About Hualien
Hualien is a county located on the eastern coast of Taiwan, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Central Mountain Range to the west. It is Taiwan’s largest county, covering an area of approximately 4,628 square kilometers, and is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and rich indigenous culture.
Hualien offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re exploring the majestic Taroko Gorge, experiencing indigenous traditions, or enjoying the serene coastal landscapes, Hualien provides an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to connect with Taiwan’s diverse heritage and stunning environments.
Geography and Climate
Hualien’s terrain is predominantly mountainous, with the Central Mountain Range running through the county. This geographical setting provides breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities. The county experiences a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by significant rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 18°C in January to 28°C in July .
World-Class Natural Attractions
Taroko National Park: Famous for its marble gorges, towering cliffs, and the Liwu River, Taroko is one of Taiwan’s most iconic natural landmarks.
East Coast National Scenic Area: This area offers beautiful coastal landscapes, including beaches and cliffs, ideal for sightseeing and photography.
Yushan National Park: Home to Yushan (Jade Mountain), the highest peak in Taiwan, attracting hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Indigenous Culture
Hualien has a significant indigenous population, with communities such as the Amis, Atayal, Truku, and Bunun residing in the area. The county celebrates its indigenous heritage through various festivals and cultural events, providing visitors with opportunities to experience traditional music, dance, and crafts.
Economy and Development
The economy of Hualien is primarily based on tourism, agriculture, and fishing. The county has been promoting its natural beauty and cultural heritage to attract both domestic and international visitors. Efforts are underway to enhance infrastructure and services to support sustainable tourism and economic growth.
Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus in Hualien
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Places to Visit in Hualien
Taroko Gorge is closed after the April 3rd, 2024 earthquake.
Due to multiple earthquakes and typhoons, it has become a dangerous area for collapse and is currently closed. Many natural scenic spots in Hualien are closed. If you need to go to Hualien, you must confirm whether they are open.
Things to Do in Xiulin Township (秀林鄉) 太魯閣 Taroko Gorge
▲ Taroko National Park 太魯閣國家公園 Google Map : Taroko National Park is famous for its marble canyon landscape. As you walk along the Liwu River Canyon Scenic Area, you can see cliffs, canyons, caves, streams, etc. These marbles have been eroded and cut by streams for a long time, forming a nearly vertical canyon.
▲ Baiyang Waterfall Trail 白楊步道水濂洞瀑布 Google Map : You walk through Taroko Water Curtain Cave and pass through icy waterfalls, getting your body wet. The round trip requires two-hour walk and requires passing through seven unlit tunnels. Be sure to bring a flashlight and wear a raincoat.
▲ Shakadang Trail 砂卡礑步道 Google Map : The Shakarong Trail is about 4.1 kilometers long and runs along the Shakarong Creek. The trail is about 60 meters above sea level and has a gentle slope. The trail is flat and easy to walk. There are also viewing platforms along the entire trail for people to rest and enjoy the scenery.
▲ Jiuqudong (Tunnel of Nine Turns) Trail 九曲洞步道 Google Map : Jiuqudong Trail is one of the must-see attractions in Taroko Gorge. The trail is 700 meters long and requires a round trip. The trail is located in a deep valley between high mountains, with cliffs on both sides and thrilling terrain.
▲ Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) Trail 燕子口隧道 Google Map : It was formed by the long-term scouring of the Liwu River; the holes on the limestone cliff were not carved by swallows, but were formed by groundwater flowing out and eroded by the Liwu River. Swallows forage and play in the pit, hence the name.
▲ Little Zhuilu Trail 小錐麓步道 Google Map :
▲ Zhuilu Old Trail 錐麓古道 Google Map :
▲ Buluowan Terrace 布洛灣遊憩區 Google Map :
▲ Buluowan Suspension Bridge 布洛灣吊橋 Google Map :
▲ Qingshui Cliff 清水斷崖 Google Map : Huide Rest Stop 匯德休息區 Google Map and Chongde Rest Stop 崇德休憩區 Google Map :
▲ Chongde Beach 崇德海灘 Google Map :
▲ TCC Daka Park 台泥DAKA園區 Google Map :
▲ Sanzhan Riverside Area 三棧溪戲水區 Google Map :
▲ Emerald Valley Shuilian Waterfall 翡翠谷水廉瀑布 Google Map :
▲ Shapodangxipan Park 砂婆噹溪畔公園 Google Map :
Things to Do in Shoufeng Township (壽豐鄉)
▲ Farglory Ocean Park 遠雄海洋公園 Google Map :
▲ Yunshanshui Dream Lake 雲山水夢幻湖 Google Map :
▲ Liyu Lake 鯉魚潭 Liyu Lake :
▲ Li Chuan Aquafarm 立川漁場 Google Map :
▲ Baibao River 白鮑溪 Google Map :
Things to Do in Fuli Township (富里鄉)
▲ Sixty Stone Mountain 六十石山金針花 Google Map :
Things to Do in Yuli Township (玉里鄉)
▲ Daylily Flowers Chihke Mountain 赤柯山金針花 Google Map :
▲ Xiuguluan River 秀姑巒溪泛舟 Google Map :
Things to Do in Xincheng Township (新城鄉)
▲ Qixingtan Beach 七星潭 Google Map :
▲ 48 Highland Military Tunnel 四八高地戰備坑道 Google Map :
▲ ChiHsin Dry Bonito Museum 七星柴魚博物館 Google Map :
Things to Do in Ruisui Township (瑞穗鄉)
▲ Ruisui Farm 瑞穗牧場 Google Map :
▲ Tropic of Cancer Marker Park 北回歸線標誌公園 Google Map :
Things to Do in Fengbin Township (豐濱鄉)
▲ Shitiping Terraced Rocks 石梯坪遊憩風景區 Google Map :
▲ Qingbuzhizi Ancient Trail 親不知子天空步道 Google Map :
▲ Dashibishan Trail 大石鼻山步道 Google Map :
▲ Baqi Observatory 芭崎休息區 Google Map :
▲ Hualien Shimen Cave 花蓮石門洞 Google Map :
▲ Jingpu Tropic of Cancer Landmark 靜浦北迴歸線界標 Google Map :
Things to Do in Guangfu Township (光復鄉)
▲ Hualien Tourism Sugar Factory 花蓮觀光糖廠 Google Map :
Things to Do in Ji’an Township (吉安鄉)
▲ Starbucks Shipping Container Store 星巴克 – 洄瀾門市 Google Map Store :
▲ Liancheng Lotus Garden 蓮城蓮花園 Google Map :
Things to Do in Zhuoxi Township (卓溪鄉)
▲ NananWaterfall 南安瀑布 Google Map :
Things to Do in Hualien City (花蓮市)
▲ Hualien Railway Culture Park 花蓮鐵道文化園區 Google Map :
▲ Hualien Pacific Landscape Park 花蓮太平洋公園 Google Map :
Things to Do at Night
Eat and Drink in Hualien
▲ Dongdamen Night Market 東大門夜市 Google Map :
黃車炸彈蔥餅
一碗小
森山舎
雞湯小卷米粉
壽豐早餐
玉里臭豆腐店
公正街包子店
美崙紅茶
中一豆花
阿九壽司
西村的家
提拉米蘇精緻蛋糕
香茅廚房
蕃茄咖哩
小巷茉莉
餓勢力精緻麵食
鵝肉先生
慶豐麵店
液香扁食
花蓮阿城鵝肉
The Best Month to Visit Hualien
Be sure to avoid going to Taroko after heavy rain or typhoons as the rocks are prone to collapse.
Good Months:
March–May (Spring): Cooler, lush and green, with cherry blossoms in some mountain areas.
October and November: just slightly cooler.
Scenic Beauty: Clear skies make this the best time to fully enjoy Taroko Gorge, the East Coast cliffs, and coastal views.
Fewer Crowds: It’s not peak holiday season, so attractions are more relaxed and peaceful.
Where to Stay?
We usually stay near Dongdamen Night Market. Our night life will not be boring. We can walk around the area after dinner. The neighbourhood on Beibin St and Haibin Street has a growing number of boutique hotels and B&Bs. The neighbourhood is a very short walk to the Dongdamen Night Market, Beibin Park and Nanbin Park. This is a great place to stay if you want to be by the ocean and within a short walk to downtown restaurants and shopping. It only takes about 15 minutes to walk to Zhongshan Road and it is not easy to get lost.
How to Get To?
There are different modes of transportation to reach Hualien. Whether you travel by plane, train or car, you can have a different travel experience. The most convenient way to get to Hualien is by trains. There are one regular flight departing from Taipei Songshan Airport every Thursday, but the airfare is very expensive. Most locals book their train tickets in advance and then take a nap on the train before arriving. You can play all night before taking the train so that you can sleep well on the train.
By Taroko/Puyuma Express Trains From Taipei:
Price: NT$440
Time: about 2 hours and 20 minutes
This is the most popular and affordable way to get from Taipei to Hualien. It is very important to book your train tickets in advance, especially on weekends and holidays, as train tickets can easily sell out.
🔥ChiaTe Pineapple Cake / Delivery or Airport Pickup
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery(Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup (klook)
Prepare your trip to Taiwan?✈️Buy discounted tickets in advance (Klook)
■ EasyCard and SIM Card Package
■ Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
■ Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus
■ National Palace Museum Ticket
■ Taipei Fun Pass (Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Taipei MRT, city buses, and 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle)
■ Taipei Transport Fun Pass (Taipei MRT, city buses, 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, and Maokong Gondol)
■ Taipei Metro (MRT) Day Pass
■ (Taiwan Pass) HSR + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
■ (Taiwan Pass) Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle