best places to visit in hualien taiwan

Asia , City Guides , Taiwan · September 10, 2019

15 Incredible Things to do in Hualien Taiwan

Planning a trip to Taiwan’s gorgeous East Coast and looking for things to do in Hualien? 

Hualien is a beautiful city nestled on Taiwan’s East Coast that rivals some of the best cities in Taiwan. While the city of Hualien is best known as the main gateway to Taiwan’s incredible  Taroko Gorge , the town itself and its surrounding areas are equally stunning. 

With glistening lakes, beautiful beaches, epic hiking trails, rice terraces, bustling night markets, and so much more, Hualien has plenty to entice travelers and definitely deserves a spot on any Taiwan itinerary . 

In this guide, I will share the very best things to do in Hualien, Taiwan. I’ve also included tons of tips (gathered from years and years of living in Taiwan) so that you can plan the perfect Hualien trip.

Read along to find the best things to do in Hualien and discover the best attractions to add to your Hualien travel itinerary .

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Before you go to Hualien

Before we dive into what to do in Hualien, here are a few Hualien travel tips to help you plan the perfect trip. 

• Hualien is one of the busiest travel destinations in Taiwan. Make sure to book accommodation and train tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Check the weather before your trip, as the East Coast is prone to typhoons and landslides. 
• Read my detailed Taiwan packing list for tips on what to wear and what to bring along on your trip.
• Download the Uber app , Google Translate , and Google Maps on your phone for a stress-free trip. 
• Don’t forget your Easy Card if you’re planning on using the bus or local train while in Hualien. 
• Taiwan’s East Coast is famous for its incredible cycling routes. If that’s on your list of things to do in Hualien this guide on Taiwan bike rental shops will come in handy.

When to visit Hualien

Hualien is a great city to visit year-round. And if you want to get acquainted with Hualien’s best bits, plan to spend at least a couple of days here. With 3-4 full days in Hualien, you’ll be able to get a real feel of the city and experience all of the city’s best attractions.

So when is the best time to visit Hualien?

Well, that’s somewhat of a tricky question. You see, Taiwan’s east coast is prone to unpredictable weather patterns, and typhoons and earthquakes are quite common in this part of the island. With that said, the best time to visit Hualien is during spring or winter (IMO).

Spring (Mar -May) , especially the month of March, is a great time to visit Hualien. During the season of spring, you’re likely to experience good weather with average temperatures in the mid-twenties (°C).

Winter (Dec-Feb) is another great season to go to Hualien as there’s less rain and less humidity. During these months, you can expect average temperatures between 20-25 °C.

If you must visit in autumn (Sept – Nov) , try to avoid the month of October. It is the wettest month with roughly 367mm of rainfall.

Summer (Jun-Aug) is not a bad time to visit Hualien, but you should Hualien is hot and muggy during this season. July is the hottest month, and temperatures easily go above 30°C. Typhoon season also runs through summer in Taiwan, so remember to check the weather forecast before your trip.

How to get to Hualien

Hualien is one of the most popular travel destinations in Taiwan. And as a result, it’s quite easy to access the city. I’ve written a complete guide on how to get from Taipei to Hualien , but if you’re in a rush, here are the basics:

By train:  Many trains go to Hualien daily, but book a seat on either the  Taroko Express  or  Puyuma Express  trains for the fastest and most convenient journey. Tickets cost NTD 440, and the ride takes about 2.5 hours. Make sure to book a ticket 14 days in advance when traveling during peak season, special events, or weekends. 

By direct bus:  Thanks to the recent improvements on Taiwan’s Suhua Highway, it is now possible to bus directly from Taipei to Hualien. Both  Taipei Bus  and  Ubus  offer direct routes between Nangang Station in Taipei and Hualien Station. The ride takes roughly 200 minutes and costs NTD 320. 

By bus & train combo:  If you’ve missed the direct bus or are too late for one of the fast trains, it is possible to take a local bus from Taipei to Loudong and then catch a local train to Hualien. But just a heads up, this option isn’t much cheaper, and travel times are often much longer.

By air:  If you want to maximize your time in Hualien, flying there is your best bet. Several flights depart to Hualien from Songshan Airport in Taipei and Kaohsiung Airport each week. Tickets start at around NTD 3000 for a return trip.

By shuttle bus:  If your Taiwan itinerary is flexible, you could also join this  shared sightseeing carpool . The shuttle runs from Taipei to Hualien via Jiufen – an iconic small mountain village and one of the best  day trips from Taipei . 

Join a tour: If you only have one day in Hualien, this  Taroko Gorge Day Tour with Round-trip Flight from Taipei  will allow you to drop by some of the stunning trails in Taroko, visit Qingshui cliff, and snack your way through the night market – all in less than 15 hours.

Getting around Hualien

Hualien City has a wealth of transport methods to transport you to all corners of the city. However, the best way to experience all of Hualien’s amazing attractions is at your own pace. And the easiest way to do so is by car or scooter. 

If you have  a valid driver’s license  (international or local), renting a scooter or a car in Hualien is pretty easy. You can rent a scooter right in front of the train station, where you’ll find several scooter rental shops. Prices generally start at NTD 500 a day. However, it is often possible to get a cheaper rate through your hotel. If you’re traveling in a group or just not comfortable navigating Hualien by scooter, another option is to rent a car. Book a  car rental  for pick up near the train station here. 

If none of the options above are for you, then you’ll be glad to learn that it’s relatively easy to get around Hualien City by taxi, Uber or by public bus. 

Like elsewhere in Taiwan, you can flag down a cab on the street, ask your hotel to call one for you, or book one through an Ibon machine in any 7-Eleven. Just make sure always to have your destination’s address written down (or screenshot thereof) in Chinese .

Getting around Hualien is pretty easy if you are relying on public transport too. There is no subway (MRT) in Hualien like in Taipei , Kaohsiung or Taichung , but Hualien City has an extensive bus network that can easily transport you around the city and surrounding areas. It’s a good idea to download Google Map s before your trip to access info on the go and invest in an  Easy Card  so that you can tap and go on the bus. If you’re planning on making good use of the bus in Hualien, it’s wise to buy a bus pass. You can buy a 1-day or 2-day Tourist Pass at the Hualien Bus Station (the orange building near the train station). 

Where to stay in Hualien

There are oodles of  accommodation options  in Hualien catering to all types of budgets and traveling styles. 

With that said, the best place to stay in Hualien is near the train station. From here, you’ll have easy access to buses and trains, as well as loads of shops and restaurants around you. 

Here are my top recommendations on where to stay in Hualien.

Hualien Wow Hostel  practically sits opposite the train station and is a great option for backpackers or those traveling on a tight budget. The hostel offers everything from dorm-style rooms to private rooms for those who value their privacy.

Another great budget option is  Bayhouse Comfortel Hualien Hostel . The same owners as Bayhouse Hostel in  Penghu  run this hostel, so expect an awesome atmosphere, helpful staff, and clean rooms. 

Meci Hotel is only 500m from the train station and ideal for mid-range travelers. Although the building looks a bit outdated from the outside, the interior is beautiful! In the lobby, you’ll find loads of maps and info, as well as free snacks and drinks. The rooms are clean and comfy, and the staff speaks English.

The  Lakeshore Hotel  is a 4-star hotel with beautiful clean rooms and ocean views. It is a bit further away from the train station, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for an upscale stay at surprisingly affordable rates.

Best Things to do in Hualien, Taiwan

Hualien is one of Taiwan’s most scenic areas to explore and a huge must while in Taiwan. Below you’ll find the best things to do in Hualien and lots of tips to help you plan the perfect Hualien trip.

Hike Taroko Gorge

If there is one thing you must do in Hualien it is visit Taroko Gorge.

Taroko Gorge is one of the nine National Parks in Taiwan and a must on any Taiwan travel itinerary . Here, you’ll be able to trek through beautiful trails following along marble walls, spot unique fauna and flora, see some of Taiwan’s best waterfalls , and pop into cute temples. 

Hiking is one of the main draws of this park, with  the Eternal Spring Shrine trail ,  Shakadang trail , and the  Swallow Grotto trail  being among the most popular. If you want to attempt something a bit more challenging, the  Zhuilu Old Hiking Trai l is the toughest trek in Taroko. The hike requires a permit and since only 96 permits are issued a day, make sure to plan well ahead. You can apply for permits online or book this  Zhuilu Old Road Trail hike  to make things a bit easier.

Be sure also to read my super detailed  Taroko Gorge  guide, which highlights the best trails (plus tons of tips) to help you plan your trip. Taroko can easily be visited independently, but this  Taroko day trip from Hualien is a great option if you prefer to join a guided tour. Alternatively, book a  private car charter   to explore the area at your own pace.

Visit Qingshui Cliffs

The Qingshui Cliffs are one of Taiwan’s most iconic sights and arguably one of the top Hualien attractions!

If you are driving, be careful not to miss the parking lot. The sign is often obscured by large tour buses, and since the parking lot lies on a bend (just after a tunnel exit), it is quite easy to drive by. Make sure to download Google Maps beforehand so that you can find it easily.

Once you’ve parked, it’s a short 5 – minute walk to the viewing platforms. From here, you can take a stroll around, snap some pics or simply admire the magnificent views.

More adventurous travelers won’t be disappointed visiting here either. With activities such as sea kayaking or   SUP nearby, you can enjoy the natural beauty and get your adrenaline fix in one go!

Relax at Qixingtan Beach

One of the best things to do in Hualien is to visit Qixingtan Beach. In fact, no visit to Hualien would be complete without visiting this spectacular Taiwan beach !

Unlike the white sandy beaches that you’ll find in Kenting , Qixingtan is not your typical beach. Here instead of sand, you’ll find pebbles – in all shapes, sizes, and colors imaginable! It’s also one of the best spots on the island to catch the sunrise (besides Alishan and Hehuanshan, near Cingjing ) or do some stargazing.

Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed here due to the strong currents on this side of the island, but it’s still a great place to hang out. If you’re visiting in summer, pop into the tiny ice cream store (near the visitors center) where you can enjoy a refreshing (and cheap) treat.

Spend at least a few hours here hunting for pebbles, building zen towers, strolling on the beach or simply enjoying the stunning scenery. 

Wander around Liyu Lake

Liyu Lake is only a 20-minute scooter drive from downtown Hualien and a huge must on your list of things to do in Hualien.

While Liyu Lake is not nearly as impressive as Sun Moon Lake , it is Taiwan’s second – largest natural lake and a great place to immerse yourself in nature while visiting Hualien.

Be sure to pop by the visitors’ center, where you can wander along the wooden skywalk and admire the natural beauty. You can also do all kinds of water sports here, like canoeing, boat paddling, and  standup paddleboarding . 

Drop by Pine Garden

Built in the early 1940s, Pine Garden played an important role in Taiwan’s history and was the Japanese Navy Administration Office for multiple years.

It’s excellent vantage point was the perfect location to spot ships nearing the city. Although Pine Garden has changed many hands since then, it is one of Taiwan’s 100 Historical Buildings today.

Even if you aren’t into history, Pine Garden is a lovely spot to enjoy a walkabout or relax under the towering pine trees.

Stroll around Manor House

Near the city’s hub, you’ll find Manor House – a former Japanese military residence and yet another historical landmark in Hualien.

Today the area is home to quirky art pieces and colorful murals. It’s also the only Japanese community library on the east coast.

Manor House is a great place to stroll around and a cool add-on to your Hualien things to do list!

Snack your way through Hualien

Dongdaemun is the biggest night market in Hualien and a popular go-to spot for foodies. Although it’s a nice place to have a walkabout, there isn’t that much food on offer here. But it’s still a fun place to browse, sample street food or enjoy the game stalls.

Unlike other Taiwanese night markets , Dongdamen has nice broad walkways so it never feels overcrowded. If you’re still feeling peckish, opt for browsing the streets where you’re likely to find tons of local favorites.

Oh, and if you have a sweet tooth, definitely try the taro or sweet potato cakes. They are divine!

Visit Farglory Ocean Park

If visiting Hualien with kids, don’t miss the  Farglory Ocean Park . The park is home to an aquarium, loads of water rides, and even a cable car that offers a panoramic views over the coastline.

You can also book a room in the onsite hotel to really enjoy all of the park’s attractions. But if you simply want to visit for the day, make sure to come early. That way, you can browse the aquarium and try some of the rides without the crowds.

Duck into temples

Like other cities in Taiwan, the city of Hualien is jam-packed with beautiful temples and religious sites.

The Hualien Martyr’s Shrine, Hualien Ji-an Shrine, and Tzu Chi Buddhist Grounds are just a few of the temples to visit during your Hualien itinerary. If you only have time to visit one, I highly recommend visiting Ji-an Shrine — a small Japanese Shinto Shrine.

Soak in a hot spring

If you’re looking for one of the most relaxing things to do in Hualien, then don’t miss Hualien’s hot springs!

There are three large hot springs near Hualien; Ruisui Hot Springs, Hongye Hot Springs, and Antong Hot Springs.

While they all offer beautiful scenery and steamy thermal pools, Ruisui Hot Springs is one of the most popular resorts in the greater Hualien area. The resort dates back to the early 1900s and features beautiful traditional Japanese wooden architecture.

The resort has a stunning open-air pool with the most incredible mountain views. But you can also book a private tub if crowds aren’t for you.

What really makes Ruisui hot spring so special is that it’s also Taiwan’s only carbonate hot spring. The water (which reaches up to 48°C) is rich in minerals such as iron. When the iron comes into contact with air it oxidizes giving the water a slightly yellowish tint. It’s also not uncommon to see a layer of salt crystals (aka hot spring flowers) float on its surface.

Get your adrenaline fix

There are loads of fun things to do in Hualien for thrill seekers – from hiking and paragliding to river tracing, rafting, SUP, and even ATV tours! If you have a bit of free time to spare on your Hualien to do list, why not squeeze in a few heart-thumping activities? 

Here are some of the most adventurous things to do in Hualien:

• Paragliding:  The  paragliding experience  is only 15 minutes long, but the breathtaking views from above over the rolling hills and epic coastline will be more than enough reward. 
• River rafting:  Experience one of Taiwan’s best rafting spots on this  river rafting tour  as you navigate the rapids of the Hsiukuluan River while being fully surrounded by lush jungle scenery. 
• River tracing:  Ever wanted to trek, climb and swim your way through the gorgeous forests of Taiwan? Check out this fun  river tracing experience .
• Sea kayaking:  Join this  Qingshui Cliffs sea kayaking tour  for one of the most magical sunrises in the world!
• Ziplining:  Hualien County is blessed with an abundance of beautiful subtropical forests. if you want to get a close-up look at the area’s natural gems join this  treetop adventure ! 

Join a cooking class

Taiwanese aboriginal food is one of the most unique cuisines in the world. And what better way to get acquainted with Hualien’s local specialties than by joining an  aboriginal cooking class .

The cooking class lasts about 3 hours, and it’s a great add-on to any list of things to do in Hualien. Not only will you learn how to prepare some incredibly delicious dishes, but you’ll also learn a little more about the unique cooking methods used in aboriginal cuisine. 

Enjoy a Cuppa at the Starbucks Shipping Container Store

If you love coffee and taking Instagrammable photos, you have to add the Starbucks Shipping Container Store (see  map ) to your list of things to do in Hualien! 

The store is only about 15 minutes drive south of downtown and is hands-down one of the coolest Starbucks stores in Taiwan. 

Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, it’s still a great place to take photos. The architecture is really impressive The 2-story tall store consists of a whopping 29 recycled containers and offers stunning views over the Pacific Ocean. It is also the first store in the Asia Pacific region built from recycled shipping containers. 

Admire the views at Baqi Observatory  

Roughly 45 minutes drive south of Hualien is one of the most beautiful coastal views of Taiwan, the Baqi Observatory (see  map ). The lookout point sits along Provincial Highway 11 and offers sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean and mountains covered in lush vegetation.

While the observation deck is not very big, it’s still a cool pitstop to snap some pictures. You’ll also find a couple of vendors here selling drinks and local favorites like  luwei  (braised snacks) and sticky rice bamboo tubes. 

Take a day tour

Still wondering what to do in Hualien? Well, then you’re in luck because Taiwan’s east coast is a mecca for nature lovers! 

And one of the easiest ways to get a close-up look at Hualien’s attractions is with a day tour. Here are some of the most popular day tours to add to your Hualien itinerary: 

• Whale Watching  – If you want to catch a glimpse of dolphins or whales, Taiwan’s east coast is the best spot to do so! Especially since these waters are home to 29 of the world’s 60 species of whales and dolphins. Apart from spotting whales or dolphins frolicking in the water, you’ll also be rewarded with beautiful views.
• East Rift Valley Day Tour  – A scenic drive through Taiwan’s East Rift Valley should be high on your list of things to do in Hualien, Taiwan. On this day trip, you’ll drop by Lintian Mountain (an old logging village), Butterfly Valley, and the Hualien Sugar Factory.
• Orange Day-Lily Day Tour  – Take in the magnificent views from the top of Sixty Stone Mountain, also known as Lioushidan. Sitting at an elevation of about 800 meters, Sixty Stone Mountain is an incredibly scenic mountain area best known for its vast fields of daylilies. Every year from August to September, a sea of golden lily fields blanket the mountain slopes, making it one of the prettiest places to visit in Taiwan. If you’re an adventurous foodie, don’t miss the deep-fried daylilies that many vendors sell her along the road. 

What’s your favorite thing to do in Hualien?

There you have it – the absolute best things to do in Hualien! Did your favorite Hualien activities make the list? If not, let me know in the comments below so that I can check them out when I visit Hualien again.

Liked these Hualien Attractions? Maybe your friends will too. Share  The   Best Things to do in Hualien, Taiwan  with them here.

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Hualien Visitors Guide

• January 1, 2023 February 26, 2024
• danielpmode

The Best Things To Do In Hualien

Our favorite hualien attractions.

Island Life Taiwan  is your #1 resource for all things Hualien! Our blog is loaded with informative articles by locals and our unique tours and experiences are top rated in the area. Check out all we have on offer!

Basecamp Hualien City

One of the most scenic and naturally beautiful areas in Taiwan, Hualien County sits like a green jewel nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the grandiose Central Mountain Range. Home to some of the most stunning locations in Taiwan with a rich, unique combination of traditional cultures, Hualien has become a must visit region for travelers looking to get away from the urban centers while in Taiwan.

From dramatic marble gorges and towering green mountains, to idyllic sandy beaches and turquoise waterfalls and swimming holes, there are countless Hualien attractions worth exploring. It’s sure to take your breath away… likely more than once. Searching for what to do in Hualien? Here are the best things to do in Hualien, Taiwan.

1. Taroko Gorge National Park

The undisputed king of Taiwan’s National Parks, Taroko Gorge is the quintessential must experience destination on Taiwan’s east coast. Towering marble valleys, thundering waterfalls, forest hikes and mountain to mountain suspension bridges are just a few of the spectacular features of this grand park. Carved by the Liwu river over millions of years, the spectacular Gorge is the largest marble canyon in the world and boasts a wide variety of trails, temples and landscapes. While it is “possible” to see everything in one day, we highly recommend spending two or three days exploring the gorge to really see it all.

For an epic day exploring the best of Taroko Gorge, we highly recommend our top rated BETTER Taroko Gorge Tour. A small group tour that starts earlier in the morning to beat the crowds, this tour includes lunch, fun guides and more time on the trails.

NOT INTO "TOURS"? WE GET IT.

But our taroko gorge experience is the best way to see the park for many reasons, 2. coastal highway 11.

There is a reason  Coastal Highway 11  is so often listed as a one of the best stretches of road in all of Taiwan. From hidden beaches to wild mountain viewpoints, the winding palm lined coastal road will take you past dozens of breath-taking spots.

Go for a walk beside tidal pools in the dramatic lunar landscape of Shihtiping, then head down to the hidden beach oasis of Cow Mountain ( Niushan Huting ). Take an ocean swim at beautiful Jici Beach, and gawk at the precipitous depths of Fanshuliao Gorge. There is so much to explore along the coastal highway, you’ll see why it’s one of  the best road trips on the island! To spend a killer day checking out all this awesome stuff on the East Coast and more, we highly recommend this  Hualien East Coast Explorer  .

3. The Mugua River Gorge

Home to some of the best places to swim in Hualien, the Mugua River Gorge is blessed with mesmerizing, crystal clear waters, waterfalls, lush forests and unique aboriginal culture. A terrific way to spend a day while in the Hualien area. This area is listed as one of the East Coast “highlights” in the Lonely Planet Taiwan Guide book, and for good reason. Within the Mugua River Gorge itself and in the surrounding area, there are numerous places to explore, including Emerald Valley, Tongmen, Liyu Lake, Wunlan, Zimu Falls, the Miyawan River, Rainbow Falls and more!

Ready for a swim?! Island Life Taiwan’s Rivers & Valleys Experience is an awesome day out river swimming, forest walking and checking out some scenically beautiful areas around Hualien County. A can’t miss in Hualien!

4. Shihtiping

The only way to describe this unique stretch of coastline between Fengbin and Changbin is “Wow”.  Millions of years of volcanic activity and salt water erosion have transformed this incredible stretch of the coast into something truly remarkable. As if walking on the moon, the bizarre uplifted coral reefs and stone cliffs of  Shihtiping  feel otherworldly in their shape and texture. The name “Shihtiping” loosely translates to “stone steps”, and let’s just say, you’ll see why when you visit this natural phenomena. With hundreds of tidal pools and an offshore coral reef, Shihtiping is also a wonderful place to see countless species of sea creatures big and small.

Check it out on this  East Coast Explorer.

5. The East Rift Valley

As one heads south on Highway 9 or scenic Old Highway 193 from Hualien City, it becomes clear, quite quickly, what a spectacular day is in store for you. With the Coastal Mountain Range rising on your left, and the Central Mountain Range on your right, the green and fertile  East Rift Valley  stretches south, littered with glistening rice paddies, wild rivers, waterfalls, hot springs and more. From the tranquil shores of Liyu Lake, to the tea fields and hot springs of Ruisui, there are tons of things to explore in this beautiful valley. Cool off under Fenghuang Waterfall, take a bike ride through Danong Dafu Forest Park, view countless orchids and critters in the Matai’an Wetlands, see many of Taiwan’s 450+ butterfly species at the Fuyuan Forest Recreation Area and so much more.

This Hualien Rivers & Valleys Experience takes you into the East Rift Valley for an incredible fun day out.

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More Amazing Places, Less Crowds. That's the Island Life Way!

6. Take an ATV to the Qingshui Cliffs

The towering Qingshui Cliffs are a marvel to be seen on any visit to Taroko Gorge. Yet while most tours take you to a viewing platform located off the highway, now you can take ATV’s up the beach from the village of  Chongde and go right to the cliffs base! It’s a truly breathtaking way to view one of Taiwan’s most spectacular spots. Island Life now offers the ATV’s as an add on to their Taroko Tours.

7. Liyu Lake

This serene lake lies at the foot of Liyu Mountain and is the largest freshwater lake in Hualien County. The name “Liyutan”, literally means  Carp Lake , and stories vary as to the origin of the name: Did the lake used to be filled with carp? Does Liyu mountain look like a carp when viewed from across the lake? Is the entire lake the shape of a carp when viewed from the sky?! One thing is for sure, the beauty and tranquility of the lake is the reason so many travelers have stopped for a rest by its shores. There is a pathway alongside the lake’s shores where you can walk and enjoy seeing beautiful statues and other inspirations. Visit in April and enjoy a marvelous sight as hundreds of fireflies come out in the evening, making the whole lake shimmer with lights!

Check it out on a Hualien Rivers & Valleys Experience.

8. Butterfly Valley Hot Springs / Fuyuan National Forest

The Butterfly Valley Resort sits nestled amidst the picturesque Fuyuan National Forest and is perfect as part of a day trip into the East Rift Valley. With numerous trails, rivers, manicured gardens and outdoor cold and hot spring pools to soak in, the Butterfly Valley is a lovely forested wonderland worth spending several hours exploring. Not a “resort” person? No worries, the soaking pools are away from the main complex and surrounded by trees and mountain views. Say goodbye stress.

Check it out on this Hualien Rivers & Valleys Experience or this Butterfly Valley Experience

9. The Zhuilu Old Trail

High in the mountains above Taroko Gorge National Park, lies a trail unlike any most people ever experience in their lives. Carved into the face of a cliff of solid marble, the Zhuilu Old Trail sits perilously more than 700 meters above the canyon floor below. With limited (often no) guardrail along the trails edge, one can stare down past their toes at the great Liwu river winding like a little creek over half a mile down. As if that wasn’t enough, the 500-meter-long cliffside portion at the top is only 90cm wide!

The easiest way to visit the Zhuilu Old Trail is with this Zhuilu Old Trail Tour. 

10. Niushan Huting (Cow Mountain)

Niushan Huting or “Cow Mountain” sits hidden in a cove off  Coastal Highway 11 . The winding road down into the valley brings you to a hidden beach oasis surrounded by green mountains on all sides. A real “secret cove”. Enjoy an ocean swim, wander around the unique driftwood sculptures built by the local tribespeople, or lay out on the grassy hillside for a picnic. One can easily spend hours relaxing in this stunning locale.

Check it out on an  East Coast Explorer.

While seeing all the Hualien Taiwan attractions on our list by yourself would be seriously difficult, Island Life Taiwan offers well-constructed day tours to all of these places and so much more. There are so many things to do in Taiwan, and Hualien County is such a diverse and beautiful region, why would you not?

Help A Rescued Taiwan Dog Get To Their New Home!

Are you flying Direct to SFO, LAX, SEA, YVR or YYZ from Taipei, Taiwan with EVA or China Airlines? Find out how to help the “Adopt Dogs From Eve” nonprofit by volunteering to help transport rescue dogs from Taiwan to the North American west coast. It’s free and easy as the program takes care of all the paperwork and arrangements. Check out their Facebook Pages here and here to ask about details.

Hualien Travel Blog

So much more to discover in hualien.

About Island Life Taiwan

Based in Hualien, Taiwan (adjacent to Taroko Gorge National Park), Island Life Taiwan designs all of our unique daily itineraries to help you discover the rich natural beauty and culture of Taiwan, in the most enjoyable, and most immersive way possible. We’re dedicated to showing you the most amazing locations in eastern Taiwan, while having the most fun and avoiding the crowds. More than just a tour operator and adventure outfitter, our team truly loves showing this awe-inspiring part of the world to our guests, and when you love what you do, it shows.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us and let us help you pick the tour or adventure that’s right for you!

We Hope You Enjoy Your Visit!

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Top 13 Hualien, Taiwan Attractions – Nature’s Charms & Cultural Gems

Hualien(花蓮) , a gem on Taiwan’s east coast, boasts a diverse array of natural beauty and cultural charm that captivates countless travel enthusiasts.

Whether you are an adventurous explorer seeking to venture into the wilderness, a fearless adventurer in search of hidden gems, or a soul seeking tranquility through hiking, Hualien has an abundance of surprises in store for you.

Today, let’s embark on a journey together to explore this beautiful place, uncover the mysteries of Hualien, and introduce 13 must-visit attractions that will make you fall in love with the beauty of Taiwan’s east coast.

*Cover image credit: @ little.xeno

Before You Go

You should consider purchasing the  Klook PASS Hualien  because it can help you save up to 40% on your expenses and allows you to customize your adventure by selecting 2 to 4 experience itineraries.

I strongly recommend that you get a useful tool to make your travel go smoothly: 4G SIM Card . With the local 4G SIM card , you will find your destination easily, check the latest public transport schedules immediately, and share your vacation photos or videos with your family and friends anytime, anywhere.

Hualien Attractions

1. taroko national park（太魯閣國家公園）.

Taroko National Park in Hualien is renowned for its magnificent marble canyon landscapes, attracting numerous tourists.

The scenic Liwu River Gorge within the park is awe-inspiring, offering breathtaking views of cliffs, precipices, gorges, as well as enchanting features like mountain caves, marble formations, and streams.

Yanzikou (Swallow Grotto) and Jiuqudong (Tunnel of Nine Turns) are the most captivating wonders of Taroko National Park.

Yanzikou boasts many caves where one can often see swifts and swallows darting around, especially during the spring and summer seasons.

Jiuqudong’s winding tunnel scenery is truly astonishing.

With its stunning landscapes and unique natural wonders, Taroko National Park captivates visitors and stands as the ultimate destination for exploring nature.

• Hours： Mon – Sun 24hrs
• Get Location

If you want to visit the attractions but don’t have transportation, you can consider the following solution:

Hualien: taroko gorge one-day tour from taipei.

• Including transportation from Taipei to Hualien, allowing you to travel easily.
• Chinese / English / Japanese / Korean-speaking guide
• Comprehensive insurance coverage is also included in this package.

Photo Source: Klook

Hualien Taroko National Park Private Car Charter

• Choose a half day(4 hrs) or full day(8 hrs) tour based on your personal preference and tailor as you like.
• Choose a car, van or minibus for the ultimate comfort, for whatever fits your group size.
• Visit parts of Taroko National Park that are too difficult to access via public transport.

2. Qingshui Cliff （清水斷崖）

Qingshui Cliff in Hualien is one of the most famous natural wonders in the area.

Located on the eastern side of Qingshui Mountain, it stretches approximately 21 kilometers in length.

The spectacular sight of Qingshui Cliff is awe-inspiring, with steep cliffs that almost vertically extend to the coastline, creating a breathtaking view.

As you drive along the Suhua Highway on Qingshui Cliff, you will be surrounded by towering mountains while enjoying the magnificent cliff walls.

This unique road scenery is unforgettable.

Furthermore, from Qingshui Cliff, you can overlook the azure Pacific Ocean and the visually stunning layers of blue hues along the Hualien coastline, providing a visually stunning and awe-inspiring experience.

Want to experience the majestic Qingshui Cliff from sea level and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hualien’s coastline?

Qingshui cliff kayaking experience.

• Easy for beginners to get started and enjoy the stunning sunrise view of Qingshui Cliff.
• Professional instructors will provide on-shore guidance before taking you out to explore hidden spots inaccessible by car.
• Accompanied by skilled coaches and complimentary photography service to capture your most beautiful memories.

Qingshui Cliff Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Experience

• Experience the hottest trend of Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)!
• Play SUP at one of Taiwan’s top ten scenic spots, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean.
• Guided by professional instructors, with complimentary photography service to capture your most beautiful memories.

3. Qixingtan （七星潭）

Qixingtan is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hualien, boasting a charming crescent-shaped bay and crystal-clear blue waters.

The beach’s black pebbles shimmer with a translucent glow, while green mountains embrace the surroundings, creating a captivating scenery.

The name Qixingtan, which means “Seven Star Bay,” has poetic origins. It is said that there used to be seven lakes scattered in this area, but they were eventually filled.

On clear days, you can enjoy a distant view of Qingshui Cliff from Qixingtan, and at night, you can marvel at the twinkling lights of the urban areas.

Want to visit Taroko Gorge, Qingshui Cliff, and Seven Star Lake all in one trip?

Hualien private day trips.

• Taroko Scenic Trail Exploration – One-day tour with bilingual guide (Chinese/English)
• Departing from Hualien City, embark on the journey comfortably in a cozy vehicle.
• Insurance provided by the supplier.

4. Manbo Beach（曼波海灘）

Besides Qixingtan, Manbo Beach is another hidden gem by the sea that is definitely worth a visit!

Located at the northern end of Qixingtan, Manbo Beach attracts fewer tourists, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the sea and the waves.

You can also have fun stacking stones and, on clear days, capture stunning photos that reflect a mirror image of the sky.

Apart from taking beautiful pictures, you can experience the thrilling adventure of riding a beach buggy.

It’s undoubtedly one of the must-try activities when visiting Hualien!

Have you never tried beach buggy before? Now you can do it!

Sky mirror atv experience by manbo beach buggy.

• Professional instructors lead the practice.
• Complimentary photography service provided throughout the journey.

5. Mugu Muyu（慕谷慕魚）

Mugu Muyu in Hualien derives its name from the Taroko tribe’s term “MukuMugi”, which means “people who come from a place covered with vines.”

This hidden gem nestled in the Hualien valley is a secluded paradise.

As you look up, you’ll gaze upon a serene blue sky, while beneath your feet flows a stream composed of stones of various sizes.

The crystal-clear water and vibrant green hue of the stream allow you to see the rocks at the bottom.

Here, you will be surrounded by the murmuring sound of the stream and the chirping of birds, like a symphony of nature, providing moments of tranquility and bliss.

Mugu Muyu offers an unforgettable and enchanting experience, allowing you to immerse themselves in the wonders and mysteries of nature.

• Make a Reservation 

6. Feicui Gu（翡翠谷）

Feicui Gu is located within the mountains and forests in Hualien, serving as a hidden sanctuary.

To reach the Water Curtain Waterfall in Feicui Gu, one must first traverse a 200-meter-long ancient tunnel.

The tunnel exudes a mysterious ambiance, dim and silent, so it is advisable to carry a flashlight to illuminate the path ahead.

Additionally, be sure to observe the bats hanging from the tunnel’s ceiling, adding a unique sense of wonder to the entire journey.

On the other side of the tunnel, just a 20-minute walk away, you will witness the magnificent natural waterfall, one of Hualien’s most representative and captivating waterfalls.

Let’s embrace nature and try stream crossing in the Hualien mountains, exploring the pristine beauty of Taiwan’s eastern wilderness:

Rift valley secret ecological trekking experience.

• Experience the ecological wonders of Hualien.
• Basic equipment for stream tracing provided.
• Professional coaches accompany and offer photography service throughout the activity.

7. Liyu Lake（鯉魚潭）

Liyu Lake is the largest inland lake in Hualien, covering approximately 104 hectares.

It has an elliptical shape, longer in the north-south direction and narrower in the east-west direction.

Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and boating on the lake, along with various exciting activities.

Liyu Lake is a charming place where you can fully indulge in the beauty of nature and leisurely moments.

8. Shitiping（石梯坪）

Shitiping is one of the must-visit attractions in Hualien.

It features irregular bays and coves formed by rocks extending into the sea, earning it the name “Shitiping.”

Here, you can observe raised coral reefs, coastal erosion platforms, and explore the intertidal zone’s marine life.

Moreover, Dangmian Mountain is a popular spot for taking photos.

Climbing to the highest point on the rocks, you can witness the spectacular crashing waves, creating a breathtaking sight.

Shitiping showcases Hualien’s unique geological wonders and beautiful coastal scenery, providing you with an unforgettable experience.

Let’s explore this natural treasure together!

Do you want to explore the underwater world of Shitiping?

Shitiping snorkeling experience.

• Complete snorkeling equipment provided.
• Snorkeling experience includes professional coaching and photography service.
• Complimentary tribal-style snacks and beverages included.

9. March Cave（麻糬洞）

March Cavee and Shitiping are two must-visit attractions near Fengbin Township in Hualien.

They are just a short drive apart and create an unbeatable combination for travelers planning to visit Hualien!

March Cave is renowned for its dreamy coastal erosion landscape and Instagrammable spots.

There is even a perfect rock for visitors to stand on and take stunning photos, leaving them in awe.

10. Liushishi Mountain（花蓮六十石山）

Liushishi Mountain is one of the most famous spots in Hualien for viewing the Orange Daylily.

At an altitude of 800 meters, you can witness the magnificent Orange Daylily fields surrounded by lush mountains and a beautiful blue sky.

It’s a breathtaking sight that will leave you in awe.

Enjoy the beauty of nature and create unforgettable memories here!

• Hours： 24hrs (Aug – Sept)

Admiring the blooming Orange Daylily fields is beautiful, but public transportation is inconvenient, and it’s quite far from Hualien city center. There’s also a steep mountain road that tests driving skills, so chartering a car is the best choice:

Hualien private car charter for liushishi mountain.

• Private Car Charter taking you to natural wonders, and admiring the vast fields of golden needle flowers.
• The itinerary includes pick-up and drop-off service from hotels or Hualien city center.
• Plan your own itinerary for a relaxed and effortless travel experience.

11. Xiuguluan River Rafting Experience（秀姑巒溪泛舟）

The Xiuguluan River is a famous rafting destination in Hualien, with steep and ever-changing river currents.

The best rafting season is from May to October.

The entire journey takes about 3-4 hours and offers thrilling experiences and magnificent views of the Xiuguluan River valley.

Whether in the first or second half of the rafting route, you will experience different levels of excitement and thrills.

When visiting Hualien, you should definitely not miss this unforgettable rafting adventure!

• Hours： Mon – Sun 09:00~19:00 

Don’t miss out on the exhilarating river rafting experience! Come and feel the rush as you navigate the waters!

Xiuguluan river rafting experience.

• Experience the beauty of the Xiuguluan Riverbank, no experience needed.
• Complete and advanced equipment, professional coaching for safe guidance.
• Convenient pick-up from designated locations in Hualien city, no worries about transportation!

12. Dolaman Ocean Whale Watching Tour（多羅滿海洋賞鯨導覽體驗）

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Turumoan Lin (@turumoanlin)

Immerse yourself in the splendor and mystery of nature with a whale watching experience in Hualien.

In this tranquil sea, you will have the opportunity to witness the majestic gathering of whales and dolphins.

Step aboard a comfortable sightseeing boat and soar across the deep blue ocean as professional guides lead you into the realm of these incredible marine creatures.

As you wait in silence, you may catch a glimpse of water spouts suddenly rising from the surface – the exhilarating sight of whale blowholes.

If luck is on your side, you might encounter gigantic whales breaching the surface or playful pods of dolphins leaping in the waves, providing you with moments of surprise and awe.

This extraordinary encounter with nature will become an unforgettable memory.

The knowledgeable guides will also offer insights into the stories, ecology, and conservation efforts of whales and dolphins, providing a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of marine conservation.

Whether you are a nature enthusiast, an eco-adventurer, or simply seeking a romantic connection with the ocean, Hualien’s whale watching tour is an unmissable choice.

Get ready to meet these magnificent creatures that guard the oceans and create lasting memories together!

• Hours： Mon – Fri 08:00~18:00 | Sat– Sun 07:00~19:00

Are you ready to dance with whales and resonate with the sea?

Turumoan whale-watching tour.

• Take a boat ride and get up close to various whales and dolphins.
• Sea insurance provided.
• Professional guided tours and explanations.

13. Farglory Ocean Park（花蓮遠雄海洋公園）

Farglory Ocean Park combines marine ecology and amusement facilities, offering eight themed areas and exciting performances featuring dolphins, sea lions, and more.

The park features a Victorian-style marine theme, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a dreamy ocean world.

Suitable for family visits, the park offers ecological interpretation, amusement rides, song and dance performances, and mascots, making it a popular attraction in Hualien.

• Hours： Mon – Sun 09:00~18:00
• Admission fee ：NT$990($33)

The original ticket price is NT$990($33), but you can get   16% off   just click the below button!

Do you want to enter the underwater world and swim with the fishes, farglory oceanpark sleepover experience.

• Overnight at Farglory Ocean Park in Hualien, enjoy the unique experience of sleeping with the fishes.
• Diverse and enriching activities for the whole family to create unforgettable memories together!
• Guided tours and explanations provided by professionals.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post. In this post, you’ve learned about the fun things to do in Hualien. Now, I’d love to hear which activity you prefer and where you would like to go first.

Lastly, if you have any questions about your trip to Hualien, please leave them in the comments below. I will be more than happy to help you out 🙂

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33 Best Things to Do in Hualien County + Itinerary

Posted on August 25, 2023 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on August 25, 2023

Located on the East Coast, Hualien is probably Taiwan’s most beautiful county . Hiding spectacular sights at every corner and boasting several natural wonders, Hualien is a must-visit while in Taiwan and features incredible places to visit.

Located in a mountainous area, Hualien’s landscape is jaw-dropping and unique. It’s a great place for hiking, mountaineering, and bird watching, especially in the famous Taroko National Park.

Hualien also has a strong aboriginal culture , and there are many places where you can learn more about it.

Planning your Hualien itinerary is pretty easy as public transportation from Hualien City is pretty good in the area but you can also rent a car for added convenience.

Keep on reading to discover all the best things to do in Hualien County.

HELPFUL WEBSITES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

FLIGHT DEALS

HOTEL DEALS

TRAVEL INSURANCE

VACATION RENTALS

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on any links and make a purchase, we’ll get a small commission, at no cost to you.

2-Day Hualien Itinerary

If you can only go by public transportation, you’ll need to count two full days on your Hualien itinerary to see all of the major sights.

You can take a one-day trip to Taroko National Park . Take the bus 1133; the day pass is NT$250. Start by the Shakadang trail, then go to Buluowan, and later, continue to the Swallow Grotto and the tunnel of the nine turns. On the way back, stop at the Changchun Shrine. If you leave early, this can be done in one day.

On the second day, take bus 303 and visit Cingsio Temple, Liyu Lake, Yunshanshui Ecological Park, and Danongdafu Forest Park. You can buy a day pass for NT$250.

Before planning your Hualien itinerary, check out this site , for bus routes and timetables.

In the night, visit Hualien City night market (Dongdamen Night Market), one of the biggest I’ve seen in Taiwan. Foodies can also stroll along Zhongshan Road to sample some local treats.

If you plan to rent a car or a motorbike, you can add a day or two to your Hualien itinerary and visit some of the places listed below.

If you don’t have to return the car to Hualien, you can follow the East Rift Valley route , and spend a night somewhere along the way down to Taitung (or the other way around). Among the most scenic spots, you’ll find: Liushishi Mountain, Lintian Forestry Center, Matai’an Wetland, and the Walami Trail.

Best Things to Do in Hualien County – Hiking

Walami trail.

A 13km long easy trek through waterfalls, lush green ferns, low-altitude natural hardwood forest, and Japanese cedar trees. It’s an excellent place for bird-watching.

Baiyang Waterfall Trail

Part of the Taroko Gorge, this 2 km long trail is known for its many tunnels and is one of the best places to visit in Hualien County. Some of them feel like being in a cave, so bring a flashlight. As always in Taroko, the landscape is spectacular.

Yan Zi Kou or Swallow Grotto

A must-add to your Hualien itinerary, this small trail is around 1 km, and most of it is along the road. The rock formations there, are a must-see Hualien tourist spot, it’s like small caves and tunnels. It’s a really unique place, walking along the gorge, you’ll see hundreds of small holes on the opposite rocks, made by erosion, and where swallows live.

Shakadang Trail 

Probably Taroko’s most famous trail, you simply cannot plan your Hualien itinerary without including it. Hiking along the Taroko Gorge is one of the best things to do in Hualien County .

It’s one of my favorites because you’re in the shadow the whole time and the trail is flat hence not too tiring; and of course, the views are amazing. The path is around 4km so 8 back and forth and is along the river. The water is so blue; it looks fantastic. You’re not supposed to swim there, to protect the eco-system, but many people do it anyway.

Tunnel of the Nine Turns

One of the trails where you’ll get the more spectacular views with the cliffs facing each other. The path is only 700 meters, and a tunnel has been built so that visitors can view the rock folds and the joints and faults of the marble cliffs.

Changchun Temple Trail

This short but intense trek will take you to spectacular views and to the Dongtian Xianfu cave shrine, carved into the rock. Further, the trail leads to Changuang Temple. From there, there’s a road going back to the main highway and the Changchun Temple.

There are around 20 trails in Taroko Gorge National Park, ranging from easy strolls to hard-core mountaineering. You can check out their website for the full list. The harder treks, like the Zhuilu Old Trail , cannot be undertaken without a guide and require a permit.

Must-See Scenic Spots in Hualien Country

Hualien is amazingly beautiful, and you should add a few of the sights listed below to your Hualien itinerary to discover more of this great county.

Located in Shoufeng Township at the foot of Liyu Mountain, Liyu Lake offers a peaceful retreat. Surrounded by nature and serenity, enjoy some quiet time, trekking around the lake or sailing on the lake’s smooth waters.

You can rent bicycles and go around the lake; the path is around 5 kilometers. You can also trek in the nearby forest on Liyu Mountain. If you want to spend the night there, there’s a campsite near the shore of the lake.

Liushishi Mountain

Another great place to enjoy the view and a must-add to your Hualien itinerary. From August to September, you can see the vast fields full of daylilies in bloom. Winter is also a good time to go as it’s quieter (less touristy).

Located east of Chishang, Dapo Pond is an inland freshwater pond. It’s a good place to take pictures, especially at sunset. Flora and fauna are rich and varied, Dapo pond is a great place for bird watching. Several outdoor activities are offered on-site, and you can rent a bike to go around the lake.

Luoshan Recreation Area

In Luoshan, you can see the impressive Luoshan Waterfalls. They are about 120 meters high and are located on different levels. You can see them when coming from the Provincial Highway No.9. The surroundings are verdant and lush, with several majestic cliffs. Because the area is really steep, it has been protected and left practically untouched.

You can also take a look at the mud volcano. The grounds ejects gas and fire, and the mud smells like salt. The locals collect the gas and use it to produce energy.

Chike Mountain

Chike Mountain is another scenic Hualien tourist spot famous for its lilies fields. You can tour around the fields and visit the area’s three unique sights. Two of them are weirdly shaped rocks, and the third is the Wang Family Historic Residence. Typical of the local architecture style, the house is open to visitors.

Fanshualiao

Located along the Provincial Highway No.11, Fanshuliao offers breathtaking views of two contrasting types of landscape, both carved by the Fanshuliao River. On one side, a broad valley, and on the other, a vertical-walled gorge.

In the past, aboriginals living here promised anyone who could vault across the gorge to make him chief. Many people tried, and the bamboo grove you can see today is what remains of their attempts (as they used bamboo poles to climb.)

Qingshui Cliff

Located on the Suao-Hualien Highway, Qingshui Cliff offers one of the best views over Taiwan’s Pacific coast. The cliff is more than 1,000 meters high, is almost vertical, and drops directly into the ocean. There are about 20 km of whirling roads and spectacular sights.

Cultural Activities and Sites

Hualien is home to many aboriginal tribes; you should add a village or two to your Hualien itinerary so you can discover their culture and traditions.

Satokoay Historical Site

Satokoay is home to several prehistoric megalithic stone pillars. Several relics dating back to 3000 years ago have been found on the site, from the Quillin, Huangangshan, and Jinpu Cultures.

In Amis, Satokoay means “where the main house pillars are.” The site is considered sacred, and these stone pillars represent the place where the ancestor’s spirits rest. Many local legends surround these structures, and often aboriginals come to make offerings before the harvest season to appease the gods.

Near the site, you’ll find the marker for the Tropic of Cancer, in summer, the sun is perfectly aligned with the tropic, creating a shadowless effect.

Buluowan Culture center

Buluowan is a settlement where the Atayal tribe formerly lived before being moved out by the Japanese. Mountains surround the area, and it’s full of nature. There’s not much to do, but the landscape is great. From March to May, thousands of wild lilies are at bloom. In this area, you can trek through the  Huanliuqiu Trail . It’s a small and easy hike with amazing views.

There’s also a cultural center with a small museum to learn more about the Atayal culture. You can usually see elderly Atayals demonstrating how to weave cloth and rushes using the traditional method. The cultural center also offers several traditional houses you can spend the night in.

Matai’an Wetland Ecological Park

Located in Guanngfu Township, Matai’an wetland is a marsh full of bubbling fountains, a great place to observe wildlife such as birds, frogs, and fishes. It’s also a good place to learn about the Amis and their unique way of fishing (Palakaw), and to try aboriginal food. 

Taibalang Tribal Village

Located east of Guangfu Township, Taibalang is an Amis village. They settled there from Fengbin Township after the sky god told them to. You can see the “Taibalang Place of Origin Memorial Stele” next to the watchtower.

The best time to go is in August, during the yearly sacrificial ceremony. The rest of the year, you can see the traditional houses and their totems and wood carvings. You can also visit the Culture Center to look at some artifacts and learn more about Amis traditions and ways of living.

Pine Garden

Located in Hualien City, the Pine Garden is a former Japanese military office turned into a cultural center offering historical exhibits and hosting events. There you can admire the Japanese architecture and tour the house.

Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park

Also located in Hualien City, the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park is set in an old brewery and the factories have been turned into art spaces and event venues. Make sure to check out what happening when you’re in town and maybe attend a concert, exhibit, or festival.

You can also just stroll around the park to see the old buildings and shop for handicrafts.

Aboriginal Cooking Class

For a fun cultural and culinary experience, take an Aboriginal Cooking Class in Hualien City. Learn to cook traditional dishes with local ingredients and sample what you’ve made

Hualien County Activities

Apart from trekking and sightseeing, there are a few activities you can add to your Hualien itinerary such as rafting or bathing in hot springs.

Visit a tea plantation at Wuhe Terrace

Driving through the tea plantations in Wuhe Terrace is a treat for the eyes. You can stop and roam around the fields. You should also sample the local tea. The region is famous for its Honey Peach Black Tea which won a gold medal at the World Tea Awards in 2006.

Wuhe Terrace is located in Ruisui and is accessible by public transportation.

Fuyan Recreational Forest area

Aka the Butterfly Valley, the best time to go is from March to August. There are also several hot springs you can bathe in nearby.

Ruisui, Hongye & Antong Hot Springs

All of the three springs are located near Ruisui. The Ruisui Hot Spring consists of man-made pools, so it’s not like a wild hot spring, but the view around is great, it’s right in the middle of the mountains. The buildings were built by the Japanese and are similar to an onsen.

The Hongye Hot Springs was built by the Japanese and is now a hotel. The surroundings are also great; the landscape is really colorful. Nearby you can bathe in the river, where cold water and the one from the hot spring meet.

Antong is a third option nearby, also a hotel. The water there is drinkable, they make a particular type of coffee with it.

Ruisui Rafting Visitor Center

If you like rafting, this is the place for you. Probably one of the top Hualien outdoor activities, it takes place on the Xiuguluan River for about 24 km.

The best time to go is during summer, the landscape is just gorgeous, there are several canyons on the way. Over 20 hard-to-cross torrents and rapids provide a thrilling experience that you should add to your Hualien itinerary.

Spend some time at the beach

There are several beaches where you can enjoy water activities and sunbathing along the coast. Some of the most beautiful beaches include Qixingtan Beach (sometimes spelled Chihsingtan Beach), Jici Beach, and Niushan Huting (Cow Mountain) Beach.

Top Hualien Day Trips and Tours

One-day private guided tour in taroko gorge from hualien.

If there is only one thing you can do while in Hualien, then this One-Day Private Guided Tour in Taroko Gorge from Hualien is a must. It has hundreds of 5-star reviews and takes you through all the highlights of the park.

Private transportation, guide, and entrance fees are all included. As this is a private experience you can easily customize the tour if you want.

If you’re staying in Taipei, you can book this Private Taroko Gorge Day Tour from Taipei instead.

Sunrise Sea Kayaking at Qingshui Cliff

For a unique experience during your trip to Hualien, experience the sunrise while kayaking in one of Hualien’s most scenic tourist spots: Qingshui Cliff.

This Sea Kayaking at Qingshui Cliff excursion includes transportation and everything needed for kayaking in a small-group setting.

Dali Indigenous Village One-Day Tour

Explore Shakadang, Xiaozhuilu, and the Dali-Datong Trail on this day trip from Hualien . Spend the day hiking in the mountains to remote traditional villages. A great way to immerse yourself in the local culture!

East Rift Valley Day Tour

On this East Rift Valley Day Tour explore Hualien’s logging heritage at the Lintian Mountain Forestry Center , visit Butterfly Valley at the Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area , and sample some homemade ice cream. Lunch is included as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Liyu Lake, Guangfu Sugar Factory, Ruisui Day Tour

Explore some of the county’s highlights on this Liyu Lake, Guangfu Sugar Factory, Ruisui Day Tour .

Hualien Countryside Tour

During this excursion , explore the gorge and beautiful surrounding farmlands of Fanshuliao , walk the ‘stone stairs’ of Shihtiping , visit the fishing harbor of Shihti (you might spot whales and dolphins), and enjoy the views and discover aboriginal art at Baqi Gazebo .

This tour is self-guided, you get some free time at each spot and transportation by bus. It’s a great option if you like sightseeing and are looking for something relaxing.

Whale-Watching Tour

One of the top Hualien day tours, this Whale-Watching Tour is a must-do while on the East Coast. Seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat is a unique experience.

The whale-watching season falls between  April to October  in Taiwan – same for dolphins – with the peak being between May and September.

You can meet at the harbor or request pick-up at your accommodation. The boat tour lasts for about 2 hours. It’s recommended to wear sunscreen and protective clothing as well as have a light breakfast, especially if you tend to get seasick.

Paragliding Experience

Explore Hualien from above on this Paragliding Experience for beginners and experienced paragliders alike. You’ll be briefed on what to expect and safety measures, before setting up for the activity.

Once in the sky, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Ocean, overlooking the sea and the mountain scenery up close.

You can arrange to be picked up at Hualien Train Station if needed.

Related articles to help you plan your trip to Taiwan:

• Taiwan Complete Travel Guide
• Things to do around Kenting National Park
• Best day trips from Kaohsiung
• Taitung Travel Guide – Best things to do

Like it? Save it for Later – Hualien itinerary and things to do:

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Taiwanese Secrets Travel Guide

Hualien City Travel Guide

Welcome to Hualien 花蓮, gateway to Taroko National Park, attractive beaches, majestic mountains, and a slower pace of life.

Before you read on, let me just tell you one thing: Hualien is an absolute must-visit destination in Taiwan, so make sure to bookmark this page, or highlight it in your guidebook. No visit to Formosa is complete without visiting this area.

Hualien is the main city on the East Coast of Taiwan. Most travelers who only have a day or two to visit this part of the island usually only spend a night here and arrange a day-trip to nearby Taroko Gorge , then head straight back to Taipei City.

If you have more than a day or two, you should  definitely plan to spend more time around here. There are so many amazing things to see and do along the East Coast of Taiwan, and Hualien makes a perfect “basecamp” from where you can discover beaches, the East Rift Valley, hiking trails, harbors, hot-springs, waterfalls, and even do some river-tracing.

Hualien is also where people begin the  famous and scenic Highway 11 road-trip  all the way down to Taitung City.

Table of Contents

Quick facts about Hualien and the east coast:

• Hualien is the  biggest city on the east coast . It has a population of 333,392 people.
• It enjoys old-fashioned island culture and is home to some ethnic minorities .
• It’s not as commercially and industrially developed as the west coast of Taiwan, but it does have all the facilities and conveniences found in major cities.
• The weather is unpredictable, typhoons are stronger and earthquakes are frequent.
• The area is one of the world’s biggest producers of  marble .

Attractions and Things to Do in Hualien City

Walking around downtown.

As usual, my top advice for you is to simply walk around. The downtown core (around this Starbucks ) is really enjoyable on foot, any time of the day. The main roads have wide sidewalks and so do the small alleys. The lanes between Dongdamen Night Market and Hualien Cultural and Creative Park (see picture below) are full of traditional stores, some beer houses, small shops, eateries, and Japanese style houses. Great area for street photography.

Martyr’s Shrine 忠烈祠

Hualien’s Martyr’s Shrine is located on the edge of Meilun Mountain, to the east of the city, at the end of Linsen Road. It’s a great spot for nice city views at any time of the day. The shrine honours Kuomingtang soldiers who died during the Chinese civil war. The buildings have been undergoing renovations for almost two decades, but it’s finally open to the public as of July 2021.

Most likely, your idea of Hualien is of ocean, mountains, nature, and not of visiting more temples! No doubt the buildings themselves are not unlike any classical Chinese ones you’ll find around Taiwan. However, what makes the Martyr’s Shrine an interesting stop is the vantage point it offers you. On a clear day, you can see the highest peaks of the Central Mountain Range towering above the city, and it’s an unbeatable sight you’re not about to forget.

Qixingtan Beach 七星潭

Only a ten-minute ride outside the city, this long, quiet beach is a great place to enjoy expansive views of both the sea and the mountains. The beach is covered with black stones, not sand. It’s not a really swimmer-friendly place, but I’ve gone for dips there in the past with my friends. You can cycle all the way up here from Nanbin Park on the Coastal Bike Trail. There’s a dozen hotels and homestays at the southern end of the bay, behind the airforce base.

Hualien Harbor

You’ll love this port! It has an energy that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city. Just walk around the docks and observe the harbor life unfold quietly between the colorful boats, fishing nets and the sound of the ocean. Fishermen from distant lands will give you curious looks while local folks will invite you to join them for a beetle nut, a smoke, and  Taiwan beer.

Tao and Buddhist Temples

East coast’s residents take their religion very seriously. That’s why you’re guaranteed to see something interesting if you visit one of the many temples scattered around the city. Dongjingchan   Temple  is a particularly fascinating Buddhist shrine where you’ll find golden Buddha statues and tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere in Hualien.

Tzu Chi Campus and the Still Thoughts Hall

The main attraction here is the Still Thoughts Hall and it’s majestic roof. It’s got to be one of the most beautiful and photogenic structure on the island. The Tzu Chi Foundation is the world’s biggest charitable Buddhist society. Check out the exhibition halls and make sure you don’t miss the free vegetarian lunch, around noon, in the building behind the main hall.

Taroko Gorge

Nine out of ten people who make it here come to visit Taroko Gorge and its  deep marble canyons , rushing rivers and massive cliffs. Drive up the spectacular Central Cross Island Highway and you’ll pass some of Taiwan’s best hiking trails, grottoes, pagodas, high suspension bridges and attractive resort towns.  Visit Taroko National Park now!

Qingshui Cliffs (Cingshuei)

From the winding, precarious road, you can see these steep rock faces plummet dramatically into the turquoise water of the Pacific Ocean. The sheer Qingshui Cliffs are along highway 9, about 25km north of Hualien City, between Chongde and Heren.

Beware  if you ride your scooter or bicycle there – the traffic is heavy, the air filthy and the truck drivers wired on beetle nuts. It’s the only road on the island that can make me shiver.

Liyu Lake 鯉魚潭

Liyu Lake is in Shoufeng, just at the entrance of the East Rift Valley. Some people find it too touristy, but I personally think that it’s one of the best spots near Hualien to have coffee or have a quiet stroll in nature. There’s a campground, some restaurants, a visitor center, a bicycle path that circles the lake, and even paddle boats for rent. It’s best to visit on weekdays.

Jici’s black sand seashore envelops a crescent-shaped bay that’s surrounded by green, lofty mountains. It’s definitely one of the finest places to swim on the east coast and a cool spot to surf . Takes about 30 minutes to get here from Hualien. Bring food and drinks – you won’t find 7-11s in that area.

There are two viewpoints from where you can get stunning views of Jiqi. One is to the north of the bay, at Baqi 芭崎 , a little rest area along Highway 11. The other is south of the beach, up the little hill, which is called Dashibi Mountain . The hike to the top is short and easy, although quite hot in summer. You can park your car at the harbor, by the gazebo if you plan to do the hike.

It’s possible to snorkel at the southern end of the bay, but don’t expect to see the kind of colorful sea life you’d find in Kenting.

Take a road trip down Highway 11

This is one of the most amazing road-trips you’ve ever taken – guaranteed!

This journey takes you south, all the way to Taitung (Taidong), along Taiwan’s magnificent  coastline  and through tranquil rice-paddied countryside. Don’t rush it! Take your time and stop at the humble  fishing villages , aboriginal towns and viewing platforms along the way. Don’t bus it either. The experience will be  so much better  if you have your own wheels. There are some campsites along the way. Read about Highway 11 here .

Accommodation in Hualien

There are many reasonably priced hotels and bed and breakfasts in Hualien that are of international standard. Cheaper accommodation like hostels and guesthouses can be found easily around the train station. If you want to be near the “action” at night, you should book a room near Zhongshan Rd. / Zhongzheng Rd. intersection.

Restaurants in Hualien

The downtown area near the intersection of Zhongshan and Zhongzheng Road is packed with restaurants, food stalls, and teashops. At night, the area comes to life and it’s fun to just walk around and sample different stuff.

Salt Lick BBQ  at #147 Zhongshan Road, in downtown Hualien is my #1 Top Pick! Check it out, you cannot be disappointed, it’s the best American BBQ restaurant in Taiwan! Try their pulled pork burger or the ribs. The beef brisket is also lethal.

Bianshi and muaji are two names that come to mind when thinking about the area’s specialties. Bianshi 扁食 is a type of pork and shrimp dumplings in soup  (wonton soup). There are many good restaurants in town that sell this tasty meal, but I always go back to  Daiji Bianshi , at #120 Zhonghua Rd. This local canteen is right downtown and the soup they serve is huge . NT50/bowl.

Another great place to sample bianshi is at a restaurant called 花蓮香 . You pay a little more (70NT$), but the bowl is HUGE! This restaurant has lots of seats and it’s always super busy. What I like about 花蓮香is that they offer lots of small, cold dishes, and they’re all delicious, and cheap (20NT$). Map

Muajis are  sticky rice cakes  filled with sweets. You’ll find them in the bright, yellow cakeshops on Zhongshan and Zhonghua Rd. Try the peanut and strawberry ones.

Hualien Transportation

By Air:  The city has daily air connection with Kaohsiung and Taipei. Hualien Airport is 6km north of the city. It has a rental car agency and a good information desk where Taiwanese people can help you in English.

By Train:  Taking the train is the most convenient way to get here. One way from Taipei: fast/slow; NT455/345; 2hr/3.5hr. The fast train is called  Taroko  ( Tailuge ). An even faster train is called the Puyuma . Book ahead of time if you want to have a seat as this train is often crowded. The train station is in the northern part of the city (2km from downtown).

By Bus:  Traveling in and around Hualien by bus is really confusing – lots of stations, tons of companies, changing schedules…. I recommend you take information from the people who work at the visitor center just outside the train station.

Anyway, I’ll still do my best to show you the lowdown. I hope it makes sense…

The Hualien Bus Company  has buses to  Taroko Gorge , Taitung, and Lishan. It has two stations: one is at the downtown terminal, the other is right in front of the train station.

To Taroko National Park Visitor Center:  buses leave every half hour; NT75; 1hr; from 5:30am to 9:30pm.

To Tiansiang (Taroko):  seven buses a day; NT145; 1hr 30min; first one is at 6:30am.

To Lishan:  the only bus is at 9:30am; NT360; 5hr

To  Taitung :  five buses/day; NT450; 4hr; buses leave at 5:10am, 7:10am, 9:10am, 12:10pm, 4:10pm. In my opinion, there’s no point in taking the bus to Taidong – the train is faster and gives you a  much  better experience.

• Taichung to Hualien Transportation Guide
• Get more details about travel from  Taipei to Hualien .

Getting Around Hualien

You can  rent a scooter by the train station. Expect to pay around NT350-450 per day. If you plan on taking trips down Highway 11 or up Taroko Gorge, get at least a 125cc. Make sure  the back tire still has some thread. Bring your passport and international driver’s license.  Pony Leasing and Rental Group , by Ching Yeh Hotel, is supposed to be the easiest place to get one.

To discover the downtown core, walking is still your best option. Moving around by foot in the small lanes off the main roads is a guaranteed way to find little traditional cafes / restaurants / stores that probably aren’t in guidebooks or blogs. The city is safe, the people are friendly, and walking around Hualien is in itself a “thing to do”!

Buses run between the  airport  and the station downtown every 20 minutes; NT25.

Hualien Accommodation

Hualien city is quite big and so you might be wondering where to stay. Good question. Since 2000, I’ve stayed here more than 50 times, in various neighborhoods, so I can surely guide you.

There are basically 3 main areas that you’ll want to consider:

Downtown core: busy and crowded, lots of restaurants, cafes, some bars, nightmarket, good for night strolls, shopping, lots of medium-range business hotels along Zhongshan Road, some inexpensive guesthouses and homestays (minsu) in the lanes east of Zhonghua Road

Train station area: convenient if you have to catch an early bus or train, lots of cheap backpacker hostels, many scooter rental shops, not the prettiest part of town

Qixingtan Beach: If you want a room with seaview, this is the closest seaside area you’ll find in the city. The downside is that there’s not much around here in terms of dining, nightlife options. Also, there’s a military base just behind, so might be woken up by the sound of F-16 at 5am. That being said, I still stay there from time to time, as I love waking up in front of the ocean.

Hiking in Taiwan Travel Guide!

Taiwan isn’t just cities and factories. The island is home to Northeast Asia’s tallest summit and to more than 240 peaks over 3000m. If you like nature, mountains and outdoor activities, you should take a look at this page.

40 Unmissable Things to Do in Hualien, Taiwan

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

Few people visit Hualien without falling completely in love with it. The vast east coast county is beloved for its wild scenery (including the star attraction, Taroko Gorge ) and adventure activities. It is the largest county in Taiwan, though one of the least populated, and homeland of the Amis, the country’s largest aboriginal tribe.

Spend at least one full day at Taroko Gorge, but stay longer to enjoy the many cultural & culinary attractions Hualien City has to offer. Next, pick from coastal highway 11 or inland highway 9 to travel south to equally awesome Taitung County in the southeastern corner of Taiwan.

I’ve compiled this exhaustive list of places to visit in Hualien based on numerous trips made in my 10+ years of living in Taiwan . There’s no way you’ll be able to visit all these places on one trip, but feel free to pick and choose and create your ideal Hualien trip. To figure out the best way to piece the below sights, see my recommended Hualien itinerary and Hualien visitor’s guide .

For the ultimate east coast road trip from Hualien to Taitung & Kenting on the southern tip of Taiwan and back, make sure to also check out my two-part guide to the east coast of Taiwan and guide to Kenting .

Table of Contents

Hualien Travel Tips

2024 Update: On April 3, 2024, a huge earthquake struck the Hualien region. Taroko Gorge is heavily damaged and Taroko Gorge remains totally closed to visitors. It is expected that the gorge will be closed for six months to a year. Trains are now running again from Taipei to Hualien and onward to Taitung. Damage in Hualien city is less serious, but some hotels have closed for repairs. See my newer guide here: things to do in Hualien which are currently still open .

– Book your train from Taipei to Hualien up to 28 days in advance. The train often sells out, especially on weekends/holidays, and especially the faster express train. Here’s my train booking guide . – Use Klook to find discounts on Hualien activities, such as this popular Taroko Gorge tour . Sign up for Klook here first to get a TWD100 credit ! – Don’t visit Taroko Gorge after heavy rain or especially a typhoon. – Read my Taiwan travel tips and favorite places to visit in Taiwan . – Hualien’s Amis aboriginal tribe hosts a harvest festival in summer. Find out more here .

How Long to Spend in Hualien

How much time do you have? It may never seem like enough!

Although I wouldn’t recommend this, you can even visit Taroko Gorge as a day trip from Taipei . Taking this flight from Taipei to Hualien and/or taking this organized Taipei to Hualien day tour can help, but you’re going to be extremely rushed.

At the bare minimum, I’d recommend traveling to Hualien and checking into your hotel on day one, then spending the whole next day at Taroko Gorge. A second night would give you a third day to explore more sights in the area or in Hualien City.

To travel down Highways 11 or 9 from Hualien City to Taitung, you can ride a scooter (one full day, including stops) or take the train (2-3 hours). But to really appreciate the area, I’d recommend adding at least two days for this, making four total days in Hualien.

On Highway 11, aim to reach chilled out Dulan Surfing Beach (Taitung county) and spend the night in one of its many guesthouses. On Highway 9, Ruisui or Yuli in Hualien (see below), or Chishang , Guanshan, or Luye in Taitung all make great stops to spend the night. See my east coast road trip guide part 2 for more info on each village.

With a full week, you could really do the area justice, traveling down one of the highways, spending some time in Taitung, and traveling back to Hualien via the other highway.

Also find my recommend things to do in Yilan (the county north of Hualien) and things to do in Taitung (the county south of Hulien).

Getting to and Around Hualien

Taking the train or flying from Taipei’s city center airport are the two main ways to reach Hualien from Taipei . The train ride takes around three hours (regular train, standing tickets available even if the seats sell out) or two hours (express trains, reserved seats only). These trains frequently sell out, especially the express ones, so make sure to reserve up to 28 days in advance . Flying isn’t necessarily faster once you factor in the time for getting to the airport and checking in.

To visit Taroko Gorge, you can get off at Xincheng Station (also called Taroko Station), a small town that is closest to Taroko Gorge but has few services. There are far more amenities and hotels in Hualien City (Hualien Station), but it’s also further away from Taroko Gorge.

To get to Taroko Gorge, you can rent a scooter at Xincheng station (7 minutes to Taroko entrance gate) or at Hualien Station (40 minutes). An IDP is needed for the rental. Alternatively, you can take the local bus (slow and infrequent), hire a driver for the day or join this highly recommended Taroko Gorge day tour .

Going south of Hualien City towards Taitung, you’ll need to hire a car in Hualien for coastal Highway 11. If you take Highway 9, you can travel between towns on the train. You’ll miss some of the sights in between as a result, but you can hire a scooter or bicycle at individual towns to explore each area.

Where to Stay in Hualien

Deciding where to stay in Hualien will be one of your toughest choices. One option is to stay right in or near Taroko Gorge.

Silks Place ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) in Taroko Gorge is one of the most beautifully located luxury hotels in Taiwan . It’s at the top of the gorge. You can stay in wood cabins at Taroko Village Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) roughly in the middle of Taroko Gorge. Budget travelers can choose Liwu Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) just outside the entrance to Taroko Gorge.

Xincheng is the closest town to Taroko Gorge and you can get off the train there. However, there are few amenities and hotel choices there. Taroko Liiko Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) stands out as best.

Man visitors stay in Hualien City, even though it is a 40-minute drive away from Taroko Gorge. Hualien has some of the best hostels I’ve stayed at in Taiwan, such Just Walk Backpacker Hostel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ). Find more hostels in Hualien here .

For a good mid-range option in Hualien, try Happiness is My Home or 1999 B&B (see on Booking / Agoda ). The best oceanside resort with a pool in Hualien city is Hualien Farglory Resort (see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ).

If you travel south from Hualien City toward Taitung, I’d recommend spending the night somewhere along the way. On Highway 11, Dulan in Taitung County is the best place to spend the night.

For Highway 9, Ruisui has hot spring hotels, and Yuli is a great base for explore the local countryside. Chishang , Guanshan, and Luye in Taitung are all also great choices. See my east coast guide for where to stay in each village.

Things to Do in and Around Taroko Gorge

For more details about all the Hualien activities in this section, make sure to read my detailed guide to Taroko Gorge .

Qingshui Cliffs (清水斷崖)

The Qingshui Cliffs are a series of landmark coastal bluffs on the Suhua Highway, which connects Yilan and Hualien counties. The cliffs stretch for some 20 kilometers along the coast.

There are several lookout points where you can view the cliffs. Most Taroko Gorge day tours, such as this one , include a stop at the cliffs at the end of the day. The nearest decent viewpoint with safe parking is here , about 15 minutes’ drive north of Taroko Gorge entrance.

Taroko Gorge National Park (太魯閣國家公園)

Breathtaking Taroko National Park is the number 1 reason people come to Hualien. The dramatic 19-kilometer gorge was carved by the Liwu River and features awe-inspiring vertical views, great hiking, and a secret hot spring.

You’ll want to budget at least half a day, if not a full day in Taroko Gorge to take in the following eight sights. It is best to join a day tour like this one or hire a driver to make that possible.

Shakadang Trail (砂卡噹步道)

This easy in-and-out two hour-return hike features stunning sapphire blue waters of the Shakadang stream.

To access the hike, you’ll need to cross the bridge over the Liwu River (the main river that creates Taroko Gorge) at the Taroko Gorge East Entrance Arch Gate, then turn left at the National Park Visitor Center.

Note that the trail is sometimes partially or completely closed for maintenance (landslides are common during storms in Taroko Gorge). You can find information about current trail closures here . Click on Level 0 through 5 for the various hikes, rated according to difficulty.

Eternal Spring Shrine (長春祠)

The most iconic attraction in Taroko Gorge is the mighty Eternal Spring Shrine. The structure is built into a cliff with a waterfall pouring out in the middle of it. It was built to honor those who died while constructing the highway through Taroko Gorge.

You can usually walk through a small cave to enter the shrine itself, while a hike behind the shrine leads up to a bell tower and temple higher up the mountain (the trail is often partially closed).

Buluowan Terrace and Suspension Bridge (布洛灣遊憩區)

Follow a side road to Buluowan, built on the former site of a Taroko (Truku) aboriginal village. There you’ll find a small Truku handicraft museum highlighting their history and culture. A walking trail leads to Buluowan Suspension Bridge (布洛灣吊橋), the tallest and longest of the several suspension bridges in Taroko Gorge.

You can also dine (we loved the buffet aboriginal meal when we visited) or spend the night in luxurious wooden huts at the Taroko Village Hotel with is located just a little further up the road from the service center.

Buses going through Taroko Gorge also stop at Buluowan.

Swallow’s Grotto (燕子口)

The next mandatory stop in Taroko Gorge is Swallow’s Grove (also called Yanzikou or Swallow’s Grotto), named after the birds who build nests in the dramatic cliff faces there. Take a stop to admire the vertical bluffs, then walk or drive through a series of tunnels carved into sheer rock.

Helmets are technically required for visiting Swallow’s Grove. Most tours should include them, or you can borrow them along the road before it reaches Swallow’s Grove.

Zhuilu Old Trail (錐麓古道)

One activity you’ll need to plan book in advancing is hiking the incredible Zhuilu Old Trail. This tough six-kilometer hike follows a precarious trail along a 500-meter cliff face – with no rail guards!

You’ll need a guide and permit; I recommend Island Life Tours for this.

Tunnel of Nine Turns (九曲洞隧道)

After being closed for many years due to typhoon damage, the breathtaking Tunnel of Nine Turns is finally open again. Take a stroll through several tunnels and admire quintessential Taroko Gorge scenery from a number of lookout points. This is a stop you won’t want to miss!

Baiyang Waterfall and Water Curtain Cave

Another of the best hikes in Taroko Gorge is Baiyang Trail. The first portion of the hike leads to mighty Baiyang Waterfall (1-1.5 hours return).

When open, a continuation of the trail brings you to Water Curtain Cave, a tunnel which you can run through while water pours down on your head. Prepare to get wet, or take this tour , which provides flashlights and raincoats.

Wenshan Hot Spring (文山溫泉)

One of the great “secrets” of Taroko Gorge is Wenshan Hot Spring. Once very popular, the creek-side hot spring was destroyed in a landslide then off limits for years.

There isn’t much left of it, but you can still sneak in for a hot bath in magnificent natural settings. Find out exactly how to find it here . I’ve also got this article introducing the most incredible Taiwanese hot springs , which of course includes Wenshan.

Sanzhan Village (三棧部落)

We now venture outside of Taroko Gorge. Sanzhan (Sanjan) is an aboriginal community of the Truku tribe on the Sanzhan River, about 10 minutes’ drive south of the entrance to Taroko Gorge. If you’ve been tempted by the turquoise waters of Taroko Gorge all day and want to finally jump in, come here to do it!

The Sanzhan riverside area (三棧溪戲水區) features numerous spots where you can jump into the river, while the legendary Golden Grotto river trace (see next entry) starts here as well.

Songyue Homestay is the only hotel in Sanzhan, and is a short walk from the river where the river traces begin.

Golden Grotto (黃金峽谷)

The Golden Grotto river trace is one of the most renowned in all of Taiwan. The route follows the Shakadang river upstream for a few hours then veers off into a series of pools and waterfalls in a narrow canyon.

This is a full-day affair (6-7 hours) that requires river tracing shoes and safety equipment (including helmets), as well as careful planning. Never go after rain, and sometimes local authorities decide to make it illegal to visit.

For beginners, you can sign up for a guided river trek on the Sanzhan River (not to the Golden Grotto).

Looking for more adventure? You can also go paintballing with your friends in Hualien!

Things to Do in Hualien City

Hualien City is low-key compared to other cities in Taiwan, but there is still a surprising amount of things to do there. You may want to consider adding one or more days to your Hualien visit after taking in Taroko Gorge if any of the below appeal to you!

Qixingtan Beach (七星潭)

Just north of the Hualien City limits, Chisingtan/Qixingtan Beach and Scenic Area (七星潭海岸風景特定區) is an incredibly scenic pebble beach. Like most beaches on the east coast, you can’t swim here due to strong currents, but you can surely admire the incredible scenery looking up and down the coast.

Since it’s only a short detour on the way from Hualien City to Taroko Gorge, most Taroko day tours, including this one , stop here. You can also hire bikes here and ride them to Hualien City, where they’ll pick it up for you (communication in Mandarin may be needed to arrange this).

Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours

Hualien City is the best place to organize a whale and dolphin watching tour . This includes the chance of seeing humpback, killer, sperm, false killer, pygmy killer whales, and dolphins; in fact, Hualien is home to 29 of the world’s 60 species of cetaceans (whales and dolphins!)

The best time for viewing the whales and dolphins is April to October .

Aboriginal Cooking or Hunting Course

One of the best ways to take a peek into Taiwanese aboriginal culture is through their food. In the course run by Amis aboriginals, you’ll get to tour their garden and a local market, learn how to cook wild plants, and sample aboriginal millet wine (小米酒).

The course can be booked here or here .

For a totally different experience, you can learn how to make and use traditional aboriginal weapons, start a fire, and more in this aboriginal hunting class . A traditional meal is included.

Dongdamen Night Market (東大門夜市)

Every city and town in Taiwan has a night market (here’s my guide to the best ones ), and Hualien City is no exception.

You can find loads of local Taiwanese street food specialties that you would expect at any Taiwanese night market here. The market is set up into a games section, regional cuisine section, and aboriginal food street.

The night market is a 30-minute walk from Hualien train station and most hotels.

What to Do in Hualien at Night You can expect quiet nights in Hualien, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. Besides Dongdamen Night market, try heading to Hualien’s Railway Pedestrian Street (舊鐵道行人徒步區), a district of cute cafés and shops built atop an old railway line. For fancy cocktails, try Ginsman Bar , while Salt Lick (火車頭烤肉屋) has legit Chicago-style deep dish pizza and the best craft beer selection in town, with BBQ to go with it. Another option is to show off your vocals at Holiday KTV or take in a movie at Showtime Cinema .

Hualien Martyr’s Shrine (花蓮忠烈祠)

Martyr’s Shrine is a quiet and picturesque shrine honoring martyrs of WWII.It is built on the site of a former Shinto shrine called Karenkō Shrine which was sadly demolished in 1981.

The shrine is located on the east side of the Meilun River from downtown Hualien.

Hualien Pine Garden (松園別館)

Near the Martyr’s Shrine, Pine Garden is a small collection of buildings that once served as an administrative office for the Japanese Navy and served as a command center during WWII.

The garden is a quiet place to explore and catch of glimpse of Taiwan’s Japanese colonial past. There are usually some kind of artistic or historical displays. Entrance is 50NT per person.

Hualien Railway Culture Park (花蓮鐵道文化園區)

Near Dongdamen Night Market, Hualien Railway Culture Park (Eastern Railway Site) is dedicated to railway culture in Hualien and Taiwan. The site repurposes an old railway station on the decommissioned East Coast line built by the Japanese.

See more pictures here .

Hualien A Zone Cultural and Creative Park (花蓮文化創意產業園區)

A Zone is Hualien’s answer to Huashan and Songshan Creative Arts Parks in Taipei. Originally a sake distillery built in the Japanese colonial era, the expansive 26-factory warehouse is now a public exhibition and creative arts space.

Take a stroll though the grounds, or check out the various markets and events often taking place on there from Wednesday through Sunday.

Starbucks Shipping Container Store (星巴克 – 洄瀾門市)

One of the coolest Starbucks in all of Taiwan is surely the Starbucks Shipping Container Branch in Ji An township, just south of Hualien City on Nanbin Road, near where Highway 11 leads of our town and along the coast going south.

The café is built out of 29 recycled shipping containers stacked on top of each other. It was built by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Order a latte and take a seat in one of the containers for this unique architectural experience!

The container store is included on this Hualien half day tour .

Mukumugi Valley (慕谷慕魚生態廊道)

Secluded Mukumugi Valley is just 20 minutes’ by car west into the mountains from Ji An township, but it feels worlds apart. Visitors come here to jump into the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Qingshui stream and experience local Truku aboriginal culture.

Unfortunately, this beautiful valley has been closed for years due to landslide damage and issues with land ownership. The 2024 Hualien earthquake only made it worse. Read more about it here .

Things to Do South of Hualien City: Highway 11

Several of the below sights are included on this full day tour from Hualien City .

Farglory Ocean Park (遠雄海洋公園)

Farglory is Taiwan’s only marine-focused theme park. It features a combination of amusement park rides and marine animal performances.

Although very popular, I’m not a fan of this kind of facility, and I would recommend seeing marine animals in their natural environment by taking a whale and dolphin watching tour (see above). Learn more about this and other theme parks in Taiwan here .

You can buy discounted Farglory tickets here . You’ll pass Farglory shortly after beginning your drive along Highway 11. If you’re planning to visit, you may want to consider staying in the adjacent Farglory Resort , the best resort hotel in Hualien City.

15 minutes’ drive south of Farglory, there’s a small aboriginal park called 水璉飛魚市集 where you can try archery here .

Baqi Observatory (芭崎休息區)

Following Highway 11 south, the coastal scenery starts getting especially grand around Baqi Rest Stop, where you’ll get a chance to pull over and snap some pics looking south down the coast.

Jiqi Beach (磯崎海水浴場)

I have to admit that Jiqi Beach in Fengbin Township is not what it used to be. My family and I once stayed in an A-frame cabin (no longer there) on this beach and enjoyed great swimming in the quiet bay.

Today, it’s a pay-to-enter spot and the beach is mostly rocky. Swimming is only  sometimes permitted at “Chi Chi Swimming Resort” (磯崎海水浴場). It makes for an obvious stopping point, but isn’t a must.

Coastal Walks: Dashibishan Trail and Qinbuzhizi/Fengbin Skywalk

Heading south from Jiqi, keep an eye out for two epic coastal walkways: Dashibishan (大石鼻山步道) and further down, Qinbuzhizi (親不知子海上古道), also known as Fengbin Skywalk (豐濱天空步道).

Dashibishan is wooden stair cape walk that offers stunning views looking down on Jiqi Beach. Qinbuzhizi/Fengbin is a death-defying coastal skywalk with glass floors and bone-chilling views. Sadly, both walks are closed at the time of writing.

Xinshe Rice Terrace (新社梯田)

Xinshe Rice Terrace, a section of picturesque rice terraces backed by the sea, has quickly become one of the most popular stops along Highway 11 ever since the addition of some straw statues, huts, and swings. Perfect for your Instagram needs!

Xinshe is usually included on this day tour from Hualien City .

Shitiping (石梯坪)

To get right out on the rocky coast and explore its many pools and crevices, stop at Shitiping Scenic Recreation Area (石梯坪遊憩風景區). Admire the coastal scenery, and see what kind of creatures you can find in the rocky pools!

When you’re in the area, make a stop at Necklace Coastal Studio (項鍊海岸工作室), a small restaurant with creative cuisine using local ingredients and a cool swing facing the sea.

Jingpu Tropic of Cancer Landmark (靜浦北迴歸線界標)

The last stop on the Hualien coast before it meets Taitung County is the Tropic of Cancer Marker. It’s not as cool as the one on Highway 11 (see below), but still fun to say you’ve been! The above image is a stock photo of it…it won’t look anywhere near as impressive in the daytime.

Things to Do South of Hualien City: Highway 9

The second route from Hualien City to Taitung is the inland Highway 9 through the East Rift Valley. This will be your only choice if traveling by public transportation.

Carp (Liyu) Lake (鯉魚潭)

The first stop you may want to make when embarking south on Highway 9 is pretty Carp Lake. Take a stroll or cycle around the lakeside path, or get right out on the lake on a stand-up paddleboard .

Nearby Chinan National Forest Recreation Area (池南國家森林遊樂區) offers green space in a forest setting, with old train cars on display and views looking down on Liyu Lake.

Carp Lake is included on this Hualien half day tour .

Fenglin (鳳林)

Fenglin (Fonglin) township has been chosen by Cittaslow as one of the three “slow living, slow travel, slow food” spots in Taiwan (the other two are in Miaoli and Chiayi).

Ironically, there are also some thrilling adventures to be had in Fenglin, including paragliding over the East Rift Valley . Hop on a bike or scooter, which you can rent around the train station, to explore the local countryside. Lintienshan Forestry Culture Park (林田山林業文化園區) is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in local forestry history.

Heading south from Fenglin toward Ruisui, many people like to stop for ice cream at Ice Cream at Guangfu Sugar Factory (光復糖廠冰棒).

Ruisui Hot Spring (瑞穗溫泉)

Ruisui is a hot spring village with the usual assortment of hot spring facilities and hotels to choose from, where you can usually have your own private tub in your room. Coffee is also grown around Ruisui, so the cafes in town are a good place to try it.

Ruisui Sunshine B&B ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ) offers beautiful rooms with a private tub on your own balcony complete with mountain views.

You also rent a scooter or bicycle around the train station to explore the countryside around Ruisui.

Rafting at Xiuguluan (秀姑巒溪)

The Xiuguluan (Hsiukuluan) River in Ruisui is the most popular place to do white water rafting in all of Taiwan. It’s suitable for beginners but wild enough to be exciting. Rafting ay trips like this one include a packed lunch.

Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area (富源國家森林遊樂區)

Featuring camphor trees, waterfalls, and swarms of butterflies in spring and summer, Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area is surely an area worth exploring. We didn’t have much luck spotting butterflies when we visited in early April, though, so you’ll want to aim for late spring or summer for the best experience.

Tropic of Cancer Marker Park (北回歸線標誌公園)

It’s not often you get a chance to stand on the Tropic of Cancer, so stop and take a pic here to prove it!

Just down the street, Satokoay (掃叭石柱) features huge stone monoliths that date back to pre-historic times.

Yuli is one of the best places to base yourself for exploring southern Hualien and the East Rift Valley countryside. Here you can get off the train and enjoy the conveniences of town, then rent a scooter or bicycle to visit attractions 37-40.

Also don’t miss the Kecheng Iron Bridge (客城鐵橋), one of southern Hualien’s most photographed, just south of town. Chike Mountain (赤柯山) next to town is an alternative to Sity Stone Mountain (see below) for seeing seas of tiger lilies in summer.

Everyone raves about Wisdom Garden Home Stay ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ), the best guesthouse in town.

Nan An Waterfall (南安瀑布)

Following Highway 30 up to the start of the Walami Trail, you’ll pass spectacular Nan An Falls. You can easily get here by scooter or bike from Yuli town center.

Walami Trail (瓦拉米古道)

Walami Trail is one of the most well-known hikes in all of Taiwan. It is the first section of an epic 10-day trek goes all the way to Yushan, Taiwan’s tallest peak.

Without a permit, casual visitors can ride a scooter or cycle to the trailhead and do the first two kilometers (budget two hours return) for a taste of the awesome scenery. We saw loads of macaques when we went!

Antong Hot Spring

Antong Hot Spring is a short drive east of Yuli on one of the handful of roads that cross the coastal mountain range between highways 9 and 11.

The facilities at Antong Hot Spring Hotel didn’t blow us away (the pools are a little dated and have a ceiling of colorful streamers to provide shade), but going for a soak is always a great way to finish a long day of exploration.

Sixty Stone Mountain (六十石山金針花海)

Sixty Stone Mountain (Liushishishan) is unforgettable for the fields of orange tiger lilies that covers its slopes in summer. You’ll have to drive to get there, and on busy days the small road up the mountain becomes a continuous traffic jam. Go super early if possible!

Well, that brings us to the end of this list of things to do in Hualien, Taiwan. I hope you’ve found more than enough ideas for your Hualien trip! If I’ve missed something, or anything has changed, please let me know in the comments, and thank you for reading this far!

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16 thoughts on “40 Unmissable Things to Do in Hualien, Taiwan”

Very informative blog. I will be going to Hualien in a few months but am concerned how to get around. Do you need a license to rent a scooter?

Hi Tony, in recent years, it has become very common for scooter shops to require a license. However, it still totally depends on the shop and the person who happens to be working in the shop when you go. In some cases, you might be able to convince them accept an ARC or a license from your home country. Speaking Chinese will help. But it is increasingly common for them to require an international or Taiwanese license. You can also get around by hiring a car/vehicle for a day with friends, taking local buses, or cycling. Hope this helps!

Great article bro!

Just spent a beautiful day in Taroko Gorge National Park. We came to Taiwan this holiday because of your blog. Planned our trip according to your suggested itinerary and so far it has not disappointed. Thanks for the work you did to put all this information together.

I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for your feedback!

Is it easy to get around Hualien via public transport?

Hualien city is relatively small, so you can walk to the main attractions. There are some local buses too. If you mean Hualien county, the county is very large, so it will depend where you are going. The train is the best way to reach places along Highway 9, but there are only slow buses along the coastal Highway 11. Cycling, driving, or riding a scooter and the best ways to explore the region.

Hi Tony, I am currently planning to head from Hualien to Taichung for the sun moon lake then Alishan and was wondering if it’s sensible to take the TRA from Hualien to Taichung which is a 5 hours train ride or if I should head back to Taipei for a layover. I actually wished to stop by Cingjing from Hualien but it seems too tight of a schedule. Would like to hear from you, thank you.

Going via Taipei is the best way. If you want to go faster, take the express train Hualien to Taipei (2 hrs) then transfer to HSR Taipei to taichung (1 hr). If you want to go from Hualien directly to Cingjing, it’s not easy. There’s no public transportation across the mountains, and the highway above Taroko Gorge was severely damaged in 3 places by landslides. Currently, they are still fixing it, and they only let cars pass for a few hours each day. It’s better to go Hualien to taichung first (via Taipei), then Taichung to Cingjing (1.5 hrs driving or 2.5 hours by bus via Puli).

Nick Very informative and detail. It will be good to number the Activities as you numbered them in the write up but I am not sure which activities you are referring. I can only assume the numbers activities are those that followed after the remarks.

Thanks for the feedback. It’s because I originally had them numbered, but then removed the numbers in all my articles because I now have table of contents. I will make the adjustments in this article. Thanks!

Hello! Fantastic blog. Wondering if you wouldn’t mind sharing your knowledge as we struggle to craft an itinerary for our family of 5. (We have 3 young kids who are awful in the car and prone to car sickness.) We are thinking Taipei to Kenting … and then we don’t know what to do. My husband doesn’t want to backtrack the same route (train to Kaohsiung + private car to Kenting hotel) and we aren’t terribly interested in Sun Moon Lake. Taroko Gorge would be great except we’re looking at a 5.5 hour car ride (from Kenting) which seems killer.

Any suggestions? (Basically, we want to hit up Taipei, Kenting, Gorge, back to Taipei.)

There aren’t too many solutions here if you want to travel all the way to Kenting, which is at the opposite end of the country from Taipei. The HSR can save you a lot of time from Taipei to Zuoying (Kaohsiung), as it is quite a bit faster than driving. Then it’s an easier 2 hour drive from Zuoying to Kenting. On the way back, consider to break up your journey halfway, perhaps by spending a night in Chishang, which is a lovely area with cycling by the rice paddies (see my Chishang guide on this site).

Hi Nick first of all thank you for very informative blog. I’ve been following all your blogs for my 2 week trip of Taiwan. I wonder if you could suggest me anything in Hualein city since I have a train tomorrow to Hualein from Kaohsiung and will reach the city in late afternoon. I don’t want to waste my day in such beautiful county.

All my suggestions for Hualien city are in this article. Please take a look at the “things to do in Hualien city center” section.

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23 Fun Things to Do in Hualien, Taiwan

While most people stop into this city in order to visit Taroko Gorge, there are so many cool things to do in Hualien, stay a few days to fully enjoy the area!

I’m actually quite smitten with this area and think about it often (more than Taipei or Jiufen which is saying a lot).

Because I really wanted to see Taroko Gorge but didn’t want to be rushed on a quick trip from Taipei, I decided to stay in Hualien for about five days to give me time to work from cafes while doing some sightseeing. In retrospect this was a very good move because it gave me five chances to see Taroko since it rained a lot more than I expected it to.

Anyway, Hualien itself is worth the visit as it’s full of cool things to do and has its own unique history. Situated on Taiwan’s east coast, it’s part of why the island’s nickname is “Formosa,” or Portuguese for beautiful. Apparently, while sailors were traveling by in 1590, they were so enraptured by the beauty of Taiwan’s eastern coast, they nicknamed it Ilha Formosa. If you were a fan of Taiwanese Pop music in the mid-2000s, you’ll always recognize that name from this promotional song . Or maybe it’s just me that hears “Ilha Formosa” and starts humming the tune!

Hualien probably started looking as we know it today around the mid-1800s when the Han Chinese began settling in the county. Since the Japanese had control of Taiwan from 1895 and 1945, there are still quite a few structures in the city that reflect this influence.

If you’re ready to eat well and see some serious beauty, then here’s your guide to all the best things to do in Hualien!

11 Things to Do in Hualien That I Did

1. Of course, plan to visit Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge has to be one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen in person. Do not skip it on your visit. I like to think I take some pretty nice photos, and even my shots pale in comparison to seeing it for yourself.

This marble gorge is around 1,200 square kilometers of lush, mountainous scenery. Trust me, the minute you enter the area, you’ll be glued to your window taking it all in. While I only had one good day of sightseeing, I recommend at least two in my Taroko Gorge itinerary guide. This way you have time to see everything and even hike the many trails.

Taroko Gorge Tours:

• Private Car for Taroko Gorge
• Taroko Gorge Day Trip
• Cycling Tour of Taroko

2. Don’t miss out on the café scene

Taiwan, like Vietnam and Korea , has a pretty robust coffee shop scene! You guys know I’m such a sucker for cute cafes, so as I was looking up places to grab a drink, I starred far too many fun places for my five-day stay. Here’s a quick list:

• 浮室 soave plan
• 留海 Stay Here
• 半寓咖啡- KHIBO
• Maytree Coffee

3. Eat at all the delicious restaurants

Of course, cafes in Hualien have food but it’s more Westernized stuff like sandwiches or desserts. Which is fine, but Taiwan has so many delicious dishes, you’re not going to want to miss out on them.

Autumn gave me a tip once which paid off big time here: simply ask someone local what their favorite places to eat are. Not what they think tourists want but what they go to with their friends. I asked my hostel host expecting him to give me one or two restaurants, and he actually took my phone and started starring away on Google Maps! The best is after he starred far more places than I’d be able to visit during my stay, he said, “I can recommend more if you’d like.”

Anyway, I highlighted all the cafes and restaurants I visited as well as the ones he recommended in my Hualien food guide . Some of them don’t really have English or even Romanized names, so just use the Google Maps link to help you navigate! Also definitely use the photos people share there to help you order at some of these places.

4. Stop by Manor House

There’s not that much info on Manor House , and really the only reason I stopped by is that it was marked as an attraction on Google Maps and on my way over to see Pine Garden.

From what I’ve found online, it was once the residence of Colonel Nakamura, which is why it looks more like it belongs in Japan and not Taiwan! It’s a historic area and I have a feeling if I’d been visiting in-season, there’d be more going on. Off-season, though, it’s just a little spot to pop in and see some Japanese architecture.

5. Check out Pine Garden

Dating back to 1942, Pine Garden is built over Meilun Creek with views out to Hualien Harbor. Its name comes from the garden of hundred-year-old pine trees surrounding what was once the Naval Administration under Japanese control. Apparently lots of kamikaze pilots came through here to be blessed with wine from the Heavenly Emperor.

Today it’s designated “Special Historic Attraction Zone,” and you can visit the grounds to see what it would’ve been like during WWII. There’s even an underground bunker you can go into. I honestly don’t remember much about this place besides popping around and being able to see out to the sea!

6. Visit Martyr’s Shrine

I didn’t make it over to the Martyrs’ Shrine in Taipei, but I did pop over to Hualien’s sister shrine . It’s a beautiful area and the whiteness of the ground really makes it stand out even in the cloudy weather.

The martyrs in question are to honor the Kuomintang soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Chinese Civil War. I had this whole place to myself when I visited!

7. Enjoy Jinghua Bridge + Meilun Xi Riverside Park

Nearish to Pine Garden is Meilun Xi Riverside Park, which was a nice stop on my massive walk around the city. Its big feature is the orange Jinghua Bridge, and since no one was around, I thought it was a good place to practice using my tripod and remote!

8. Hangout around Nanbin Park

If you’re looking to be oceanside, Nanbin Park is your best bet. You can see one of the lighthouses as well as spot the fun sculptures or statues as you walk or bike along the different paths. I’m sure in the summer it’s probably filled with people but in February with rainy, cool weather, it was also pretty empty!

9. Also check out Qixingtan Beach

Qixingtan Beach is a spot on the Taroko Gorge shuttle bus trail and it’s pretty close to Hualien. I’d recommend coming here at the end of one of your Taroko days to enjoy the views and maybe bike over to Qilaibi Lighthouse.

10. See the different shades of blue at Qingshui Cliff

When I was planning my trip to Taiwan, I actually saved a photo of Qingshui Cliff because the water and its multiple shades of blue were so eye-catching. The cliff itself is over 1,000 meters high and the whole area is about 20km long. I saw the area on a tour from Hualien to Jiufen that no longer seems available, but you can most likely figure out a car hire to see it for yourself. If you’re going in warm weather, you can book a kayaking or SUP experience to see the cliff from the water!

11. Say hi to all the cats!

Am I sorry for having six photos of cats in a row? Nope.

Editing these photos, I realized how many cute kitties I met in Hualien! Not super friendly like the ones in Morocco but still adorable enough to hope they could be.

12 Things to Do in Hualien that I Missed

Like I said multiple times above, I had pretty awful weather. Actually about two days after I left, there was a massive 6.4 earthquake that injured or killed almost 300 people, so…

Anyway, there are a lot of things I’d like to do in Hualien on a return trip, especially as much of this requires, at minimum, a non-rainy day to do!

12. Try a cooking class

Love a good cooking class! This one deals with Taiwanese aboriginal cuisine, so you’ll get to know more about the culture and different tribes from Hualien as well. You can book either just the cooking class or the cooking class and a market tour.

13. Visit Beibin and the 3D Park

Further along the coast from Nanbin is Beibin and this 3D Park. I actually think I may have stopped by on my walk, but I’m not 100% sure… Anyway, looks like a fun, quirky spot!

14. See more of the lighthouses

As expected from a port city on an island nation, Hualien has quite a few lighthouses along its coast! While there’s the Port Lighthouse and White Lighthouse (which is.. red?), the big one to see the Qilaibi Lighthouse , which goes back to 1931.

15. Shop around Sunward Plaza

A little farther from where I stayed on an inlet is Sunward Plaza, which looks like a fun, little area to visit. There are some shops, restuarants, and, of course, cool art all around.

16. Eat around the Dongdamen Night Market

I know, I know.. How on earth could I miss a Taiwanese night market? Weather! The one day I would’ve gone was the day I spent at Taroko Gorge, so by the time I dragged myself back, I didn’t want to walk over.

However, night markets are like the number one reason to visit Taiwan and I fell in love with the delicious, cheap food at the markets in Taipei, so 10/10 would visit the Dongdamen one in Hualien. I did see some of it during the day, but of course, everything was closed.

17. Go hiking near Hualien

Besides the many trails in Taroko Gorge, there are a few gorgeous mountains in Hualien county, including Yushan and Liushishi , which looks gorgeous for the summer daylily flower, Hehuan , Pinfeng , and Qilai .

18. See the butterflies at Fuyuan National Forest

So apparently, the nickname for Fuyuan National Forest is “Butterfly Valley” because you can see them flying around from March through August. The forest is also home to camphor trees and waterfalls, and it’s only an hour from Hualien City!

19. Soak in one of the hot springs in Hualien

So… I actually did not visit a single hot spring while in Taiwan. I know! Night markets are probably the number one reason and hot springs are a close number two. I didn’t think about visiting them in Hualien and I was sick for most of my time in Taipei, so that’s my excuse… The most famous one seems to be Ruisui Hot Spring an hour away. However, there’s also the Wenshan ones in Taroko Gorge that aren’t technically open to to the public. Next time!

20. Visit the Wuhe Tea Plantation

Also about an hour away from the city and near the hot springs is the Wuhe Tourist Tea Plantation . Tea planting is actually fairly new as the Japanese used the area for coffee, and it was only in 1973 that they started growing tea leaves. A day of exploring green fields and then soaking in a hot spring sounds pretttty good to me.

21. Bike around Liyu Lake

Another nice day trip from Hualien is Liyu Lake . Again, another planned trip that I skipped because of rain. It’s only about a 30-minute drive and in nice weather, it just looks so blue and beautiful with the mountains in the background! I’d rent a bike and do the 5km loop or in hotter weather try one of the water sports, like SUP . Apparently if you go in April, you can see thousands of fireflies at night which just sounds so romantic.

22. Learn some history at Hualien Railway Culture Park

For something in the city, the Railway Culture Park is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Once the Hualien office for the railway department, the park goes back to 1932 and now acts like a gallery to showcase the history of Taiwan’s Eastern Line history.

23. Visit Hualien Culture & Creative Industries Park

So over a century ago, this area was used for wine-making. Today the old warehouses have been converted into a public exhibition space, similar to the Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei.

Hualien Travel Tips

How to get there.

I got to Hualien by train from Taipei. It’s super easy and I just grabbed a taxi to my hostel when I got off at the station.

If you’re flying into Taiwan, there’s nothing I found from the airport directly to Hualien (tried asking around). Instead I had to get a shuttle to the main Taipei train station and then got tickets there.

There’s also this shuttle option from Taipei if you’d prefer that!

Where to Stay

I got a private room at Hualien Dropby Hostel and loved it. The owner is the one who gave me all the great recs, and the place is really nice and clean. My private room was huge with its own sitting area! The hostel is really nicely located too; I could walk pretty much everywhere.

Getting Around

By foot! It’s easy to get a taxi when you need it, but Hualien is a pretty small, walkable city. If you do need help getting around, you can easily hire a private car or rent your own (heck you can even rent a fancy car ).

Weather & Safety

If you’re going during the winter, Hualien is still pretty cold. I’d say 60F? Colder than I anticipated!

As for safety, I felt quite safe during my entire trip. Taiwan is pretty similar to Korea in that it’s a very safe country compared to the rest of the world. I’m not sure of medical issues, but it’s always a good idea to have some sort of travel insurance just in case. I recommend Safety Wing as I have business insurance that covers my tech gear, but if you need something to cover both medical and tech, I’d look at World Nomad rates too.

And there you have it! All you need to know for visiting the beautiful city and county of Hualien. Can’t wait to go back and explore more !

for more taiwan travel

Over all, I spent a little over 2 weeks slow traveling through Taiwan from Hualien to Jiufen and Shifen Waterfall to Taipei . If you’re just starting, check out my trip planner guide which has all the logistics in one spot!

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I’ve been to Taiwan thrice, but never got the chance to visit Hualien. Been dying to see Taroko Gorge also. Thank you for this post, so informative. Can’t wait to revisit Taiwan, I will definitely follow your recommendations. Thanks! Stay safe..Enjoy Vietnam, I also followed you in Instagram. Oh,missing the laid back vibe of Vietnam.

Ooh I hope you get to go! Hualien was so beautiful. I want to go back to explore the other half of the island I haven’t and maybe enjoy Jiufen and Taipei in warmer weather and without a cold haha

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What To Do In Hualien – Discover The 8 Best Spots To Visit

Completely laid-back and even paced, full of natural wonders and delicious food – that’s how the locals would describe Hualien. If you’re traveling to Taiwan for the first time and want to do some exploring outside of the main tourist city of Taipei , Hualien, which is located only 2-hours away by train, is the perfect accompaniment for your trip.

Where as Taipei is all about high-rise buildings, enormous shopping districts, and the hustle bustle of a city that never really sleeps, Hualien’s rolling mountains and quiet streams will make you view Taiwan in a different light.

We’ve got a soft spot for Hualien, as it completely blew us away with how much more stunning you first imagine the county to be. Below we’ve listed some activities that you simply cannot miss if you’re planning to skip the main tourist hub and head straight for the coast.

How To Get To Hualien?

The most convenient way to get from Taipei to Hualien would be to catch a train. You can book it online , or else head into any of the convenience stores such as 7-11 or FamilyMart to book them also. Please note that with online bookings, you will need to most likely provide a passport number.   The train ride will take just over 120 minutes, and will cost $440NT (14 USD) for an adult.  

You can also book a private car transfer from Taipei . It can be cheaper and more convenient with a private transfer, specially if you are a family or a group of friends traveling together.

Where to Stay In Hualien?

Hualien guesthouse – light stay b&b.

Light Stay B&B is exactly as the name suggests – a no-frills stay for those who aren’t after grandeur and lux, but don’t want to compromise on quality and comfort. Unlike most B&Bs, this place does provide private bathrooms. It’s located in an amazing area, only 3-minutes walk from Hualien Railway Station, and 35-minutes drive away from Taroko National Park.

As expected, there is an expansive kitchen if you want to cook and a gorgeous shared lounge that fosters an atmosphere of relaxation after a day of exploring and exchanging stories with fellow stayers, however, there are many unexpected touches that make this guesthouse a clear winner amongst others: it’s combined with a British Bar, all rooms come with air-conditioning, TV, and separate seating area, and the private bathroom also comes with free toiletries.

For those who are after the absolute bare minimum, there are dormitories available here also.

Why Guests Love It : “Very easy and fast to walk from train station, homely feel, the bed and pillow are soft and very comfortable, room deco was soothing, clean and airy.”, “Awesome place, clean, very comfortable beds, nice crew members, very good location.”, “Cute B&B, clean and spacious, and the owners were super helpful and kind. Breakfast vouchers are given to a café around the corner with a variety of options.”

Book It Now : Light Stay B&B

Hualien Hotel – Best Hotel

With a name like that, you really shouldn’t look any further if you’re after a comfortable stay on the coast. As the name suggests, Best Hotel provides quality amenities and facilities throughout its accommodation.

From its modern-styled rooms complete with air-con, flat-screen TV, and tea and coffee, bike rental and free parking, on-site restaurant and gym, and free Wi-Fi throughout, you’d be hard-pressed to find another hotel quite as complete as this one.

Why Guests Love It : “Polite service, quick check-out, clean and big room, comfortable stay, nothing to complain. It is THE BEST hotel we have stayed in Taiwan.”, “Everything was perfect! Big, clean and spacious room with a great view!”, “Everything is very good. Location, facilities, breakfast are satisfied”.  

Book It Now : Best Hotel  

What to Eat In Hualien

Hualien is constantly full of surprises, and the food variety here is no exception. If you’re a bit of a foodie, then there are a few things we highly recommend seeking whilst visiting this area, because they don’t quite do it as good elsewhere.

Scallion Pancake with Deep-Fried Egg

This is a street snack food that defines the entire street food scene of Hualien. Difficult to find elsewhere in Taiwan (and even if you do, chances are they don’t even come close in quality, taste, or texture), this deep-fried concoction consists of a chewy batter mixed with spices and green onion, fried with an egg inside.

The first bite will send you straight to heaven, but it’s when you reach the middle that you really encounter an otherworldly experience. The egg yolk’s perfectly placed so that it doesn’t cook, and a bit into the centre makes the yolk explode in your mouth (and possibly clothes and anyone else standing beside you). Be careful because it comes straight from the fryer and will be quite hot!

Spicy Wonton

This classic Asian dish is found in all corners of the world, and all recipes are deemed ‘the original one’ but Hualien’s version is undeniably special. In Taiwan, they call it ‘bian-shi’, and it is basically lightly seasoned pork mince wrapped in egg pastry and steamed. The spicy wonton here as quite the rep, so we recommend you go for it!

The 8 Best Things To Do In Hualien

• View the Taroko Gorges at Swallow Grotto within Taroko Gorge National Park
• Qingshui Cliffs
• Shakadong Trail
• Zhuilu Old Trail
• Qixing Beach
• Dongdaemun Night Market
• Coastal Highway 11

1. View the Taroko Gorges at Swallow Grotto within Taroko Gorge National Park

It’s pretty much absolute – the number one reason why people visit Hualien is because they want to catch a glimpse of the famous gorges which line the mountains and cliffs within Taroko Gorge National Park.

The beauty of the gorges precedes them – imagine stunning whorls and swirls of rocks and cliffs moulded by thousands of years of erosion, viewable from multiple suspension bridges, that go on and on (and on and on) for miles and miles. That’s probably why Taroko Gorge is part of our 9 best things to do in Taiwan !

It’s relatively touristy, but it’s an activity you definitely don’t want to miss out on. From our experience, the best way to experience this beauty is through a tour, and trust us, there are plenty to choose from. However, we highly recommend to book this one , you won’t be disappointed.

The guides are knowledgeable local experts who know the ins and outs of the area, and can even show you some secret locations that only they seem to know about. Otherwise, if you are going to go at it on your own, you may need to need to hire a rental car, and depending on where you go, you may need to pay extra fees.  

There are plenty of trails to take that will really immerse you in the beauty of the gorges, so be prepared to spend much more time there than you originally thought!

Address : 972, Taiwan, Hualien County, Xiulin Township, 富世291號

Access : If you’re not going to book a tour, you can easily get into Taroko Gorge from Hualien via multiple transport methods, such as public buses from Hualien (but be wary of their departure times – we recommend heading there a few days earlier to check and confirm), taxis (this is an expensive but flexible way of entering the park), and scooters (daredevils, this may be the option for you! There are plenty of scooter hire places around Hualien Station if you’re interested).  

2. Qingshui Cliffs  

Visiting Qingshui Cliffs is a must if you’re heading towards Taroko Gorge National Park; it’s along the same highway. What makes Qingshui Cliffs stand out is its position overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean: there are many areas where you can stop and marvel at the view, but at certain viewing platforms, the azure blue of the sea against the looming grey marbled cliffs and rich green of vegetation growing along the cliffs edge is just breathtaking.

There are many routes around the cliffs so you can pretty much stop at any of the many car parks along the area and walk a bit to get to a vantage point for photos. This activity won’t take up too much of your time, and you’ll honestly appreciate stopping for the view the moment you lay eyes on it.  For your information, this tour is also covering the Qingshui Cliffs.

On another note, if you’re after a full-blown adventure, then you can certainly participate in activities such as ATV-riding right up to the cliffs base! This will allow you to experience the cliffs from a different perspective.

Address : 972, Taiwan, Hualien County, Xiulin Township

Access : From Hualien Railway Station, catch a train to Heren or Chongde Station. Otherwise, from the HRS, take a Hualien Bus bound for Chongde and alight at Chongde. The cliffs are accessible from there. We highly recommend renting a car and/or booking through a tour so that you have the flexibility to driving to different vantage points (or get taken to secret locations by the guides!).

3. Shakadong Trail

The famous Shakadong Trail (aka. ‘Mysterious Valley Trail’), is known for its stunning trail through marbled rocks and boulders along a pristine clean river. The trail itself is extremely well-kept and easy to traverse, so anyone from a toddler to an elderly will be able to go from the beginning until the end and back again with a little bit of time.

The greenery along the way is absolutely stunning – in winter, it contrasts with the icy blue of the water and swirling greys and browns of the rocks to create an epic scenery to walk along, and in summer, it provides some much needed shade from the sun.  

At the end, the trail opens up to a larger body of the river and the beauty of the stunning colour of the water really shines here. Remember to take a moment to absorb it all in.  

• Address : Shakadang Trail, Xiulin Township  
• Access : From Hualien Station, you can hop on any of the Bus 1126, 1141, or 1133 to the entrance of Shakadang Trail at Shakadang Bridge. However, make sure you are aware of their departure times, as some only leave once a day.  

4. Zhuilu Old Trail

Zhuilu Old Trail is arguably one of the most challenging hikes across all of Taiwan, but it’s also a contender for one of the most rewarding. If steep step inclines and dense vegetation is your kind of thing, then make sure you book yourself on this hike. It’s an extremely popular one amongst locals and domestic tourists, and for good reason.

It’s quite scenic along the way, with plenty of places for you to stop and marvel at the beauty of the views, and there are plenty of rest stops on the way up (you’ll definitely need it). However, it’s crown jewel has got to be the view at the top when you arrive.  

Instead of one big viewing platform, you’re taken to a cliffs edge that stretches for 500m along the side before you actually reach the end. The cliff’s edge is a mere 90cm wide, meaning only one person should be traversing on the path at the time, and, get this, there are absolutely no rails to handles to hand onto, so there’s pretty much nothing between you and the 700m drop to the bottom of the mountain.

You’re literally between a rock and figuratively a hard place. Don’t let that deter you from this hike though, because as long as you stick to the rules and play it safe, you’re guaranteed a view and experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. The fog around the surrounding mountains adds a layer of mystique to the trail, and there’s something quite surreal about peeping over the 700m cliff edge without a single barrier to hinder your vision.  

Along the way, you’ll see anyone from children to the elderly doing this hike – it’s challenge doesn’t discriminate. There are strict regulations to adhere to, however, and so we highly recommend doing this through a tour ( EyeTravel Taiwan are a big player in the game, and they know their stuff).

Otherwise, there are permits that you need to apply for, and for environmental sustainability reasons, only a limit of 96 people are allowed to enter a day, so for the peak seasons, you should book in advance!

• Address : 972, Taiwan, Hualien County, Xiulin Township, 燕子口隧道
• Website (to apply for permit): https://npm.cpami.gov.tw/en/
• More Info : https://www.taroko.gov.tw/en/Announcements/Fees

5. Qixing Beach  

A stop along the way of traveling through Taroko National Park is Qixing Beach, a gorgeous body of water that opens up to the Pacific Ocean. It’s not a place where people go swimming, per se, as the waves are always extraordinarily rough and dangerous. It’s a rocky beach, with black pebbles littering the ground all the way out to the ocean, which is a unique experience for some.

Many locals and visitors pack picnics here, as the view is quite serene and relaxing, with waves crashing and not too much sand being blown around as with most beaches.  

Many people make this a stop along their exploration of the coast, but for those are after a leisurely day, you can easily rent a bike from the rental store at Qixingtan, and ride along the Two Lakes Bikeway.

• Address : 971, Taiwan, Hualien County, Xincheng Township
• Access : From Hualien Railway Station, you can take a Taiwan Tourist Shuttle towards Qixingtan. Otherwise, you can rent it directly from outside Hualien Railway Station and ride it towards Qixing Beach.  

6. Dongdaemun Night Market

What is Taiwan without night markets? Without further ado, let us introduce to you one of Hualien’s most famous (and rightfully so) night markets: the Dongdaemun Night Market.

For those of you who have visited Taiwan before and are well-versed in the usual settings of Taiwan’s night markets, you’ll really appreciate the cleanliness of this one; and for those of you who are yet to experience them, let’s just say, this one will really set the standard for you.  

Dongdaemun Night Market is well and truly a foodies dream. All the typical Taiwanese street foods will be present here: hundreds of skewers on display, ready to be prepared and eaten on the spot, candied strawberries sold by the dozen, fresh shucked oysters and fried chicken – all the perfect accompaniment after a long day of exploring.

You’ll find stalls of Taiwanese bubble tea to wash everything down, or maybe it’s fresh watermelon juice you’re after? That’ll literally be a few stalls down. Toys, electronics, a stage with entertainment – Dongdaemun Night Market has it all.

• Address : No. 50號, Zhongshan Road, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970
• Access : The easiest way to get to Dongdaemun Night Market is via a short 5-minute taxi ride. Otherwise, there are plenty of buses from the Hualien Railway Station that will take you there.  
• Hours : 5:30pm – 11:30pm  

7. Hehuanshan  

For the adrenalin junkies who want nothing more than to exert all their energy into exploring the wilderness and going to where the air is freshest, Hehuanshans is where the party’s at. Instead of being one singular mountain peak, Hehuanshan consists of a series of condensed, well-known mountains, all perfectly acceptable for hiking and thus making this an outdoor junkie’s paradise.

There are many trails to choose from, From Hehuan Main Peak, to the North Peak, and even West Peak. However, we’ll note down the easiest trail here so that you understand what the standard is and make your decision on which trail to take from there.

Mt. Shimen is a popular hike of Hehuanshan. To get to the beginning, you’ll need to drive to the car park at Wuling, and from there, ascend only 800m in altitude before reaching the top.

Depending on how fit you are, this may take roughly 60minutes or so. It’s not too strenuous, and there are plenty of elderly hikers and young children who can also take this route. If you’re prone to stopping and taking pictures every couple of metres, then be prepared: the views and flora here are quite stunning, so you’ll need to take into consideration all the time you’ll spend capturing beauty before you even get to the top.  

• Address : 972, Taiwan, Nantou County, Ren’ai Township
• Access : No public transport will be able to take you here. You will need to hire a car, a taxi, a scooter, or (for the extremely brave and fit) a bicycle. You will need to park here.

8. Coastal Highway 11  (Hualien <-> Taitung)

Between Hualien and Taitung county is the famous East Coast Highway 11, a spectacular road trip that takes you along some of Taiwan’s best beaches and nature sceneries. Along the way, you’ll pass some rural villages and fisherman towns that have still retained their old-school charm, and untouched soils that will make you feel like there’s a piece on earth still undiscovered by the masses.

The air is cleaner, the time is slower, and the freedom to do whatever you want will permeate through your senses all day, every day, until you’re left a laid-back, carefree nomad who’s living for the moment (if you weren’t already). If you’re a big fan of any of the following, you’re in a good time: gorgeous beaches, rolling mountains, surfing, swimming or snorkelling (or any water sports really), intimate guesthouses, hiking, and sun sun sun.

Some of the standouts of locations along the highway include: Qixingtan Beach (mentioned before), Baqi Lookout , Jici Beach  (one of the best beaches in Taiwan ), Tropic of Cancer , and many more. It’s also important to note that the drive can be done in a full day (depending on your itinerary, so you’ll be back in Hualien before you know it. Otherwise, stay at one of the coastal accommodations for a relaxed drive and lazy morning the next day.  

Access : The beginning of the highway starts at Ji’an Township in Hualien, and runs along the eastern coast of Taiwan.  

Hualien can easily surprise even the most well-travelled individual. As much as people believe they’ve seen Taiwan through the eyes of Taipei, Hualien, only 2 hours away by train, can shed light on another side of Taiwan that you can only dream of.

Whilst we’re definitely not trying to take away from the allure of Taipei City’s extraordinary nightlife, Hualien adds another layer of welcomed intricacy to Taiwan’s already mysterious and exciting appeal. Nature buffs, this one’s for you.

PS : If you are looking for more travel destinations in Taiwan, feel free to check out these blog posts too: Taiwan Travel Blog .

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10 Best Places Where Locals Love to Go in Hualien

Most popular places locals love to go in hualien.

Located in the eastern part of Taiwan, Hualien is nestled between the sea and the mountains. It boasts superb mountain, forest and marine landscapes, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism. A visit here has so much to offer. If you like mountains and forests, Taroko National Park, Buluowan, Liyu Lake, Shitiping, Liushishi Mountain and Ruisui Hot Spring offer stunning landscapes with primitive forests and diverse topography. If you prefer the ocean or are a fan of water sports, you can go rafting on Xiuguluan River, pile up rocks on the beach at Qixing Lake or enjoy the ecological landscape of the estuary at Changhong Bridge. Looking for suitable accommodations for your family? Spend a night in the unique surroundings of Hualien Sugar Factory, which offers spacious and comfortable accommodations in Japanese-style wooden houses. Hualien’s beautiful mountains, lakes, rivers and the blue ocean are all waiting for your visit.

Taroko National Park

Taroko National Park was established in 1986. The park has steep and towering landforms, naturally formed caves, marble rock formations and majestic natural landscapes, including cliffs, canyons, streams and waterfalls. This renowned scenic spot is a must-see if you visit Hualien. Most tourists who come to Taroko National Park visit Tianxiang, in the center of the park, where there are services such as dining, sightseeing and accommodations. Nearby you'll find suspension bridges, Tianfeng Pagoda, Xiangde Temple and other scenic spots surrounded by clouds, mists and gurgling streams. As winter gives way to spring, tourists come here to witness the beauty of the hundreds of flowers and plum blossoms in full bloom. Taroko National Park is beautiful all year round, but due to its steep terrain, local trails and highways are often closed for safety reasons. Please remember to check local road conditions before departure.

Location: No. 291, Fushi, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan, 972003

Buluowan is a natural terrace located in Xiulin Township, Hualien County. The Taroko people once lived here, and it is now a park that has retained many of the original aboriginal features. Buluowan is divided into the Upper Terrace and Lower Terrace. You can take the Upper Terrace Trail, the Swallow Grotto Trail and the Meander Core Park Trail to explore the terraces, which differ in elevation by 98 feet (30 meters). The wooden trail in Buluowan is constructed on the giant rocks of the terrace. There are lookout neighborhoods, an exhibition hall and greenhouses along the trail. It's the perfect place to delve deep into Buluowan's unique terrain, get close to the lush green vegetation and listen to the wind blowing in the Makino bamboo forest. The natural landscape of Buluowan is breathtaking, with incredible views of the mountains and forests at every turn. There's also a chance to see traditional crafts such as weaving and basket-making, and to learn about the indigenous culture through these exquisite objects.

Location: No. 232, Fushi, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan, 972003

Open: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm (closed on the first and the third Monday of each month)

photo by rheins ( CC BY 3.0 ) modified

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Qixing lake.

Qixing Lake is a very popular coastal scenic spot in Hualien. Locals also call it Crescent Bay. It is an arc-shaped bay sitting on Hualien's Pacific coast. The shore is covered with pebbles, which tourists love to stack while watching the incredible waves break. The area around Qixing Lake is stunning. The Hualien authorities set up a stargazing plaza, playground, stone sculpture park, sungazing building and cycle path, attracting large numbers of tourists who come here for sightseeing, making Qixing Lake one of the must-see attractions in Hualien. Compared to metropolises such as Taipei, Hualien has lower levels of light pollution. As you sit on the ground here, you'll be able to see the starry sky and the magnificent, wondrous Milky Way. Please be aware, however, that Qixing Lake is not an ideal location for water-based activities. Because of the steep slopes, rogue waves often occur here, so be careful when entering the water.

Location: Hai'an Rd., Xincheng Township, Hualien County, Taiwan, 971065

Hualien Tourism Sugar Factory

Hualien Tourism Sugar Factory is located in Guangfu Township, Hualien County. It was originally an important sugar factory in Hualien, but after sugar production stopped in 2002 it was gradually transformed into a tourist attraction. The factory now provides a complete vacation experience for tourists, incorporating accommodations, dining, entertainment and shopping. Hualien Tourism Sugar Factory has a number of Japanese-style wooden houses. You can take a guided tour of the park to learn more about the history and structure of the houses. You can even try making sugar yourself as you listen to the history of sugar-making under the factory chimney. It's a great choice for a family day out. The accommodations facilities at Hualien Tourism Sugar Factory are a major attraction here. You can stay in a Japanese-era wooden house and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep surrounded by the cozy Japanese ambience. The sugar factory has become famous for its popsicles and ice cream, and many tourists come here just to sample them.

Location: No. 19, Tangchang St., Guangfu Township, Hualien County, Taiwan, 976002

Open: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm

photo by lienyuan lee ( CC BY 3.0 ) modified

Xiuguluan River Rafting

Xiuguluan River runs through Hualien and is the longest river in eastern Taiwan. The entire water system is about 64 miles (103 kilometers) long. The wet season from May to October is the best time for rafting, and it's a very popular water-based leisure activity in Hualien. Xiuguluan River rafting trips generally start from Ruisui Bridge and end at the estuary at Changhong Bridge. This section of the river is wide and has many shoals and whirlpools. As the water rushes out to the sea, the hull of the raft moves rapidly with the water. Capsizing is a fairly common occurrence and is all part of the fun, and the entire exciting voyage lasts about 4 hours. All passengers participating in whitewater rafting must wear buoyancy vests and safety helmets for protection, in case the the raft capsizes on the turbulent river. Feel free to scream, paddle hard and enjoy this water adventure.

Location: No. 215, Sec. 3, Zhongshan Rd., Ruisui Township, Hualien County, Taiwan, 978001

Open: Rafting hours: usually depart in the morning

photo by 大頭家族 ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

Liyu Lake is located in Shoufeng Township, Hualien County. This beautiful lake sits at the foot of Liyu Mountain and is the largest lake in Hualien County. The clear waters of Liyu Lake are surrounded by verdant mountain peaks and an abundance of nature. It has always been a popular lakeside vacation destination in Hualien. Around Liyu Lake, there is a 2.4-mile (4 kilometers) path suitable for walking and hiking. You can complete the trail in about 1.5 hours walking slowly, or in about 0.5 hours by bike. If you enjoy boating, there are boat rental services available by the lake. From April to May each year, you'll find huge numbers of fireflies here. You can see them glowing by the lake at night, and this annual ecological spectacle attracts a great many tourists.

Location: No. 100, Huantan N. Rd., Chinan Village, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County, Taiwan, 974011

Changhong Bridge

If you take a rafting trip on Xiuguluan River, the end point is usually Changhong Bridge. As you see the brightly colored bridge come into view, you'll know that your rafting adventure has come to an end. Changhong Bridge is located in Fengbin Township, Hualien County. Crossing Xiuguluan River, it's the first cantilever pre-stressed concrete single-arch bridge in Taiwan. This challenging construction project has become a well-known landmark in Hualien. The saffron-red bridge looks particularly striking against the blue sky of Hualien, like a red rainbow over the river. Changhong Bridge is located at the estuary and is surrounded by a precious ecosystem. In spring, the Kuroshio Current sends many sea creatures north, while large numners of anadromous fish enter the Xiuguluan River, creating an ecological wonder of migration. You'll find a fantastic array of waterfowl near Changhong Bridge, where you can pick up your binoculars to admire these graceful birds.

Location: 42 miles (68 kilometers) of Provincial Highway 11, Fengbin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan, 977

photo by 芳蘭 徐芳蘭 ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

Shitiping is a great destination for anyone who loves camping. There's a well-appointed camping area which is highly recommended by camping enthusiasts. Shitiping is located next to Shiti Fishing Harbor in Fengbin Township. As you navigate this terrain created by coastal erosion, you'll find wave-cut platforms, sea trenches, sea cliffs and potholes as well as cuesta, intertidal zone and reef coastal zone. A visit to Shitiping is like a lesson in nature's geology classroom. There are glamping pods at Shitiping. Camping is a great way to immerse yourself in this amazing and unusual landscape. At night, count the stars and fall asleep while listening to the sound of the waves; at dawn, wake up to the beautiful sunrise. These experiences will without doubt be the highlight of your coastal camping trip.

Location: No. 52, Shitiping, Fengbin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan, 977005

photo by Wei-Te Wong ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

Liushishi Mountain

Liushishi Mountain is located in Fuli Township, Hualien County. It is famous for its magnificent sea of orange day lillies, transforming the mountainside into a fairytale landscape. From August to September, the orange day lily field of Liushishi Mountain is in full bloom. Tens of millions of orange day lillies glint in the sunlight of Hualien, forming a splendid orange sea. Just take a picture with your phone – you don't need to be a professional photographer to capture this magnificent view. Even if you don't visit Liushishi Mountain during the blooming season, you'll still be inspired by the beautiful mountains here. The breathtaking views of the verdant mountains provide a spectacular backdrop at sunrise and sunset. You can also try Liushishi Mountain's delicious dishes made from locally grown orange day lillies.

Location: Zhutian Village, Fuli Township, Hualien County, Taiwan, 983

Ruisui Hot Spring

The three major hot springs in Hualien are Ruisui Hot Spring, Antong Hot Spring and Hongye Hot Spring, each with its own unique character. The water of Ruisui Hot Spring is rich in iron and the temperature is around 48 degrees Celsius. After gushing from the ground and coming into contact with the air, the spring water, which has the smell of rust, will turn yellow and cloudy. At first glance, you might assume that the spring water isn't clean, but what you're seeing is actually a natural phenomenon: iron oxidizes and forms yellow turbid crystals called "hot spring flowers" on the water's surface. Come for a relaxing soak in the warm water full of hot spring flowers. After a refreshing bath, your skin will feel silky and smooth. Ruisui Hot Spring has outdoor bathing facilities. Soak up the relaxing atmosphere among the verdant Ruisui mountains, where the air is filled with birdsong and the sweet scent of flowers. A trip to this hot spring town is an unforgettable experience.

Location: Ruisui Township, Hualien County, Taiwan, 978

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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• The Best Things To See...

The Best Things to See and Do in Hualien City, Taiwan

Yes, Hualien is a city, but it’s also a place where – if you’re prepared to travel the wider county – nature can steal the show. After all, it’s here that you’ll find one of Taiwan ‘s most beautiful National Parks, Taroko. Indeed, many visitors choose to skip town altogether and disappear into the countryside. Yet this relaxed coastal city offers plenty of attractions to make for a memorable stay. So the next time you find yourself on Taiwan ‘s East Coast, hang out in Hualien City for a while, using our guide to help you get the most from your stay.

Wander around hualien railway culture park.

There’s a fascinating history to train travel in Taiwan : in 1887, little more than a decade after the first commercial railway opened in Shanghai, mainland China, its first tracks were in business, built under the watch of Qing Dynasty governor Liu Ming-Chuan. The section reaching Hualien was completed under the Japanese rule of the island, in 1911. What’s amazing about the Railway Culture Park, apart from your chance to learn the whole story, is the presence of preserved Japanese steam locomotives, including a hulking Nishia, made in 1936.

Drink tea at Miao Kou Red Tea

Famous for its hearty snacks and brass tubes – through which piping hot cups of tea are dropped from the first-floor kitchen – Miao Kou is open 24 hours and always attracts a crowd of devotees. Expect to queue and don’t expect delicate Chinese brews – this is as close as Hualien gets to a greasy spoon, but it’s an unmissable Taiwan experience. Your brew will be presented to you on a paper cup; meanwhile, irresistibly kitsch floral-pattern crockery is used for serving the omelette sandwiches, peanut soup and Taiwan ese macarons, a shop favourite with a gooey marshmallow centre.

Sample street food at Dongdamen Night Market

Taiwan ’s diversity of street food is dizzying: you’ll encounter delicious flavours and combinations you probably won’t have ever tasted before: there’s peanut ice-cream roll; syrup-smothered (potato-like) taro balls; jet-black garlic and chilli iron eggs (hard-boiled, in soy sauce); and chicken stew-filled ‘coffin bread’ (hollowed loaf). More than 400 stalls sizzle with woks and bubble with broths at Dongdamen Night Market, in the old Hualien railway station on the eastern edge of town. It might just be the best spot in the region to fill your face.

Check out local art at Fogstand

This joint Taiwan ese and American art gallery and studio (with an artist-in-residence programme) showcases contemporary work by emerging creatives, runs workshops and encourages international art exchange. There are two galleries – in Hualien and in Hamline-Midway in St. Paul, Minnesota. Shows have included conceptual pieces by Aberdeen artist John Nicol and Singapore artist Kaifeng Chun and films focused on memory and place by Taiwan ese artist Jin Da Lin. It is a thought-provoking and memorable place for anyone interested in notions of identity and belonging.

Visit the Martyrs Shrine

Here used to stand a Shinto temple, built in 1915 by order of Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa, ruler of Japanese Taiwan . It was demolished in 1981 and replaced with the current Taoist building, which remembers local martyrs who died resisting invasion. Among them: Koxinga, a Ming loyalist who fought against the 17th Century Qing conquest and the Dutch invasion of Taiwan ; also Liu Yongfu, who resisted the first Japanese and became president of the short-lived Republic of Formosa. Aim to spend an hour or so in this meditative, peaceful place.

Relax at Pine Garden

Set within a lawned garden overlooking the city and the Mei Lun River, this ivy-festooned mansion is the best-preserved Japanese military building in Taiwan . Built in 1942, it served as the regional headquarters of the Japanese Navy. Kamikaze pilots were blessed here with cherry wine, sent especially by their Emperor, before embarking on suicide missions. In 1945 it became a resort for vacationing US troops and in 2000 it opened in its current location as a historical attraction. Come to enjoy the swoony Pacific Ocean views.

Walk the old railway lines

This short stretch of Hualien ’s abandoned old railway has been repurposed as a hipster shopping street. You can still see the tracks in the cobbles, overlooked by fashionable clothing boutiques and cafes. The area is a honeypot for teenage and twentysomething Taiwan ese revellers who gather in the cafes of an evening. Mingle with them as they swap stories over barista-prepared cappuccinos and be sure to wander the street before heading for food at nearby Dongdamen Night Market.

Browse the Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum

Naturally sculpted stones have been venerated in China since ancient times and were classified according to their beauty as far back as the 7th century, during the Tang dynasty’s reign. It’s still common to see Gong Shi or “scholars rocks” outside temples and smaller stones in family shrines, often sitting on a bespoke-carved rosewood pedestal. This modern museum and garden are devoted to Gong Shi and to artificially carved stone, including hardstone carving (which is one of China’s oldest arts) and contemporary work.

Chill at Nanbin Park

With its oceanside location, its running path and its cycleway, central Nanbin Park is a godsend for locals seeking recreational downtime. Top tip: it’s at its best early in the morning, when the sun rises golden over the sea. The park, dotted with sculptures depicting daily life and marine animals, is bordered by a long grey beach, with coarse sands perfect for ambling along, making those calf muscles work. For more sunbather-suitable sands head north of town, near the Qingshui Cliffs.

Head to Taroko Gorge for river trekking

The Taroko Gorge is a canyon measuring 3km (2mi) deep, forged by the foaming Liwu river through the mountains west of Hualien . Speckled with shrines and temples, it’s a beautiful place for a drive-by visit or a more adventurous river-bed hike. It’s a fun challenge, clambering over boulders, wading through smaller streams, swimming in icy pools and hot springs and disappearing into the beauty of the landscape. Top tip: come without valuables, as you’ll get wet. In winter months, it pays to overpack warm clothes, as things can get chilly here.

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Hualien travel guide — Top things to do & must go places in Hualien, Taiwan

All Hualien travel guide and tips will be shown below. Remember to follow to avoid missing precious information. Hualien is not a big city. The economy here is growing slowly, so it still has much original and unique natural beauty. Located behind the central mountains in the west and east of the Pacific, Hualien is called “the place where the sun rises behind the mountains” by local people. Let discover Hualien travel guide: How to get to Hualien, best time to visit Hualien, Hualien city taiwan points of interest, must go places in Hualien with Living Nomads below.

• Hualien travel blog — How to spend 2 days in Hualien (Hualien 2 days itinerary) perfectly?
• Alishan travel blog — The fullest Alishan travel guide for first-timers
• Taiwan fall foliage forecast 2023 — When & 9+ best place to see autumn leaves in Taiwan
• Where to go in Hualien? — 9+ must-go, best Hualien places to visit & suggested 3 days in Hualien itinerary
• Jiufen travel blog — Jiufen day trip from Taipei: How to spend 1 perfect day in Jiufen?

1. How to get to Hualien?

Getting Hualien, you have a lot of choice on transportation. But the most convenient way is to take a train or plane. Often, the train routes from Taipei to Hualien are popular. Each train route can last from 3-5 hours depending on the type of train. Ticket prices are also very cheap. You should take the Taroko Express train from Taipei to Hualien. In addition, domestic airlines also offer flights connecting Hualien to major cities in Taiwan. It only takes 30 minutes to fly from Taipei.

When you come to Hualien, you can take a scenic by strolling or rent a motorbike to go around.

The most suitable and most convenient way is to book a day tour from Klook, a shuttle service to take place. Link book tour: Hualien Day Tour from Taipei .

2. What is the best time to visit Hualien?

The climate in Hualien is quite similar to other areas in Taiwan. It is a subtropical climate. Summer is often hot and humid with an average temperature of about 29 degrees Celsius. Spring is the time when plants like flowers bloom; the average temperature is about 20 degrees Celsius, sometimes rain. Autumn is the best time to travel to Hualien at temperatures just about 23 degrees Celsius.

3. Must go places in Hualien: What are the best places to visit in Hualien?

Taroko National Park

This garden is located in East Taiwan. It is best known for its beautiful landscapes running from east to west. The majestic canyons are as majestic as a mural painting. In particular, the famous mountains are Paiyang and Tsingshui cliffs. There are two most wonderful wonders of the natural wonders of Taroko National Park.

In Taroko National Park , there are many species of plants and animals. Besides, Taroko also has a variety of plants and animals. Here has up to 90% of bird species and 50% of butterflies in Taiwan are concentrated here. You can easily find half of the mammal species in the world and the plants are concentrated in large forests, mixed forests and coniferous forests.

Hualien Park

Traveling to Hualien, do not miss this park. The 20ha Hualien Park is located right next to the Pacific Ocean with a 920m coastline. In the park, there is a bridge over a small stream with grass growing around the two banks. There are statues of many marine animals are also displayed in this area, contributing to the beautiful scenery of the park. The plants, flowers, and grass will make you like a  dream with brilliant nature. Hunting, fishing or walking takes place on the beach.

Rueisuei Hot Spring

This hot spring is located in the town of Rueisuei, which is originated from the top of the Hongye Stream which is the destination of many domestic and foreign tourists. The water here has a high quality to ensure the health of people. The temperature of this hot spring is 48 degrees Celsius which is good for skin and arthritis. Surrounding the hot springs area, there are other tourist sites such as meadows, fruit trees or farms, rivers and more.

Lake Liyu is the largest lake in Hualien. Lake is located in the village of Shoufung not far from the city, about 18km. The lake is surrounded by mountains creating a reflection of the water surface is very sparkling. This is an ideal place for visitors to take a bicycle and take a relaxing walk to admire the natural view.

4. Where to stay in Hualien?

You can refer to the following addresses:

The Amigos Guesthouse

The Amigos Hostel provides dormitory rooms for 15 dollars. Rooms are very clean, free wireless internet, near the train station with friendly staffs.

The Formosa Backpackers ( Agoda.com , Booking.com )

Formosa Backpackers accommodation is quite nice, with tropical gardens, you only take a short walk from the train station. The price is 13 dollars (student is about 12 dollars).

The Police Hostel

The Police hostel area has cost for 33 dollars for a twin room, plus 43 dollars for an extra bed.

The Ching Yeh Hotel

The Ching Yeh Hotel is very close to the train station which the cost is 43 dollars

The King Hotel

King Hotel offers midweek rates of 49 dollars excluding breakfast. This is a very comfortable place for you.

You Worth Inn

Highly recommend you should stay in this guesthouse. You can check rates, reviews and book this hostel on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

The above is the specific Hualien travel guide, experience and details for you. If you have the plan to visit this place, do not forget to save it for using immediately!

Link book tour: Hualien Day Tour from Taipei .

Hualien accommodation

In addition, you can refer to one of the best Airbnb in Hualien : Downtown Double Room, Custom-Made Big Bed at $30/night or 海邊舒適2-4人房cozy studio near beach at $61/night.

–> Airbnb link discount up to $35 for the first booking here: https://www.airbnb.com/c/anht5185

You can find, check rates, reviews & availability for Hualien hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Hualien you can refer to

• Hualien Day Tour from Taipei
• Taroko Gorge Day Trips from Hualien
• Hualien Taroko National Park Private Car Charter
• Taroko Gorge, Swallow Grotto, & Seven Star Lake Day Tour
• [10% Off + 1 Extra Free Day] 4G SIM Card (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Chunghwa Telecom
• 4G SIM Card (TPE Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Far EasTone Telecom
• [Sale – Taiwan Food Promo] Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Discounted Ticket from Taipei
• Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Discounted Ticket from Taoyuan
• THSR Exclusive Discount One Way Ticket from Taoyuan (Two Tickets for the Price of One)

Are you finding more top things to do in Taipei: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Hualien travel blog — How to spend 2 days in Hualien (Hualien 2 days itinerary) perfectly?

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Best Things to Do in Hualien: 1 to 4-Day Hualien Itinerary without a car for first-time visitors

Before going to Hualien (花蓮) , I had no clue what to do in Hualien or what the city has to offer. I only knew Hualien is the gateway to Taroko Gorge National Park (花蓮太魯閣國家公園) , one of Taiwan’s biggest tourist attractions and nothing else. Moreover, I thought I would need a car to see all the attractions in Hualien County.

But after spending a few weeks on the east coast of Taiwan, I can confirm that it is possible to see many parts of Hualien on your own and without a car. Plus, you can see the best of Hualien in only 4 days.

I compiled a solo Hualien itinerary for independent travellers going to Hualien for one to four days. If this is your first time visiting Hualien, keep reading and find out how you can travel in Hualien without a car and see all the best attractions on your own.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting this website. For more information, please read the  disclosure for more info.

What you need to know before starting the Hualien itinerary

Before visiting Hualien, check out my post on all the best tips for travelling to Taiwan . I included information like how to get a Taiwan prepaid SIM card , transportation around the country, etc.

Here are a few quick tips for travelling to Hualien:

• Hualien is a safe city for solo female travellers .
• There are a few bicycle rental s and many scooter rental places if you decide to rent two-wheels and zip around Hualien on your own.
• Buy a rechargeable smartcard  called EasyCard or iPass for taking the bus around Hualien. You can also use it for other public transportation in Taiwan. They are available at any major train station and convenience store in Taiwan.
• Harvest Festival of Amis Tribe (June) – a sacred festival for the region’s major tribe.
• Hualien Joint Aboriginal Harvest Festival (July) – celebrations for the indigenous people in Taiwan.
• Hualien Stone Sculpture Festival (October) – see different stone exhibitions which will be part of the Stone Sculpture Museum in Hualien.

How to get to Hualien Taiwan

Hualien Airport is only 4.5km north of the city centre. However, most travellers will probably fly to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport because few airlines fly to Hualien.

Train From Taipei to Hualien

The train is the best option for travelling to Hualien after arriving in Taipei. There are also long-distance buses, but the train is the easiest and most predictable.

First, take the commuter train to Taipei Main Train Station (35 minutes; NT$150), then the Taroko Express or Puyuma Express train to Hualien (2+ hours; NT$440).

Check the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) website for schedule and cost. 

How to travel around Hualien without a car

Many travellers visiting Hualien may want to travel by car because you can easily visit other areas outside the city centre.

However, if you don’t want to bother with car rental, don’t have a driver’s license, or don’t want to bother with driving and finding parking spots, then I have good news for you. It is possible to travel around Hualien without a car.

Hualien is a relatively small town. Walking is the best way to see the city centre of Hualien . And it is possible to walk to most places between the centre and the train station. It’ll take about 20 minutes or so.

The attractions outside Hualien city centre mentioned in this post are accessible by bus. There are several bus lines in Hualien, but these are the ones you need to know:

• Bus 310 – starts at Hualien Bus Station and goes to Qixingtan Beach and Taroko Park . Bus fare costs between NT25-140 (EasyCard or iPass) for individual trips. Or buy an unlimited for one or two day with a bus pass online (NT$250 1-day pass and NT$400 2-day pass) or at Hualien Bus Station.
• Bus 303 & Bus 1139 – starts at Hualien Bus Station and goes to Liyu Lake and Mukumugi Valley . Bus fare costs between NT25-66 (EasyCard or iPass).

Check iBus Info website for more information on bus schedules and cost.

How many days in Hualien as a first-time traveller

If you are wondering how many days you should spend in Hualien, you’ll have to see my summary below.

You can technically  see all the best highlights in Hualien in one day. The city is quite compact; you can walk to all the attractions within a day.

But I highly recommend staying a few more days to explore other areas outside of Hualien, especially when Hualien is known for excellent outdoor activities and hikes in Taroko Park. And it is possible to see all these places without a car.

Hualien itinerary without a car: 1, 2, 3 and 4 days

Here is how to use this Hualien itinerary guide.

If you are only in Hualien for one day, follow the 1 day in Hualien itinerary.

And if you are in Hualien for two days, follow the itinerary for the first two days. And continue until the fourth day.

Here is a quick summary of my 1 to 4 day Hualien itinerary:

1 day in Hualien: best things to do in Hualien (red pins)

• Explore Hualien city centre
• Discover other areas in Hualien
• Try Taiwanese food and Aboriginal food at Dongdamen Night Market

2 days in Hualien: easy hikes in Taroko Park and Qixingtan Beach (purple pins)

• Taroko Gorge National Park – easy hikes
• Qixingtan Beach

3 days in Hualien: other hikes in Taroko Park (blue pins)

• Taroko Gorge National Park – other easy hikes or challenging hikes

4 days in Hualien: other things to see in Hualien County (orange pins)

• Mukumugi Valley

Hualien itinerary: best things to do in Hualien in one day

Hualien is a compact city which means you can see all the best of Hualien in just one day. So wear your most comfortable walking shoes and explore the city on foot.

1. Explore Hualien city centre

Most Hualien attractions are concentrated in the centre of the city. There are many places to buy souvenirs and food. Plus, there are interesting cultural places where you can see what life was like in Hualien back in the day.

While you are in Hualien City centre, look for these highlights:

• Hualien Xingxiang Shopping District (花蓮形象商圈) – the area around Zhongshan Road, the main street in Hualien, and Suhua Hwy, is the centre of the shopping district. There are many shops on these main roads and smaller streets as well.
• Zonghe Market (綜合市場) – the city’s earliest traditional market. Vendors sell clothing, food and all types of trinkets.
• Hualien Railway Culture Park (花蓮鐵道文化園區) – see what the old Taiwan East Coast Railway looks like and other train-related relics.
• Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park (花蓮文化創意產業園區) – 26 renovated warehouses converted into public exhibition spaces. It was previously an old winery complex but is an art and cultural centre today.
• Old Railway Pedestrian Area (舊鐵道行人徒步區) – 18m of the decommissioned railway is transformed into a pedestrian-only zone. The street is lined with shops, and the area comes alive at night.

2. Discover other areas in Hualien

Depending on when you start your day tour around Hualien City or when you arrive in the city, you could have a bit of time to discover other areas outside of the city centre.

East of Meilun River, there are a few tourist attractions that you might want to check out:

• Hualien Martyrs’ Shrine (花蓮忠烈祠) – the shrine was built in the northern Chinese-style and has a wonderful view of Hualien City.
• Manor House (將軍府) – a former Japanese-style dormitory for the military and a historical landmark.
• Jinghua Bridge (菁華橋) – a red pedestrian bridge over the Meilun River in Meilunxi Riverside Park
• Pine Garden (松園別館) – one of the best-preserved buildings from the Japanese colonial period. It was a military building, but it is now a cultural centre. Both the building and the garden were neat, but not many exhibits while I was there. But the view of Hualien City was quite nice. The entrance fee is NT$60.

3. Try Taiwanese food and Aboriginal food at Dongdamen Night Market

Visiting the Dongdamen Night Market (東大門夜市) has to be one of the things to do in Hualien at night. The massive market has all the typical Taiwanese dishes you may want to try, like stinky tofu, meat skewers, and bubble tea.

And you can try some of the aboriginal dishes you can only find in Hualien, like bamboo rice.

There are many food stalls at Dongdamen Night Market, but these are some of the more popular ones:

• Yuan Xiang Bamboo Rice (原香嘟論竹筒飯) – try savoury or sweet bamboo rice
• Chiang Family Coffin Toast (蔣家官財板) – Taiwan’s version of a bread bowl
• Fried Crab (螃蟹王) – deep-fried crab with seasonings
• Mashed Potato Omelet (強蛋餅) – egg crepe with mashed potato and other ingredients

2 days in Hualien: easy hikes in Taroko Park and Qixingtan Beach

Since Hualien is the gateway to Taroko Gorge National Park (花蓮太魯閣國家公園) , one of Taiwan’s biggest tourist attractions, you must at least visit the park while you are in Hualien.

On day two of the itinerary, hike some of the easy trails near the entrance of Taroko Park and finish the day with a quick visit to Qixingtan Beach before returning to Hualien.

How to get around Hualien on day 2: get an unlimited one or two day hop-on-hop-off bus ticket for Bus 301 , which takes you from Hualien bus station to various stops in Taroko National Park, Qixingtan Beach and back to Hualien.

1. Easy hikes in Taroko Gorge National Park

Most people visit Hualien to see Taroko Gorge National Park to see the beautiful park. With 19km of cliffs, clear turquoise rivers, traditional Chinese temples, Taroko Gorge and hikes of various difficulties, this national park is not to be missed.

There are several easy and scenic hikes near the entrance of the park. Even if you have never hiked before, you will have no issues hiking them on your own.

Get one of the Taroko brochures if you haven’t already, and look for these hiking trails:

• Taroko Terrace Trail (太魯閣台地步道) – 1km trail around Taroko Terrace
• Xiao Zhuilu Trail (小錐麓步道)  – 0.6km trail along Liwu River
• Shakadang Trail (砂卡礑步道) – 4.1km one-way trail along the turquoise Shakadang River
• Changchun Shrine Trail (長春祠步道) – an intermediate trail that is 2km long. See the Eternal Spring Shrine and Changuang Temple

2. Qixingtan Beach

Qixingtan Beach (七星潭) is one of the most beautiful beaches in Taiwan. It is part of the Chishingtan Scenic Area (七星潭風景區), which is a favourite spot for tourists because of the mountainous backdrop, beautiful palm trees and expansive outdoor space.

Seeing the pebble beach after a full day of hiking is the perfect way to end the day. This is not a swimming beach, though, which is okay because you already had a long day of hiking. So relax and enjoy the serene environment.

3 days in Hualien: other hikes in Taroko Park

On day 3 of your Hualien trip, return to Taroko Park and continue to explore other areas of the park. Alternatively, try hiking some of the more challenging hikes in Taroko.

If you plan on hiking the harder trails, plan ahead and apply for a permit before you go.

How to get around Taroko Park on day 3: the unlimited one or two day hop-on-hop-off bus ticket for Bus 301 can take you from Hualien bus station to various stops in Taroko National Park.

1. Other hikes in Taroko Gorge National Park

If you return to Taroko Park to see more of the park’s beautiful scenery, you can explore a few more places.

Other easy hikes in Taroko Park

• Buluowan Trail (布洛灣景觀步道) – 0.9km trail in the forest and bamboo grove
• Yanzikou Trail (燕子口步道) – aka Swallow Grotto, see the marble gorge on this 1.3km trail. Borrow a hard hat from the park.
• Tunnel of Nine Turns Trail (九曲洞隧道) – more marble gorge scenery on this 0.7km trail
• Lushui Trail (綠水步道) – 2km trail around Tianxiang Recreation Area. See Xiangde Temple and Tianfeng Pagoda.
• Baiyang Trail (白楊步道) – 2.1km trail near the rock shelter tunnel

Mountaineering hike in Taroko Park

Zhuilu Old Road (錐麓古道) is 10.3km, and it scales along the side of the steep mountain at the edge of Zhuilu Cliff. This is a hike for advanced hikers. For those of you who are afraid of heights, think twice before you hike this trail. The trail is 550 metres above the gorge.

Make sure to dress appropriately (hiking shoes, warm clothes, waterproof jacket) and bring enough food and water. 

And most importantly, apply for an entry permit from Taiwan’s National Parks website before your hike. Bring your printed entry permit to the ticket booth (NT$200 entry fee) and check-in area at Yanzikou Trail.

4 days in Hualien: Other things to do in Hualien County

Day 4 is about choices. You can visit Liyu Lake or Mukumugi Valley or visit both places on the same day (both attractions are on the same bus line).

How to get around Hualien County on day 4: Bus 303 and 1139 go to Liyu Lake and Mukumugi Valley. Ensure your EasyCard or iPass has enough money for your bus rides for the day.

1. Liyu Lake

The area between Taroko Gorge and Taitung City is called Huadong Valley, aka East Rift Valley . And one of the highlights of the East Rift Valley is Liyu Lake (鯉魚潭) .

You can rent a swan pedal boat (NT$300/hour) in the largest lake in eastern Taiwan, or you can walk or rent a bike (NT$100) and cycle around the natural lake.

If you visit around April or May, you can see thousands of fireflies hovering over the lake during the evening. The entire lake lights up! Or if you are visiting in June, you can see the races for Dragon Boat Festival.

How to get to Liyu Lake: take bus 303 or 1139 from Hualien bus station for Liyu Lake.

2. Mukumugi Valley

Another highlight in the East Rift Valley is Mukumugi Valley (慕谷慕魚) , located 13km from Hualien City.

Once you get off the bus at Mukumugi Tourist Info Centre, walk 40 minutes to the police station and get your entry permit. Only 600 visitors are allowed to be in the valley each day. And bring your passport because you will need it for the permit.

Then continue hiking towards the valley until you see the clear turquoise pools of water and smooth white rocks. Swimming in the blue lagoons and seeing the waterfalls might be the perfect thing to do for the rest of the day.

How to get to Mukumugi Valley: if you are going to Mukumugi Valley only, take bus 303 or 1139 from Hualien bus station directly to Mukumugi Tourist Info Centre. If you are continuing from Liyu Park, both buses can also take you directly to the tourist info centre.

Where to stay in Hualien as a solo traveller

Many budget hostels and hotels are in the city centre and near Hualien Train Station. Both locations are optimal for visiting the city and Taroko National Park.

Here are some options for staying in Hualien:

• Olah Poshtel Hualien (悅樂旅店·花蓮) ($) – stay in a dorm or private guestroom at this modern hotel near the city centre.
• Meci Hotel (回然慢時旅居) ($$) –   located near the train station, the modern hotel has small guest rooms and a welcoming lobby. And the town is only 15 minutes on foot.
• Sleeping Inn (賴床行旅) ($$$) – check in one of the spacious rooms in this hotel near the beach.

What to eat in Hualien Taiwan

Besides all the usual Taiwanese food , there are a few specialties in Hualien that you should look for:

• Scallion Pancakes – crispy green onion pancake with an oozy egg yolk inside. 老牌炸蛋蔥油餅 (Blue Truck) is one of the most popular ones in Hualien.
• Steamed pork buns – fluffy soft buns with seasoned pork. Both Gong Zheng Bun Store and Zhou Jia Xiao Long Bao Steamed Dumplings both equally make good buns.
• Bamboo Rice – rice cooked inside bamboo. You have to crack open the bamboo to eat the rice inside. Many restaurants and night market has this specialty. Check out Yuan Xiang Bamboo Rice at the night market.
• Wanton Soup – a Chinese dumpling made with a silky flour wrapper and filled with different fillings. Hua Lien Xiang Bian Shi is very popular.
• Mochi – a chewy glutinous dessert made with rice flour and millet and filled with various fillings. Many food souvenir stores in Hualien sell this specialty.

Are you going to follow this itinerary for Hualien?

I certainly hope so! I put a lot of thought into creating the best Hualien itinerary for anyone travelling in Hualien without a car.

You can see the best highlights in two days, but I highly recommend staying for 4 days to really get to know the city.

Let me know in the comments how many days you will be in Hualien and if you like this itinerary or have any suggestions to make it better.

Thank you for reading my Hualien itinerary

You might also like these other posts on solo travel in Taiwan:

Introduction to Taiwan

• Things to know before visiting Taiwan  
• How and where to buy a Taiwan prepaid SIM card
• How to spend 3 weeks in Taiwan  
• 22 must-eat food in Taiwan  
• Top 10 must-try Taiwan 7-11 Food

Eastern Taiwan posts

• 43 Best things to do in Yilan Taiwan  
• Yilan Food Guide: Where and What to eat in Yilan County
• Caoling Historic Trail: day trip from Yilan County or Taipei
• Neipi Beach: how to get there and what to do
• Everything you need to know about Jiaoxi Hot Spring
• Hualien Food Guide: What and Where to eat in Hualien, Taiwan

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

Further Reading...

Kimpton Da’an Hotel Review: Best Modern Boutique Hotel in Taipei Taiwan

Kenting Travel Guide: 19 Things to Do in Kenting Taiwan

HK Express Review: My Honest Opinion of Hong Kong Express

11 comments.

Hi, Queenie. In your post, I saw that you mentioned permit is required to explore certain area in Taroko National Park. May I know which attraction locations are prohibited?

Hi Kelvin, as far as I know, the Zhuilu Old Trail requires two permits: one from Tarako National Park and another from local police. Limited number of permits are available each day. Trail is opened from 7am to 10am and you have to exit by 5pm. Hope this helps!!

Hello! How did you do the Taroko hikes? Alone or with a tour? If you did a tour, do you have any recommendations?

Hi Reah! I did the hikes by myself. I bought the unlimited two day ticket for $400NT so I can hop on and off the bus. It is quite easy to navigate – getting to the park and within the park. I did it myself and lots of travellers are hiking solo too! There are many tour operators around Hualien and especially near the train station. Your hotel should have some recommendation too. Sorry I cannot be more specific about the tours because I did the hikes on my own.

Heslo. I am travelling to Taiwan in November and I am planning to visit the Taroko park. Is it safe to hike on my own? Are there not any dangerours animals?

Hi Dave, I hiked in Tarako on my own and I went in February. I felt completely safe – there were people around me so I didn’t feel alone. I didn’t see any animals other than the birds at Yanzikou Swallow Grotto Trail. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and maybe some snacks for the day. There is an info centre at the entrance of the park if you want to check it out before you hike in. Hope this helps!

Hi! I’m hiking Taroko in November solo too, I’ve read in some blogs that the bus going around the park is quite unreliable so I tried booking a Zhuilu old trail tour, but ran out of permits on the day I’m going. However, you said that going around the park using their service bus seems manageable? I’m hoping to hike most of them, starting very early and a, hoping that I can rely on the bus system within the park!

Hi Mark, I took the 2-day hop on hop off bus and didn’t have any issue. There were some road construction and one of the trails was closed but nothing unusual. I hope you enjoy your trip 🙂

Hi queenie, how do i travel from yilan to hualien as a solo travel (and possibly with a big luggage)

if i have a couple of days to spare after hualien (before returning to taipei), where would you recommend i go, as a solo traveller? thank you.

Hi Min, The easiest way to travel from Yilan to Hualien is the fast train. There are a few places you can get on the train in Yilan (Toucheng, Jiaoxi, Yilan City, etc). There are buses from Yilan to Hualien too and the buses have luggage compartment under for your suitcase. Depending on where you are in Yilan, different bus companies go to Hualien. If you have a few days to spare after Hualien and before returning to Taipei, assuming you already been to Yilan by the time, I would either go to Taitung (south) or somewhere around Jiufen. There are a few hikes and towns to see around Jiufen. Alternatively, you can go to Taipei early and do day trips from there. There are many to choose from. Hope this helps! Enjoy your trip to Taiwan!

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Adventure , Hiking and Trekking , Taiwan

24 best outdoor things to do in hualien,taiwan.

Hualien Taiwan captivated me in so many ways with its beautiful national parks, colourful bridges and in-depth cultural history. I was really surprised at how many things you can do, especially outdoors. Situated along the east coast of Taiwan, Hualien is a mountainous county that covers a very large area.

Due to the region’s natural beauty, Hualien attracts many outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers all year round. You’re sure to enjoy the stunning landscapes and many activities this county has to offer. With two national parks and dozens of cliffs and mountains, your hardest decision will be deciding what to do first.

Things to do in Hualien

Once you’ve explored all the wonderful night markets in Taiwan , it’s time to head out into the great outdoors for an adventure only mother nature can provide. Here are a few of my favourite outdoor activities in Hualien, Taiwan .

Table of Contents

⇒ Check for FREE if you require a visa or covid test before you go to Taiwan.

1. Spend a day on the trails at Taroko National Park – 太魯閣國家公園

One of the most popular places to visit not just in Hualien but in Taiwan is Taraoko Nation Park. Taroko National Park is one of two stunning national parks situated in Hualien. It’s named after its most famous landmark – Hualien Gorge. Explore the park on one of its multitude of trails , some of which lead to the famed gorge, while others provide views of the Pacific Ocean.

You can spend an entire day exploring the many trails, but to really appreciate the natural beauty of the area you will need at least a few days in the area. I was really taken aback at how beautiful Taroko National park was and how much there was to do there. Colourful bridges, gorges, shrines, suspension bridges, caves and even waterfalls. 

I spent two days exploring the different trials and wore good lightweight walking shoes . They were great for the conditions and on the paved trails. 

Some of the popular Taroko trails: 

• Tunnel of Nine Turns  Trail (1.9km/1.2mile) 
• Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) Trail(1.37km/0.83mile)
• Shakadang Trail  (4.4km/2.8miles to 3D Cabin)
• Changchun Trail  (Eternal Spring Shrine Trail)
• Baiyang Waterfall (2.2 km/1.2miles) – One of my favourite trails

If you’d like to have an experienced guide show you around, then be sure to book a tour to Taroko Gorge .

2. Go Rafting to the Estuary 在河上漂流

Rafting on the longest river in eastern Taiwan, the Xiuguluan Rive r, is a not to be missed experience for adventure lovers. The river winds its way through valleys and gorges until it flows into the Pacific Ocean.

Although the first half of your journey will be relatively peaceful, the second half is filled with exciting rapids. These can overturn your raft if you’re not careful, so be prepared to get wet on your thrilling ride. You’ll make your way over 20 sets of rapids before the river becomes calm again, so make sure you’re in a mindset for non-stop excitement.

The river is busiest   between May and October , so be sure to   book your rafting adventure   well in advance if you’re travelling during this period.

• All tours are only in Chinese. If you only speak English, ask the company if there is anyone that can translate. Maybe they will be able to help. 

Related outdoor things you can do and book in advance

• Take a Stand up paddleboarding experience
• Do an east coast nature tour with a guide
• Spend a fun day at Farglory Ocean Park

3. Go Canoeing at the Stunning Qingshui Cliff 清水斷崖 

Qingshui Cliffs are considered one of the most majestic natural wonders in Taiwan . And what better way to see them than from the water canoeing? I spent a fun few hours in the morning canoeing with a professional guide and taking photos. 

The water can be rough and rips occur, so beforehand the guides will show you how to use the canoe safely. You are also required to wear a life jacket at all times, as well as swimming boots. However, if you have your own swimming boots you can bring them along. If you have a   GoPro   or other waterproof camera, be sure to take it with you as the views are unmatched.

Wilds offers other canoeing activities tours, like evening canoeing and visiting the Elephant Trunk Tunnel.

• Make sure to put on sunscreen before you leave and take a bottle of water. 

4. Walk along Huide Trail at Qingshui Cliffs 匯德步道

After or before going Canoeing head up to Huide trail and take the scenic walk along Qingshui cliff. The views are absolutely stunning and you can see all the different shades of blue in the ocean. As well as views of the cliffs and landscape.

Huide scenic trail is great for anyone wanting to walk it, as it is pretty flat in most spots. The trail is less than a kilometre long to the viewing point near the end and should roughly take 30 minutes.

There is another viewing deck at the start of the trail that is accessible by stairs. The weather in Hualien in August to September was hot and humid. I wore good light walking shoes that were great for these conditions. 

Address 972, Taiwan, Hualien County, Xiulin Township, 匯德隧道40號 (located next to the north opening of Huide Tunnel)

  ⇒  Looking for other routes in Aisa? How about Hiking Routes of Niigata & Nagano Japan

• Take a packed lunch and eat it along the trail on one of the seats. There are bins and toilets available at the start of the trail.

5. Visit Martyr’s Shrine 忠烈祠

There are a variety of Martyrs shrines around Taiwan that were built to honour the Kuomintang soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Chinese Civil War. This one is a little different though as it is on the same spot as the Japanese Karenko Shrine.

Martyrs shrines beautiful white and red structures stood right out for me. I notice it straight away when we were driving on the bridge across Meilum River. The stairs leading up to Martyrs shrines is an ideal spot for photographers and Instagrammers.  There is a Martyrs’ Shrine in Taipei if you don’t have time to see the one in Hualien.

Address:  970, Taiwan, Hualien County, Hualien City, 復興新村82號

  ⇒ I used Lonely Planet Taiwan (Travel Guide), as my reference while travelling around Hualien country.

6. Enjoy Whale & Dolphin Watching

I love seeing sea life in its natural habitat and what better way to do this than go Whale and Dolphin watching. Due to the highly successful rate of sightings, Hualien is a popular place to go whale and dolphin watching. Witnessing the joyful leap of a dolphin, or the majestic splash of a whale is a privilege. So taking a tour with a company that respects these animals and their environment was a fantastic experience.

I took a tour with Turumoan dolphin and whale watching tours a company that provides an eco-conscious way to see these wonderful sea creatures in their natural environment. You can expect to see both dolphins and killer whales on this tour, as well as a considerable number of other sea creatures, so remember to keep your eyes peeled. Make sure you have the  right camera   for taking all those amazing action shots that uses a zoom lens. 

The best time to spot whales, dolphins and other sealife is between April and October. .

7. Visit the Hualien Railway Culture Park – 花蓮鐵道文化園區

If you like Railway history, add Railway Culture Park to your to do list in Hualien city. It was once the Hualien office for the railway department, dating back to 1932. Today it is a cultural park and gallery, showcasing the history of Taiwan’s Eastern Line.

It should only take you an hour to look around and it is a good attraction for families.

Address: No. 71號, Zhongshan Road, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970

  ⇒ Check for FREE if you require a visa or if there are any restrictions before you go to Taiwan.

8. Hualien City Old Railroad Pedestrian – 舊鐵道徒步區

After your visit to the Railway culture park, head over to the Hualien City old railroad pedestrian. Also known as the old railroad pedestrian zone, It is an area full of stalls, shops, yummy restaurants and bars. It is located on the tracks at the western edge of Hualien City’s downtown triangular shopping district. This is a great spot for getting souvenirs and local handicraft gifts.

The old railway area became empty space after a new line was put in place and the route was changed out of the city. You can visit here during the day but I think it is much better at night when the bars and restaurants open and the trees are all lit up.

9. Dongdamen (also known as Dongdaemun) Night Market – 東大門夜市

Located in Hualien City is  Dongdamen (also known as Dongdaemun), Night Market. It is a great spot for families, friends or even solo travellers wanting to try food in Hualien.  I loved this market and it reminded me of the Christmas markets in Europe with its big arched gates. Best to get out cash beforehand, as I didn’t see cash machines and most places didn’t accept cards. 

Apart from the usual stalls of food and drinks there was an undercover area with lots of tables and some entertainment where you were able to sit down and enjoy your food. Some of the dishes to try are the fried chicken or the succulent pork sausages, they were both pretty yummy. If you want to try drinks then check out the different types of creative teas or bubble tea.

  ⇒  Wanting to find other night markets in Taiwan? Then how about reading Best Night Markets to Visit in Taiwan

Address: No. 50, Zhongshan Road, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970

Highlights of night markets street food in Taiwan

10. Check out Pine Garden – 松園別館

Located in Hualien city, Pine Gardens is one of the top things to see especially if you enjoy historical sites. It is a former Japanese military office that played a large part in Hualien history. Its name comes from the garden of hundred-year-old pine trees that surround the area. You get a 30NT discount ticket for a drink/food/souvenir to use inside when you purchase your entrance ticket.

Today; Pine Gardens Japanese style garden and house’s are a cultural centre that offers historical exhibits & events. After visiting the exhibitions take a walk around the grounds, visit the underground bunker and see the views overlooking Hualien County.  

Address: No. 65號, Songyuan Street, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970

11. Spend Time on Lishishi Mountain for the Scenic Views – 六十石山

One of the most popular spots for Instagrammers, especially during the blooming of daylilies is Lishishi Mountain. Situated in the Zhutian Village with an elevation of 800 metres, Lishishi Mountain provides some of the best views you’ll see in Taiwan. It’s part of the coastal mountain and the green rolling hills give way to stunning mountain backdrops.

The best time to visit Lishishi Mountain is between August and September when the blooming of daylilies takes place. Witnessing the blooming of exquisite orange daylilies takes the views to a whole new level. I was lucky enough to be here during this time and the orange daylilies made everything pop with colour. 

  ⇒   How about a guided to Shin Kong Chao Feng Ranch & Eco-Resort which takes you to Lishishi mountain.

12. Ruisui Pasture – 瑞穗牧場

After visiting Liushishi Mountain, head over to Ruisui Pasture, for its famous dairy products. It is a great outdoor area to take the family, where you can try various dairy products. As well as feed the cows and ostriches from your own hands with grass.

Ruisui Ranch source their water from the Central Mountain Range which is known for its pure water. The cows feed on the grass, which turns it into high-quality milk. The milk products are fresh and tasty and you can enjoy them in both indoor and outdoor areas. Especially the ice creams and coffees at the ice cream shop.

Address:  978, Taiwan, Hualien County, Ruisui Township, 6鄰157號

13. Go Paragliding –  滑翔傘運動

If you’re looking for an adventure and up for a thrill then how about going Paragliding? What better way to see Hualien coastline and landscape than from above in the sky.

I love paragliding and I have been lucky enough to have done this a few times around the world. Unfortunately, I was not able to do it in Taiwan because I had just had heart surgery two months before. You can book a paragliding experience in advance online 

14. Try Authentic Local Truku Aboriginal Tribe Food

For the ultimate local experience, immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture and try the traditional local tribal food. There are a few restaurants in Hualien that serve aboriginal tribal food and teach you their traditions. One such restaurant that I went to is Dageeli Tribe Restaurant , which does  traditional food with a modern twist . The food was delicious, and the portion sizes were decent too, I certainly went away feeling satisfied.

There was a couple who play and sang music that made the atmosphere relaxing and fun. Dageeli Tribe Restaurant also had an upstairs area that overlooked the ocean and reminded me of a treehouse. Afterwards, visit the attached room and outdoor area that display art pieces and information about the aboriginal tribe. You can dress up and have your picture taken (refer below) or even buy local products to support the locals. It’s best to book in advance to ensure you get a table as it can get busy at times.

If you’d like to learn how to make traditional Taiwanese dishes for yourself, take a   Taiwanese Aboriginal cooking class in Hualien .

• Another great place to try authentic aboriginal food is Leader Village Taroko (Buluowan)

15. Kecheng Iron Bridge – 克城铁桥

Kecheng Iron Bridge is a must visit photo spot for those who are looking for their next instagrammable picture or enjoy photography. It is a red railway bridge that crosses lush green rice patty in the stunning valley of Hualien. Located not too far from the station, Kecheng Iron Bridge is considered to be one of the most photographed in Hualien.

Many people come here to wait for the train to pass over the Kecheng Iron Bridge so they can take their shot. It is definitely worth a visit especially if you have a car or scooter. If you don’t want to wait too long, you can always check the train timetable time from Hualien.

Address:  No. 294號, Section 1, Ren’ai Road, Yuli Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 981

16. Cycle Around Liyu Lake – 鯉魚潭

Go cycling or try other outdoor activities in and out of the water at Liyu Lake. Liyu Lake is the largest of the lakes in Hualien County, spanning over 1.6 kilometres in length. It’s also referred to as Carp Lake because of the abundance of fish in its waters .

You can take part in watersports like sailing, paddle boats and waterskiing or try your hand at stand up paddleboarding with a guide . Out of the water, there’s a 5 kilometre one lane bicycle path that encircles the lake, which you can either ride a bike or even walk. It gives you the perfect opportunity to see the glassy lake from every angle. there’s another recreational activity that provides a great way to explore the lake. 

Please be careful of the snakes and spiders, especially if you stop and wander onto the grass.

Don’t forget your  GoPro for your outdoor adventures at Liyu Lake

17. Explore Chihnan National Forest Recreation Area 池南國家森林遊樂區

After cycling around Liyu Lake head to The Chihnan National Park located just a 5min drive away. It is the perfect place for the family to learn about the forest, timber industry and enjoy a picnic. All while taking in the beautiful views of the mountains and Liyu lake. 

You can head inside to the learning centre where you can take part in active displays or take a tour with a guide. Afterwards, head outside where the old machinery is on display or go hiking along one of the many tracks, 

The park is open from 08:00 until 17:00 every day and there are restrooms available in the centre . Whether you relax in the park or create your own adventure, this is a great spot to be outdoors.

• There’s a beautiful pavilion that provides stunning views of the lake.

18. National Forest Recreation Area and see the butterflies – 国立森林遊楽区

Start your day of hiking the trails in the picturesque Fuyuan National Forest, before having a dip in the springs. One of the trails is through an area called the butterfly valley with scenic waterfalls. During March to August, this area is swarming with butterflies.

With numerous trails, waterfalls, butterflies and outdoor cold and hot spring pools to soak in, Fuyuan National Forest is the ideal forested and worth spending a few hours exploring.

Address: 979, Taiwan, Hualien County, Wanrong Township, 花60鄉道81號

19. Watch the sunset at Qixingtan Beach Hualien – 七星潭

What better way to end the day than watching the sunset from one of Taiwan’s prettiest beaches, Qixingtan beach. Also known as Chihsingtan Beach, it is a pebble beach, located in Xincheng, Hualien. It is forbidden to swim in Qixingtan beach due to the strong rips and tide. However it is a nice spot to relax, take photos and participate in stone stacking with the pebbles. While taking in the stunning views of the colours dancing in the sky.

This is great to do either after visiting Taroko Gorge as it is on the way back on the shuttle. Or when you finished riding along the coastal bikeway known as Liantan (Two Lakes) cornice bike path. If you’re an early riser, a sunrise at Qixingtan is also a great start to the day. If you have time, visit Qilaibi Lighthouse in the same area.  

  ⇒ Heard of Green Island in Taiwan? It also has some amazing sunsets, read more   what to do on this incredible island

20. Visit Matai’an Wetlands Ecological Park 花蓮馬太鞍休閒農場

The wetlands.

Matai’an (also known as Fata’an) Wetlands Ecological Park is a picturesque natural swamp with spring water, Hualien County. It is a  magical piece of paradise that reveals nature at its finest with birds, fish and other wildlife. Paths and a viewpoint have been built above, so you can wander around without harming the environment.

The Learning Centre

The Amis people, who live in the area, developed an ancient fishing method that they still use to this day in the springwater. The Palakaw ecological fishing method makes use of three layers of bamboo and tree branches, to create a manmade habitat for both fish and shrimp. Today it is shown and taught to tourists who want to learn more about this method on your visit.

The best time to visit Matai’an wetlands outdoors is from May to August when everything is in bloom. The natural spring water is covered in water lilies and lotus flowers which you can appreciate walking along the trails and boardwalks. 

• Have a delicious traditional banquet lunch a t Shin-Liu Farm located near the Matai’an wetlands. Sourced from local products in the area.

21. Hualien Tourism Sugar Factory – 花莲旅游糖厂

After visiting the Matai’an Wetlands Ecological Park head to over to Hualien Tourism sugar factory for ice cream. Due to the popularity of the ice-cream, it is a favourite tourist activity for the locals and tourists in Hualien County. You can sample from a large variety of yummy ice cream or flavoured ice. I think they had the most flavours of ice-cream I have ever seen before in one place.

Originally it used to be a major supplier of sugar manufacturing for east Taiwan. Today, the area has exhibits about the factory’s history, wooden buildings from the Japanese colonial era. As well as restaurants, ice-cream stands, local craft shops and places that sell local products. You can browse through the outdoor shops while enjoying your ice cream.

Address: No. 19號, Tangchang Street, Guangfu Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 97642

22. Visit the Ruisui Tropic of Cancer Taiwan – 北回歸線地標

Visit the  Ruisui Tropic of Cancer Marker a monument marking the position of the sun to the equator. The Tropic of Cancer Marker is the Northern Hemisphere’s furthest location from the Equator with the sun being overhead. During the summer every year, the sun is directly overhead creating a “shadowless” effect. It is considered to be a unique astronomical phenomenon.

If you are in the area it is worth a stop and should only take 30 minutes at the most. It is quite an interesting place to observe the monument and learn about astronomy and the zodiac. 

Address: No. 76-9, Section 2, Zhongzheng South Road, Ruisui Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 978

23. Baxian Cave (Baxiandong) 八仙洞

Baxian Caves or also known as Baxiandong is an archaeological site of sea caves in cliffs. There are at least 16 different size sea caves at a height of 100 meters, like the Lingyan Cave. The caves are pretty cool to see, especially when you are up close to them. The tracks that lead to all the caves are either wooden or stone with some having stairs. There are also information points along the way, which is in both Chinese and English.

The sea caves are located along the east coast of Changbin Township and you can visit them from either Hualien or Taitung.  If unsure about the different caves and want any information, there is a visitor’s centre at the entrance. A gift shop and restrooms are also available.  

Address:  962, Taiwan, Taitung County, Changbin Township, 三間村水母丁1-4號

• While in the area stop past Xiaoyeliu, a scenic seaside area known for unique sandstone rock formations 

24. Necklace Coast Studio 項鍊海岸工作室

Necklace coast studio is considered to be a top instagrammable spot in Hualien. Located on a private beach with views overlooking the ocean, it is one of the prettiest restaurants that I visited in Taiwan. The restaurant and grounds are decorated with artist statues scattered everywhere and paintings. Making it a great spot for your instagrammable pictures.

The atmosphere is peaceful and has a traquil feel about it. There is a minimum fee if you do not plan on eating and just want to take pictures and explore. We had already eaten beforehand, so we just had a coffee, which was enough. It is worth a visit if you are in the area and is a great spot to take in the views outdoors. One of the best spots for instagrammble pictures is on the swing overlooking the ocean.

Address:  977, Taiwan, Hualien County, Fengbin Township, 號

Final Thoughts on Outdoor Activities in Hualien, Taiwan

As stated earlier, Hualien County captivated me in so many ways. I was able to fit in so many incredible outdoor activities when I was there. However, I still felt like there were so much more that I could have done. Like, I would have loved to have spent more time exploring the trails at Taroko National Park or checking out the hot springs. Not to mention the Hualien food scene.

You could easily spend a week in Hualien county seeing the sites and doing activities. I always felt safe and I think that it would be a great spot for a solo traveller to explore.  Now that you have a better idea of some of the amazing things you can do and if you are looking for your next  outdoorsy escapade then Hualien, Taiwan is your place.

If you want to extend your experience to other parts of Taiwan, be sure to take part in a few cultural activities in Yilan .

Things to do indoors in Hualien

There are plenty of things to do indoors in Hualien, especially when it is raining. It really depends on what you are looking for like culture, landmarks or even food. Here are just a few suggestions:

• Visit the Instagrammers container Starbucks in Hualien City for coffee. 
• Head to 瑪武拉外工作室 (Mavurawai studio), to make traditional local Ami crafts with Ms Yu-ying Lee. An Ami indigenous lady.
• Check out Fogstand art gallery that showcases work from the local community.
• Do some shopping at Hualien Tourism Winery 花蓮觀光酒廠 for local products such as wine and beer.

Staying in Hualien

There is a variety of types of accommodation to stay in Hualien County from hotels, Air BnB to homestays . There are even hostels to stay in if you are travelling on a budget. I stayed in 3 different types of accommodation across Hualien County using them as bases for my activities. Kishiuan International Hotel, Zen Ocean B&B and The Silence Manor.

⇒   Check the current availability of places to stay in Hualien County.

Kishiuan International Hotel

Kishiuan International Hotel located in the city centre and was a great base for exploring the Hualien city on foot. If you don’t feel like walking the hotel offers free bicycle rentals to the guest . My room was nice, had strong wifi and offered views of both the ocean and mountains. 

Zen Ocean B&B

Located just out of Hualien city and in walking distance to the popular Dongdamen night market is Zen Ocean B&B . It is a cosy B&B with only 5 rooms, which I think made it feel more homely. I had a large spacious room with an amazing clawfoot bathtub, as well as views of the ocean. The morning breakfast was delicious and filling , making for a great start for all those activities.

The Silence Manor

The Silence Manor was one of my favourite places to stay in the whole of Taiwan . It was nestled in between a pineapple plantation and on the edge of the forest with views of the mountains. The food was modern and a mix of western and Taiwanese food.

My room was beautiful and my own private courtyard with a hot springs tub. Where I would sit at night with a glass of wine and listen to the animals in the wild. Not to mention the amazing hotel pool. My only downside was I wanted to stay longer!

More tips for your trip to Hualien

• Getting around Hualien : Hire a scooter from Hualien railway station or  Xincheng railway station
• Lonely Planet Taiwan (Travel Guide), was my reference while travelling around Hualien country.
• Download Google translate, it’s free and it is very handy. The main language spoken in Taiwan is either Taiwanese or Chinese. English is not frequently used by locals in rural areas.
• Affordable transfer : On a budget, book a shared transfer on a comfy bus from Taipei  to Hualien
• Taiwan uses the same power outlets as   USA and Canada
• Have 24hr access to the internet to keep update with maps and things to do while in Hualien. You can purchase a 4G Sim in advance and pick it up at the airport in Taiwan when you arrive.

⇒ Check for FREE if you require a visa and if there are any special requirement restrictions before you go to Taiwan.

Have you been to Hualien Taiwan before or any other things I should add to my list? I would love to hear about your tips and experience. Just drop me an email or leave a comment below.

Disclaimer: Even though I was there with Taiwan Tourism UK. All views are my own and based on my own experience.

“This post contains affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you if you click on one of the product links, we may earn a commission.”  For further details, you can view our   Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions   or contact me directly. 

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I am Mel B an indigenous Australian with dual citizenship. I am now a full-time travel blogger and content creator at MelBTravel. Writing about Adventure, Mountains, History, UK & Healthy Heart "Not letting a Defibrillator/Pacemaker & Sarcoidosis Limit Me"

8 thoughts on “ 24 Best Outdoor Things to do in Hualien,Taiwan ”

What a fabulous place to visit – there’s so much to see and do. I think I’d have to go for a month or two to really enjoy all the amazing things Hualien has to offer.

Hualien is an amazing place but I thought that about the whole of Taiwan. You certainly need a couple of months to explore for sre.

Hualien looks like a very diverse place with lots to do… The Taroko Trails would definitely have my vote. I’m doing regular hiking these days and really enjoying it. It’s a great way to keep fit and discover new places at the same time. I try and include some hiking in every trip!

Hands down Taroko gorge is one of the prettiest nature parks that I have visited before. I really want to go back there and explore all the trails and stay in the hotel right in the middle of it.

Awesome coverage about Hualien! My wife is from Hualien so I was lucky enough to get to explore places every time I accompanied her to visit her folks. Am never tired of going down there for all kinds of fun! BTW I didn’t read about river tracing in your article, which is also quite popular amongst excitement-goers.

Thank you Coco Liu, I am glad that you like it. How lucky is your wife growing up in such a beautiful area? Thanks for the tip about river tracing, I need to look it up as I didn’t do that when I was there. Something to add to my list for my next trip back 🙂

Gosh, so much to do! The river rafting sounds amazing and I love the night markets of Asia so this would be a must for me too. The countryside looks wonderful so exploring this and seeing as much as possible would be high on my agenda, whether by hiking, biking or canoe! And put me down afor an ice cream at the Sugar Factory 😋

Hualien as well as Taiwan has lots of yummy food and one of my favourite things to do was go to the night markets. I went to one in nearly every county. The best bit is that Hualien is not that far away from Taipei so you can even do a day trip there.

Comments are closed.

20 Places to Visit in Taiwan that I’m Obsessed With

In this article, I’ve shortlisted my 20 favorite destinations in Taiwan. It wasn’t easy!

After living in Taiwan for over 10 years, writing a book about it, introducing Taiwan’s attractions to the likes of BBC Travel, CNN, and National Geographic, and running a Facebook group about Taiwan Travel Planning , I’d like to think that I know Taiwan fairly well.

In this article, I’m really sticking to the sights that I truly love. Some are super obvious and famous, while others are off-the-beaten-track. All of them are places that I’m legitimately obsessed with and will keep returning to again and again.

Table of Contents

My Top-5 Places in Taiwan

Here I’ve hand-picked my personal top-five places to visit in Taiwan.

Taipei – The City with Everything

OK, so I’m biased (I lived in Taipei city , well technically New Taipei City , for a quarter of my life). But I freakin love Taipei.

Taiwan’s capital has it all: the best night markets in the country , the most famous attractions ( Taipei 101 , Longshan Temple , CKS Memorial Hall, Maokong Gondola , Elephant Mountain ), and the coolest neighborhoods ( Ximending , Dadaocheng , Tamsui, and more).

And there’s more – the biggest events, the best public transportation, the top restaurants, cherry blossom viewing , and hikes galore .

On its doorstep, it has active volcanoes in Yangmingshan National Park , hot springs at Beitou , beaches, aboriginal villages , tea plantations , and atmospheric old streets like this one .

You can never run out of things to do in this city, and that’s why I will never grow tired of exploring it. It’s no wonder it has chosen as the best city in the world for expats several times !

Most visitors start and/or end their Taiwan trip in Taipei. It’s even tempting to use the city as a base for your whole trip (see my recommended hotels ), but I do urge you to get out at some point – we still have 19 more awesome places to cover!

Alishan Region – Tea Farms & Bamboo Forests

It’s no secret that I’m in love with Alishan region in Chiayi county . I have a personal connection to Chiayi – it’s my wife’s ancestral hometown and we usually go there to visit her family for Lunar New Year.

I’ve been raving Alishan for years and the articles I’ve written about the area have helped to popularize some of its small villages among foreign visitors – I know because people tell me all the time in my Facebook group that they went there because of me.

Most tourists gravitate to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (even though getting there is a little complicated). It is known for its misty forests of ancient hinoki cypress trees, iconic Alishan Forest Railway Line, and stunning sunrises.

My personal favorite spot, however, is Shizhuo village , where I love staying in accommodations on tea plantations and hiking through tea farm. The tea produced there is Alishan High Mountain Oolong Tea , the most famous tea in a country that is especially known for its high quality teas.

I also love the cute market town of Fenqihu, with its fireflies, railway bento boxes, and bamboo forests. And we can’t forget about the epic sunrises and sunsets on Eryanping Trail .

I even have a plan to someday retire and open a killer guesthouse in Alishan region, so watch for that (in like 1 or 2 decades…). That’s how much I love this area!

Penghu Islands – Best Beaches

It’s super tough to choose only one of Taiwan’s offshore islands to put in my top-5. But that honor goes to the Penghu archipelago , which lies in the middle of the Taiwan Strait (the body of water between China and Taiwan).

Riding a scooter around the islands of Penghu – which include four main connected ones and many smaller ones – is one of my single favorite things to do in Taiwan.

Penghu has a unique, windswept landscape, with edible purple cacti (they make sorbet out of them!), the best beaches I’ve seen in the country , traditional courtyard homes made of coral, ancient heart-shaped weirs for catching fish, and towering volcanic basalt columns.

On top of all that, Penghu has the country’s best fireworks festival, which goes for several months from spring to summer, and some excellent snorkelling and scuba diving.

Oh, and did I mention it’s super easy to get to? There are oven a dozen flights every day from Taipei’s city-center Songshan Airport!

I’ve been to Penghu three times and would happily return at the drop of a hat.

The East Coast – The Ultimate Road Trip

The entire East Coast of Taiwan is more than just one place, but I’m lumping it together here because you’ll likely tackle it in one go – here’s how to rent a car and drive in Taiwan . For all the details, see my part 1 and part 2 guides to road tripping the east coast . But of course you can do it by train, too!

Taiwan’s east coast is wild, sparsely populated, and breathtakingly gorgeous. The continental shelf is just off the coast, so within a surprisingly short distance, towering mountains drop off to coastal buffs and continue descending rapid off the coast.

Currents are strong and that’s why you can’t swim on most east coast beaches – but you can spot whales there !

Starting from one of Taiwan’s best seafood harbors, Nanfangao, the highway passes the dramatic Qingshui Cliffs and the entrance to Taroko Gorge (Taroko is currently closed for an estimated one year due to the April 3, 2024 earthquake, but here are things you can still do in Hualien ).

South of Hualien city, the main base for visiting the region, Highway 9 follows the train line through the East Rift Valley. My favorite stops are Chishang for cycling among the rice paddies and Luye for tea farms and the incredible International Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Meanwhile, Highway 11 runs down the practically uninhabited coast, with Sanxiantai (Dragon’s Backbone Bridge) and Dulan surf town being the major highlights.

Southern Hualien and Taitung county are Taiwan’s most laid-back region and home to the highest concentration of aboriginal peoples. While it may lack the big-name attractions of other parts of Taiwan, I suggest you slow down here and really take it all in.

Tainan – Temple Hopping in the Old Capital

Taiwan’s original capital, Tainan , remains the country’s heart and soul and arguably the most authentically Taiwanese city. The history nerd and temple junkie in me will always keep me coming back to Tainan.

It will come as no surprise that Tainan has the country’s best collection of ancient temples and historic attractions. The Confucius Temple stands out as the most popular, but there are dozens of others, dedicate to concubines, the sea goddess, gods of water, wind, and medicine, and many more.

Over in Anping district , Anping Fort and Anping Tree House are also musts, while Anping Old Street is one of the country’s oldest and most traditional.

Not far out of the city, Sicao Green Tunnel is a good introduction to the marshlands and rare migratory birds of Taijiang National Park, Luermen Tianhou Temple is enormous, Cigu Salt Mountain is bizarre, Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields are stunning, and Guanziling Mud Hot Springs are one-of-a-kind.

Locals will also tell you that Tainan is the culinary capital of Taiwan. I love stepping into Tainan’s hole-in-the-wall shops and night markets to sample unique dishes like eel noodles, oyster rolls, Spanish mackerel stew, and traditional ice cream with fruit.

Other Destinations I Love to Visit

Here’s are 15 more Taiwanese attractions that I’ll never grow tired of visiting.

The Pingxi Line – Best Taipei Day Trips

The Pingxi Line is one of several old railway lines in Taiwan which have been converted from transporting timber and coal to transporting tourists.

The Pingxi Line is the closest one to Taipei and provides access to several extremely popular tourist attractions but also some great off-the-beaten-track ones.

On the touristy side, Jiufen Old Street (access from Ruifang Station, with train connections to Taipei) and Shifen Old Street (famous for its sky lanterns and Shifen Waterfall ) are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Taiwan – expect serious crowds.

However, my personal favorites include Badouzi (for Shen’ao Rail Bike ), Houtong Cat Village (I’ve been there a ridiculous number of times), Sandiaoling (my favorite waterfall hike in Taiwan), Pingxi (for the thrilling Pingxi Crags hike and known for Pingxi Lantern Festival ), and Jingtong (an off-the-beaten-track old street).

Yilan – Hot Springs & Kid-Friendly Activities

Yilan is a county on the northeast coast of Taiwan which is fully loaded with fun activities and attractions, especially for kids. This is why it is a favorite weekend getaway for Taipei families, mine included.

Jiaoxi village is home to some of the kid-friendliest hot spring spas in Taiwan – think hot spring slides, bright pink bubble gum or oolong tea scented thermal pools, and foot-skin-nibbling fish ponds. Jiaoxi also has waterfall hikes and hot springs ramen, where you can soak your feet while you eat.

Then there’s Luodong, which has some of the best minsus (local guesthouses) in Taiwan, like this one , and an excellent night market . We choose here as a base for taking our kids to leisure farms like Zhang Mei Ama’s Farm , eating green onion cakes at Sanxing, and trips to Taipingshan (see below).

On top of all that, Yilan has Northern Taiwan’s best surf beach at Wai’ao, award winning whiskey at Kavalan Distillery , a great brewery at Jim & Dad’s, and several excellent museums.   

Kaohsiung – Arts & Temples

Kaohsiung people hate me for not raving about their city as much as I do about Taipei. But they have a point – Kaohsiung is undeniably a cooler, more laid-back, and less pretentious city than Taipei, and I do love it, too.

Taiwan’s largest port city is also without a doubt the country’s street art capital. My favorite place is Pier 2 Art Center , where creative art installations line the docks, especially when they are lit up at night.

Everywhere I go in the city, I’m always stumbling upon amazing new murals covering entire sides of buildings – the city activity encourages graffiti. Weiwuying has a whole neighborhood covered in it. Dome of Art in Formosa Boulevard is also mesmerizing, while Cijin Island ’s coast is lined with art installations.

Kaohsiung is also about the grandiose – from the kitschy temples and god statues on Lotus Pond to Fo Guang Shan , the country’s largest monastery and Buddha statue, where I enjoyed an eye-opening temple stay many years ago.

One of my favorite souvenirs from Taiwan is the Hakka paper umbrella that I bought from Meinong Folk Village in Kaohsiung.

I admit that I don’t know Kaohsiung as well as many other parts of Taiwan – I have yet to visit the hot springs of Guguan, the huge seafood harbors on the coast, or see the swarms of purple butterflies at Maolin – many reasons for me to keep coming back.

Hehuanshan – Hiking & Sunrises  

Hehuanshan in Nantou is Taiwan’s most accessible high mountain area. There’s nowhere else in Taiwan, or in all of East Asia for that matter, where you can literally drive a car or take a public bus to 3275 meters above sea level (Wuling Pass).

Hehuanshan consists of five high mountain peaks, all of which are much easier to climb than almost all the other 100 Peaks of Taiwan.

I recently had an incredible stay at historic Songsyue Lodge , built for former president Chiang Kai-Shek at the base of the only ski resort Taiwan has ever had. That’s right – it even snows at Hehuanshan, at least once every year. When it happens, tourists and locals alike flock to see it.

Staying at the lodge, I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen, from right in front of the accommodation. It’s not easy to get a room there (click my link above to find out how), so many will stay at Cingjing Farm nearby and do a morning sunrise tour.

Lukang – Traditional Taiwanese Culture

Like a smaller and more off-the-beaten-track version of Tainan, Lukang in Changhua is a small town with loads of history.

Because a train line was never built to it (they didn’t want it), Lukang remains decidedly traditional to this day. It has some of the country’s best preserved ancient temples, a new temple made of glass, and a quirky temple with odd decorations and tunnels below it.

Lukang Old Street is also one of the country’s most traditional, with food specialties like miancha (flour tea), phoenix eye cakes, ox tongue cookies, and shrimp monkeys.

There are often traditional temple parades and festivals going on in Lukang, while the town’s Dragon Boat Festival celebrations are better than anywhere else in the country.

Yushan – Taiwan’s Tallest Peak

In my first year of living in Taiwan (2008), I joined a guided hike to the peak of Jade Mountain (Yu Shan), the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia. It beats out Mt. Fuji by 176 meters!

Yushan National Park is Taiwan’s largest non-marine national park. Most of it is remote and inaccessible. Biologists have even called it “The Ark” as it is a repository for rare species, including Formosan black bears and flying squirrels.

Needless to say, Yushan was one of the most incredible places I’ve visited in Taiwan. Sunrise from the peak was an experience I’ll never forget.

We were surrounded by seas of clouds in all directions, as the sun rose majestically above the horizon. On clear days, you can see as far as the sea.

The North Coast – Beaches & Harbors

Since this is supposed a list of places in Taiwan that I love to repeatedly visit, I can’t leave out the beaches on the North coast of Taiwan .

Because most of these can be reached in only one or two hours from Taipei, I return to them again and again every year. They may not be as picture-perfect as the beaches in the far south or on the offshore islands, but they are super convenient for a capital city dweller like me.

Qianshuiwan is my go-to place for easy access and restaurant-bars by the sea. Baishawan is a little further but a little better, while Fulong Beach stands out as the prettiest, not to mention its awesome sandcastle festival.

Besides beaches, I love cliff diving at Longdong (also known for rock climbing and scuba diving), feasting on seafood at Guihou Harbor (near the super popular Yehliu Geopark ), photographing Laomei Green Reef, swimming at the seawater pool on Heping Island in Keelung , and finishing off at Keelung Night Market , my favorite night market in Taiwan.

Sun Moon Lake – Aboriginal Culture & Tea Farms

Sun Moon Lake is probably the most divisive major tourist attraction in Taiwan – visitors either love it or hate it.

If you only do the tourist things at Sun Moon Lake – like riding a boat across the lake and taking the Ropeway to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village , then you might hate find it too touristy.

However, there are many gems around the lake, too. The tea plantations north of the lake make insanely good black tea (a rarity in a country that produces mostly oolong). The lake views from the top of Wenwu Temple or Ci’En Pagoda are unbeatable.  

For authentic aboriginal culture, avoid Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village and head to Ita Thao village instead.

The Thao Tribe Performance Center there is trying its best to preserve a culture which is on the verge of extinction (it’s one of Taiwan’s smallest tribes), while the food street in Ita Thao is one of the easiest places in Taiwan to try Taiwanese aboriginal foods and millet wine.

I love hopping on a bike at Sun Moon Lake. CNN has even called the paths around the lake one of the best cycling trips in the world (though I sort of feel that’s an exaggeration).

Last but not least, Shuiyuan Suspension Bridge south of the lake is quite possible the country’s most beautiful one, but it’s not super easy to get to.

Green Island – Scuba & Salty Hot Springs

Green Island off the coast of Taitung is another of my favorite offshore islands in Taiwan. This former penal colony stands out for me in two big ways today.

First, Green Island has some excellent snorkelling and scuba diving – the best I’ve done in Taiwan, but I haven’t tried it everywhere.

Secondly, Zhaori Hot Spring on Green Island is one of my favorite hot springs in the whole country . This is one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world. The hot spring pools are right on the coast, with some of the lowest pools right next to the sea.

Lying in one of those pools at night, gazing at stars to the sound of waves splashing into the hot pool, was one of my most sublime experiences in all my years of living in Taiwan.  

Taipingshan – Hiking on Old Logging Railways

As the fourth mountain on my list, you may be starting to gather that I really love the mountains in Taiwan.

Taipingshan is like Alishan’s lesser known cousin, among foreign tourists at least. It too is a former logging region-turned-tourist attraction.

The must-do tourist attraction at Taipingshan is taking a ride on the cutely named (and cute looking) Bong Bong Train. My personal favorite hike there is Jianqing Haigu Trail, which follows an old mining railway line that is now twisted and overgrown with vegetation.

Another highlight of visiting Taipingshan is hitting Jiuzhize Hot Spring on the down the mountain back to central Yilan. For a few bucks, you can cook your own hot spring eggs in the boiling thermal waters.

The public springs at Jiuzhize there are awesome,, too, with multiple private elevated tubs in the main pool. There’s an open air nude bath, too, if that’s your jam.

For the best experience, you’ll need to drive, hire a private driver , or take a tour to Taipingshan. There’s only one bus per day and it limits how much you can see.

Lion’s Head Mountain – Sleeping in a Temple

Shitoushan or “ Lion’s Head Mountain ” is an off-the-beaten-track destination on the border between Hsinchu and Miaoli in Central Taiwan.

This small mountain is dotted with Buddhist and Taoist temples, some of which are built into caves. The coolest thing about hiking this mountain is that you can sleep in one of the temples, Quanhua Temple on the Miaoli side.

I’ve slept in this temple a couple times, including once with my kids. Both times, I/we were the only ones there, making it a truly serene experience.

Nearby, Nanzhuang Old Street is one of the coolest old streets in Taiwan. It’s famous for its sweet osmanthus shaved ice and Hakka-style dried tofu.

This part of Miaoli is known for slow travel and for its many traditional minsus (guesthouses). We loved staying at this one and this one .

Orchid Island – Unique Aboriginal Culture

Lanyu (Orchid Island) is another remarkable offshore island in Taiwan. This one is best known as the home of the Tao people, Taiwan’s most isolated and traditional aboriginal tribe.

Tao culture is the main draw here – including the chance to see traditional hand-carved canoes, Tao underground houses, and activities related to the Flying Fish Festival, which takes place throughout spring.

Two of my best friends and I had a blast scootering around Lanyu and spotting the countless roaming goats on the island.

Orchid Island also has some great swimming holes, rock formations, and scuba diving. It’s best to fly here from Taitung, as the ferry ride is extra bumpy. Also, avoid winter, when almost everything shuts down.

Neiwan Old Street – Hakka Culture & Hot Springs

Neiwan Old Street is probably my favorite of Taiwan’s many old streets. Neiwan is the terminal stop on the Neiwan Line, another cute small train lines – this one sets out from Hsinchu.

Neiwan is an old Hakka village and former mining/logging town. Today, the old street is one of the best places in Taiwan to sample leicha or “pounded tea”. It is made by pounding tealeaves with various seeds, nuts, and spices, adding hot water, topped with puffed rice, and usually served with mochi.

The old street also has extremely delicious Hakka dried tofu and a famous old theater.

Nearby, my family and I loved spending a weekend camping or visiting hot springs in Jianshi district. This is a remote, aboriginal district with gorgeous scenery and some excellent hot spring spas like this one .

Kenting National Park – Beachy Getaway

In my early years in Taiwan, we used to make the annual journey down to Kenting National Park for Spring Scream Music Festival on the April long weekend .

Kenting occupies the southern tip of the country and has the best beaches and beach resorts on all of mainland Taiwan.

While Spring Scream has long ended and is now replaced with a free music festival put on by the local government on the main beach, it is still the unofficial place to party and laze on the beach for spring break.

Kenting’s beaches can feel a little crowded, but for me, it has always been a part of the package. I love Kenting Night Market , the only place in Taiwan you’ll see cocktail vendors wearing beach attire and blasting electronic music.

I also love cycling or scootering along the Kenting coast, finding new spots to try seafood, and hiking to natural infinity pools in the jungle . Thrill seekers can also try surfing, scuba diving, jet skiing, and more.

Xiaoliuqiu – Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

I’m finishing off this list with yet another offshore island. It’s one of the smallest but also best, and it goes by many names – Little Okinawa, Lambai Island, or as the locals say, Xiaoliuqiu .

Xiaoliuqiu’s biggest draw is its resident population of nearly a thousand giant sea turtles. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see them if you try – my kids and I even saw them swimming in the harbor from our hotel room balcony .

Even better, we had an intimate encounter snorkeling with the turtles in water – my kids’ first time ever snorkeling. Freediving is also very popular on Xiaoliuqiu.

The island is so small that you can scooter or cycling around it without difficulty, yet there are many little secret beaches and coves to explore.

Read This Before Renting a Car and Driving in Taiwan!

What to eat at ningxia night market in taipei (with map), 4 thoughts on “20 places to visit in taiwan that i’m obsessed with”.

Another excellent article! As someone who is also Taiwan obsessed, I appreciate you sharing your experiences. I will return to Taipei this May and your blog is giving me so much hype!

Thank you so much!

What awesome information, Nick! Thanks for all your research, experience and insights. I am using your website to help plan our trip to Taiwan in the first half of January 2025. Do you have suggestions for great things to do at that time of year, particularly outdoors? Thanks

Make sure to visit my “January in Taiwan” article with lots of ideas. It can be a little chilly in the north of Taiwan at that time, but any hikes are still fine (see my “best hikes in Taipei” article on my nickkembel site). In January there’s a chance of seeing snow if you head to Hehuanshan or hike Snow Mountain (permit needed). In the far south, which is more tropical, Kenting and Xiaoliqiu are lovely in January, with low crowds and it’s still warm enough to swim in the sea.

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TaiwanPlus News

Hualien Residents Seek Help To Cover Demolition Costs - TaiwanPlus News

Posted: May 1, 2024 | Last updated: May 1, 2024

Residents of buildings damaged in last month's Hualien earthquake want the government to help pay demolition costs.

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Taiwan's Hualien suffers five earthquakes in nine minutes

The seismic activity in taiwan's hualien occurred between 5:08 pm and 5:17 pm (local time)..

Five earthquakes struck Shoufeng Township, Hualien County, in eastern Taiwan on Monday within just 9 minutes, as reported by Central News Agency Focus Taiwan.

The seismic activity occurred between 5:08 pm and 5:17 pm (local time).

"Five #earthquakes struck Shoufeng Township, Hualien County, eastern Taiwan, in 9 minutes between 5:08 p.m. and 5:17 p.m. (UTC 8)," CNA Focus Taiwan posted on X.

ALSO READ| What do Taiwan's (and Himachal's and New York's) earthquakes teach us about our preparedness?

Two weeks ago, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter Scale rocked Taiwan 's eastern shores, leaving four people dead and over 700 others injured.

"Notable quake, preliminary info: M 6.5 - 11 km NE of Hualien City, Taiwan," the US Geological Survey (USGS) said in a post on X.

The quake that struck Hualien City on April 3 killed four people and injured more than 700 others, the National Fire Agency said while adding that of those injured, 132 are in Hualien County, near the epicentre of the quake.

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Taiwan rattled by more than 200 quakes, but no major damage

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Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee; Additional reporting by Roger Tung and Fabian Hamacher; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Gerry Doyle

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Follow our news, recent searches, taiwan's hualien hit by 5.5-magnitude quake, advertisement.

This picture released by Taiwan’s Central News Agency on Apr 22, 2024, shows fallen rocks and debris covering the railway next to Suhua highway after a magnitude-5.5 earthquake in Hualien. (Photo: AFP/Taiwan’s Central News Agency)

TAIPEI: A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan's eastern county of Hualien on Monday (Apr 22), the island's weather administration said, with no immediate reports of damage.

The quake, which had a depth of 10km, also shook buildings in the capital Taipei. 

Hualien was the epicentre of a magnitude 7.4 quake that hit on Apr 3, causing landslides around the mountainous region that blocked off roads, while buildings in the main Hualien city were badly damaged.

At least 17 people were killed in the quake, with the latest body discovered on Apr 13 in a quarry.

A Singaporean couple are the only people still unaccounted for , as aftershocks have forced search teams to stop work. 

Sim Hwee Kok and Neo Siew Choo are believed to have gone missing along the Shakadang Trail, according to Taiwan's National Fire Agency. 

They were last seen alighting from a shuttle bus at the trail at about 7.20am on Apr 3, about 40 minutes before the quake struck. 

In a Facebook group named Hualien Earthquake Relief Information, another appeal was made on Sunday for more information about the couple's whereabouts.

The group's administrator Sunny Sandro Wang posted a message from Mr Sim's sister, saying: "It has been 19 days and despite the rescue team's efforts, they have not been found. Our elderly parents and we are inconsolable.

"We appeal to everyone who was on the trail that day or knows someone who was to contact the family through this Facebook group."

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The latest quake on Monday hit at about 5.10pm local time.

"It felt like one of the strongest quakes or aftershocks since the big one earlier this month," an AFP staffer said.

Hualien's fire department said in a short post on its official social media channel that they had dispatched teams to inspect any disaster from the quake.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and report in a timely manner," it added.

Taiwan sees frequent quakes as it is located at the junction of two tectonic plates.

The Apr 3 quake was followed by hundreds of aftershocks, which caused rockfalls around Hualien.

It was the most serious in Taiwan since 1999, when a magnitude 7.6 temblor hit the island.

The death toll then was far higher - with 2,400 people killed in the deadliest natural disaster in the island's history.

Stricter building regulations - including enhanced seismic requirements in its building codes - and widespread public disaster awareness appeared to have staved off a more serious catastrophe in April's major quake.

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A cluster of earthquakes shakes Taiwan after a strong quake killed 13 earlier this month

A cluster of earthquakes shook Taiwan early Tuesday. The strongest had a magnitude of 6.1, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There were no deaths reported in the quakes, although there was further damage to two multi-story buildings that had been evacuated after a magnitude 7.4 quake that hit the island earlier this month.

In this image from a video, roads in Hualien, Taiwan are cordoned off after a cluster of earthquakes struck the island early Tuesday, April 23, 2024. There were no reports of casualties in the quakes, although there were further damages to two multi-story buildings that had been evacuated following a magnitude 7.4 quake that hit the island earlier this month, killing 13 people and injuring over 1,000. (TVBS via AP)

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TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — A cluster of earthquakes struck the island republic of Taiwan early Tuesday, the strongest having a magnitude of 6.1, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

There were no reports of casualties in the quakes, although there were further damages to two multi-story buildings that had been evacuated following a magnitude 7.4 quake that hit the island earlier this month , killing 13 people and injuring over 1,000. That earthquake was centered along the coast of the rural and mountainous Hualien County .

It was the strongest earthquake in the past 25 years in Taiwan and was followed by hundreds of aftershocks. The quakes Tuesday’s are considered the latest of those.

According to the USGS, Tuesday’s quake of 6.1 magnitude had its epicenter 28 kilometers (17.5 miles) south of the city of Hualien, at a dept of 10.7 kilometers. The half-dozen other quakes ranged from magnitude 4.5 to magnitude 6, all near Hualien. Taiwan’s own earthquake monitoring center put the magnitudes of the initial quake at 6.3. Such small discrepancies are common between monitoring stations.

The largest among them were two earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 and 6.3 that occurred at 2:26 a.m. and 2:32 a.m. Tuesday, respectively, according to the Taiwan center. Numerous of the scores of aftershocks could be felt on the upper floors of a apartment buildings in the capital Taipei, about 150 kilometers (93 miles) across steep mountains to the northwest.

The Full Hotel in downtown Hualien partially collapsed during the quakes and was left leaning at a severe angle, However, it had been undergoing renovations and was unoccupied at the time. The nearby Tong Shuai Building was also empty, having been marked for demolition after being heavily damaged in the April 3 quake.

Schools and offices in Hualien and the surrounding county were ordered closed on Tuesday as hundreds of aftershocks continued to strike on land and just off the coast in the Pacific Ocean, the vast majority below magnitude 3. Authorities advised anyone whose home had been damaged in the last quake to move out until the aftershocks subsided, and some decided to wait in their cars.

Rock slides closed a section of road in the rugged Taroko Gorge, where several hikers lost their lives in the April 3 quake. Although train service from Taipei to Hualien was suspended, the disruption to traffic was minimal and the road, provincial highway 8, was expected to be cleared by Wednesday. Cracks opened on some walkways and bridges and some tiles fell from exterior walls, but damage was only slight.

Taiwan is no stranger to powerful earthquakes yet their toll on the high-tech island’s 23 million residents has been relatively contained thanks to its excellent earthquake preparedness, experts say. The island also has strict construction standards and widespread public education campaigns about earthquakes.

In 1999, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Taiwan killed 2,400 people.

Taiwan lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean from South America to Japan, Indonesia and New Zealand, along with most of the world’s earthquakes occur. Quakes, often with their epicenters in the Pacific, are a near-daily occurrence on the island, where they are often referred to as “the movement of the earth cattle.”

Taiwan’s Cabinet has set aside more than $20 billion Taiwan Dollars ($614.9 million) for relief and reconstruction following the April 3 quake.