Yilan Nan'ao: Swimming Experience and Ecological Conservation at a Hidden Beach

Introduction

Heading south along Provincial Highway 9, past the northernmost section of the Suhua Highway, Nan’ao Township in Yilan quietly awaits at the junction of mountains and sea. There are no lavish tourist facilities here—only a pristine coastline where gravel and sand interweave, crystal-clear nearshore waters of the Pacific, and a mountain-forest atmosphere that instantly relaxes you. For swimming enthusiasts, Nan’ao is one of the most captivating open-water swimming destinations in northeastern Taiwan; however, its preciousness also lies in the fact that it has yet to be damaged by large-scale development—which means visitors must approach it with greater caution and responsibility.

Nan’ao’s Beach Map

Nan’ao is not a single beach, but a series of waters scattered along the Nan’ao Township coastline, each with its own character.

Among these, Chaoyang Beach is the most popular swimming spot, and the transparent water over the gravel beach is its greatest charm. On clear summer days, the sea at Chaoyang takes on a deep sapphire blue, while nearshore waters are so clear you can see the gravel bottom—a sight so beautiful it’s almost hard to believe.

The Unique Nature of Open-Water Swimming in Nan’ao

Nan’ao’s coastal environment differs from typical sandy beaches. The swimming experience offered by the gravel terrain is both unforgettable and requires extra attention.

Gravel Beach Swimming Notes:

• Wear water shoes when entering and exiting the water: The gravel is irregular and partly sharp; walking barefoot can easily cause injury. Only remove shoes after entering the water, and secure them to your wrist or place them in a fixed spot
• Observe the surf before entering: Nan’ao faces the Pacific. Although summer swells are relatively mild, the gravel slope is steep, and the backwash after waves break is strong. Observe from shore for at least 10 minutes before going in
• Avoid swimming alone if unfamiliar with the conditions: Many of Nan’ao’s beaches have no lifeguards on duty. Unless you are a local familiar with the waters or have extensive open-water swimming experience, swimming solo is not recommended
• Watch for currents: In summer, the Kuroshio Current flows past eastern Taiwan, and strong nearshore currents occasionally occur. Stay within depths where you can easily stand, and do not venture rashly into deeper water

Ecological Conservation in Practice

The reason Nan’ao retains its secluded character is that its natural environment has not yet suffered from overdevelopment. The area around Chaoyang Beach has been designated as the Chaoyang Fishing Harbor Nature Reserve, protecting the local rocky intertidal ecosystem. As visitors, the following code of conduct is not just a matter of courtesy—it is a legal obligation.

Nan’ao Eco-Friendly Code of Conduct:

• Do not collect any intertidal organisms from the rocky shore, including crabs, shellfish, or seaweed; collecting wildlife within the nature reserve is subject to fines by law
• Take all trash with you; leave no artificial waste on the beach, including food scraps
• Do not enter the water wearing chemical-based sunscreen; use sun-protective clothing or mineral-based sunscreen instead, to protect nearshore coral reefs and marine life
• Do not erect temporary structures or light fires within the reserve
• Control visitor numbers: visit on weekdays whenever possible to reduce impact on the local environment

Practical Information for Visiting Nan’ao

Nan’ao Township’s tourism infrastructure is relatively basic, so visitors should come fully self-supplied.

Transportation:

• Take the TRA train to “Nan’ao Station,” where you can rent a scooter or electric bicycle to explore the beaches (advance reservation recommended)
• By car, take Provincial Highway 9 to Nan’ao town center; from there, each beach is about a 10–20 minute drive

Accommodation:

• Small guesthouses are available in Nan’ao town center; book in advance, as capacity is limited during peak season (July–August)
• Some indigenous tribes offer unique homestay experiences that can be combined with ecological guided tours

Supplies:

• Convenience stores are located in Nan’ao town center; there are no permanent vendors near the beaches, so bring your own food before heading out
• Drinking water is essential—swimming is physically demanding, so bring at least 2 liters per person

Conclusion

The beaches of Nan’ao in Yilan are among the few remaining pristine corners of Taiwan’s east coast. Their beauty comes from the relative scarcity of human footsteps and the undisturbed natural order between mountains and sea. As you stroke through the water in that transparent gravel bay, what you feel is not just coolness, but a precious privilege. Please treat it with equal reverence, so that Nan’ao’s hidden gem remains quietly beautiful long after you leave.

Related Reading

• Whale Bay Swimming Challenge: A First-Timer’s Open-Water Experience in Yilan’s Clear Waters
• Yilan Nan’ao to Suhua Highway: A Complete Guide to Safely Riding the Challenging Coastal Road
• Swimming in Kenting Waters: Things to Know About the Coral Reef Areas of Nanwan and Houbihu
• Riding the Yilan Coastline: A Complete Guide to the Su’ao to Nanfang’ao Coastal Route