The Qingshui Cliffs are composed primarily of metamorphic rock, including marble and gneiss, which gives the cliffs their distinct white and grey coloration.
The trail sits at an elevation where the mountain range drops almost vertically into the Pacific Ocean, reaching depths of thousands of meters offshore.
This location is a primary site for observing the geological collision between the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate.
The trail follows the historical route alignment of the coastal highway before the construction of modern bypass tunnels.
Chongde Trail is a short, paved walking path situated on the northern end of the Qingshui Cliffs in Hualien, Taiwan. The trail offers direct, unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and the sheer vertical rock faces of the cliffside. It is located immediately adjacent to the Huide Tunnel on the Suhua Highway. The path leads to a designated observation deck that provides a panoramic perspective of the coastal geological formation. The trail is designed for accessibility, allowing visitors to view the intersection of the crystalline blue sea and the marble-rich mountains. It is a key vantage point for viewing the narrow coastal strip that separates the Central Mountain Range from the Philippine Sea.
The main observation platform looking south toward the cliff faces.
Bring a polarizing filter for your camera to reduce the glare from the Pacific Ocean surface.
Stay on the clearly marked path as the surrounding cliff edges are unstable and prone to erosion.
Visit during a clear day to ensure visibility of the cliff base meeting the water.
Do not attempt to climb the rock faces or approach the cliff edge beyond the observation railings.
The trail may be closed during or immediately after heavy rainfall or typhoons due to rockfall risks.
Wear stable, closed-toe walking shoes due to uneven terrain; refrain from crossing safety barriers.