The cliffs were carved primarily by the rapid uplift of the Central Mountain Range combined with consistent wave erosion.
Qingshui Mountain, which towers over the cliff face, is the highest coastal mountain in Taiwan.
The name 'Qingshui' translates to 'Clear Water,' referencing the high water clarity at the base of the cliffs.
The geological composition is predominantly marble and schist, making the rocks highly resistant to certain types of erosion but prone to landslides.
The Suhua Highway alignment here is considered an engineering feat, having been originally carved into the cliffside by the Japanese colonial government in the 1930s.
Qingshui Cliff is a 21-kilometer stretch of near-vertical marble and gneiss cliffs rising directly from the Pacific Ocean along Taiwan's east coast. It forms a significant segment of the Suhua Highway in Hualien County, reaching elevations of up to 2,408 meters at Qingshui Mountain. The cliffs represent one of the Eight Wonders of Taiwan due to the intense blue gradation of the ocean waters below. Geologically, the area is part of the Tananao Schist formation, which has been subject to continuous tectonic uplift and sea erosion. The road alignment here requires several tunnels bored through the rock face. It is a protected section of the greater Taroko National Park area. The combination of limestone composition and marine weathering produces stark white and grey cliff faces against the deep sea.
Chongde Tunnel South Exit viewing platform.
Use the dedicated viewing platforms rather than stopping on the narrow highway shoulders for safety.
Bring polarized sunglasses to better distinguish the color gradients in the ocean water.
Check local weather reports specifically for wind conditions, as the cliffside can experience significant gusts.
Do not attempt to walk along the highway edge, as there is heavy freight traffic and limited pedestrian space.
The Suhua Highway section may be closed temporarily during or immediately after heavy rainfall or typhoons due to landslide risk.
Stay behind safety railings; the cliff edges are unstable and prone to frequent rockfalls.
