone) 📸
• Ridgeline: Place the ridgeline in the upper third, leaving the sky blank; EV -0.3 for deeper textures.
• Linearity: Shoot for textures with direct lighting and silhouettes with backlighting; take both.
• Portraits: Stand at the bend in the plank road and draw an S-curve guide line, placing the subject about 1/3 of the way up for best results.
• Details: Shoot cracked or angular ground from a low angle, creating a "texture close-up."

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Safety & Environmental Tips (Must Read)⚠️
• Stay on the plank road: The foot of the slope is slippery; stepping on it can cause secondary erosion and pose a risk.
• Weather: Heavy rain or wet ground can lead to rockfall and collapse. Please respect any closed areas.
• Sunscreen and Hydration: In strong sunlight and without shade, wear a hat, sunscreen, and at least 500ml of water.
• Shoes: Slip-resistant and comfortable to walk on are crucial.
• No Marks: Strong sea breezes can easily blow light items away; bring all trash home.

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Food Review (Includes Address!)

Blue Dragonfly Fast Food
Address: No. 214, Zhongzheng Road, Taitung City
What I Ordered: Fried chicken drumstick and chicken nugget platter, Coke
Why I recommend it: After walking through the badlands, I'm desperate to recharge my energy and salt levels. The thin, crispy crust and juicy interior create just the right balance of saltiness and flavor. The food arrives quickly, seating changes quickly, and it's conveniently located on the way back to the city.

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Suggested Itinerary (use it directly)

Half-Day Version
Depart from the city → Stroll and enjoy the scenery on the Liji Badlands Boardwalk → Lunch in the city (Blue Dragonfly/Zhengqi Road Night Market) → Stroll around Tiehua Village

One-Day Mountain and Sea Version
Morning: Liji Badlands → Lunch → Afternoon: Taitung Seaside Park/Xiaoyeliu → Watch the Blues at Dusk → Dinner in the city

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My Real Experience

The Liji Badlands didn't leave me feeling "shocked," but rather a feeling of being slowly won over by time: the wind blew down from the mountain ridges, and the gray-black slopes emerged layer by layer in the light—like watching a movie told only by lines and shadows. I turned off the music before leaving and let my mind go blank for a while; it was well worth the trip. 👏🏻

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Liji Badlands | Liji Badlands Boardwalk | Beinan River Left Bank | Taitung Seaside Park | Xiaoyeliu | Tiehua Village
#Taitung #LijiBadlands #Badlands #Rain Erosion Terrain #Mudstone #TaitungWalks #TaitungAttractions #East Coast #Geotourism #Taitung