【台東 三仙台】Sanxiantai in Taitung
I'd never even heard of Sanxiantai until a non-Taiwanese friend of a friend told me their family stopped here on a tour and had the best time. When she showed me photos, this spot really stuck with me — because as someone who's Taiwanese American and has been visiting Taiwan annually my whole life, I still find spots I've never heard of.
So, when we were doing the East Coast drive from Hualien down to Taitung, then Taitung down to Kenting, I made sure Sanxiantai was on our itinerary — I'm so happy it was.
This post covers everything I wish I knew before pulling into that parking lot: how to actually get there, what to expect from the eight-arch bridge and trail, where to stay nearby, and the practical stuff (parking, wind, timing) that'll prep you for what to expect before you arrive.
about Sanxiantai
Sanxiantai (三仙台), or "Platform of the Three Immortals," sits along Taitung's East Coast National Scenic Area, about 110km down the coastal highway. Here's something most people get wrong: it's not actually the bridge that's called Sanxiantai — it's the small island the bridge connects you to, home to the three large rocks the name comes from.
Legend has it that three Chinese immortals, part of the Eight Immortals — Lu Dongbin (呂洞賓), Li Tieguai (李鐵拐), and He Xiangu (何仙姑) — once landed here; the rocks are said to have formed from their footprints.
Back then, people could only reach the island when the tide was low. In 1987, the eight-arch bridge was built so visitors could cross at any time, and it's since become the icon everyone associates with Sanxiantai — curving out over the water like a dragon riding the waves.
But here's the thing: most people who "visit Sanxiantai" only walk the bridge and turn around. To actually visit Sanxiantai means stepping onto the island itself and exploring it.
Walking the whole island at a leisurely pace takes about two hours.
Because so few people make it that far, the plant life on the island is noticeably untouched — you'll spot species you won't easily find elsewhere in Taiwan, simply because nature here isn't disturbed.
This destination, unfortunately, isn’t a swimming beach — the currents are too rough for that — but it's one of the most dramatic pieces of coastline on the East Coast, with volcanic rock formations and sea caves scattered throughout the island.
getting there
Sanxiantai is located between Hualien and Taitung City on Highway 11, so it fits naturally into an East Coast road trip.
If you're covering the East Coast, I recommend renting a car — there's a parking lot right at Sanxiantai, which is what we did. Once you're parked, everything is walkable.
Here's how to get to Sanxiantai depending on how you're traveling:
TRA
Take the TRA to Taitung Station, then transfer to a bus (see below).
Bus
From Taitung Bus Station or Taitung Station, take the East Coast Line 8101A (reserve seats ahead) or Shing Dong Bus 8101/8102 to the Sanxiantai Recreation Area stop. Budget just over 2 hours each way from Taitung City.
Rental car
This is what we did, and honestly, it's the move if you're trying to cover the East Coast stretch like we were. Total flexibility to stop wherever the coastline looks good (and on Highway 11, it always does).
highlights
The eight-arch bridge itself
Walking the bridge to get to the island is the whole point.
The bridge dips and curves with the shape of the coastline, and depending on the wind, it can feel like a peaceful stroll or a full core workout. Ours was very much trying not to get blown away, but having so much fun.
The Sanxiantai Trail
Once you cross the bridge, a trail loops around the small island, taking you past volcanic rock formations, sea caves, and coastal cliffs. The full loop takes about two hours — we only got through part of it before we had to head to Kenting, and I still think about the parts we missed. So I recommend putting aside some time to do this!
Sitting on the rocks and just chill
This sounds simple, but it was one of my favorite moments of the whole trip.
Waves crashing hard against the shore, wind blowing strongly, clouds breaking apart just enough to let some godly-looking sunlight through. Give yourself at least a few minutes to just sit here and take it in.
The three giant rocks
Super easy to miss if you're rushing, but keep an eye out for the rock formations on the island the legend is actually named after.
experiences with booking
If you'd rather not drive yourself, East Coast day tours from Taitung City typically bundle Sanxiantai with stops like Dulan and Xiaoyeliu — which is a pretty good option if you're short on time, don’t want to plan, or don't want to deal with rental car logistics.
know before you go!
🎟️ ADMISSION | Free to enter. A small parking fee usually applies for cars/scooters — we didn't end up paying anything when we visited, so this may vary by season or enforcement.
☀️ BEST TIME TO GO | Year-round, but expect strong coastal wind during winter and summer months — this stretch of coast is known for it. Go earlier in the day for softer light and fewer crowds.
👕 DRESS CODE | Casual, and layer up. Bring a windbreaker or jacket even if it looks sunny — the wind off the Pacific here is no joke.
🚫 LOCATION ETIQUETTE | It's a nature reserve, so no collecting rocks, shells, or plants. Drones are generally restricted in Taiwan's protected nature areas without a permit — check current rules before you fly, and don't count on strong coastal wind cooperating anyway (we didn't get to fly ours)
💳 PAYMENT | Cash is safest for any parking fees or small vendor purchases.
🌟 PERFECT FOR | Road trippers, photographers, anyone who wants a dramatic coastal stop that isn't overrun with tour buses.
🚻 FACILITIES | Restrooms available near the visitor center and parking area.
⏱️ DURATION | We spent about an hour-ish here, but that was without finishing the full trail loop. Budget 1 - 2.5 hours, depending on whether you want to do the whole island loop.
👟 WHAT TO WEAR | Comfortable walking shoes — the bridge has a lot of up-and-down arches, and a jacket just in case it’s super windy.
♿ ACCESSIBILITY | The bridge has stairs at each arch, and the trail is uneven natural terrain — not stroller or wheelchair friendly.
⚠️ Currently closed: The eight-arch bridge is closed for renovation from May 4, 2026, through December 31, 2027. If you're planning a visit during this window, you can still visit the visitor center and coastline, but you won't be able to cross the bridge or access the island trail. Always double-check the current status before you go, since these things do get extended.
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Explore East Coast of Taiwan: Sanxiantai
Josh Ellis Photography: Sanxiantai
visit info
Taiwan vlog
To see Sanxiantai, check out these times:
0:50-1:05, 2:42-2:45, 3:13-3:16, 3:51-3:56
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