hualien trip plan

A Detailed Hualien Itinerary for 1-4 Days

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Most people visit remote Hualien on the wild and stunning east coast of Taiwan to visit Taroko Gorge . But Hualien has so much more to offer!

If you’ve already had a look at my 40 recommended things to do in Hualien , you may be overwhelmed with choices. That’s why I’ve taken the best of the best and organized them into the perfect Hualien itinerary, whether you plan to spend one, two, three or even four days in the area. This is a tried-and-tested itinerary, as I have been to the area many times over the last 10+ years.

To see how Hualien should fit into your full trip, make sure to also have a look at my general Hualien guide , Taiwan east coast road trip guide , and suggested itinerary for traveling all the way around Taiwan .

Now, let’s get right to it!

Table of Contents

Quick Hualien Tips

2024 Update: On April 3, 2024, a massive earthquake struck the Hualien region. Taroko Gorge is heavily damaged and Taroko Gorge is totally closed to visitors. It is expected that the gorge will be closed for a full 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 newest guide to things which are still open in Hualien .

– Buy your train tickets to Hualien up to 28 days in advance. They often sell out! – Use Klook to find travel discounts. Sign up with this link for a TWD100 credit! – Read my guide to traveling in Taiwan and 55 favorite places in Taiwan . – Find the best Hualien hotel deals on Booking or Agoda or see my Hualien hotel recommendations here .

Hualien 1 Day Itinerary: Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is Hualien’s prime attraction, and you really can’t miss it.

Now, doing justice to Taroko Gorge really requires one full day, from early morning until late afternoon. However, since you’ll need 2-3 hours to get from Taipei to Hualien, there are different ways you could do this:

1. Taroko Gorge as a day trip from Taipei

I wouldn’t really recommend this, as you’ll need to get up super early and spend 4-6 hours on the train in one day. But if you really want to, it surely is possible. You can shorten the time by flying from Taipei to Hualien , arranging your driver in advance , or taking this day tour by car from Taipei .

If you do come by train, make sure to get off at Xincheng/Taroko Gorge station, which is much closer to Taroko Gorge than Hualien Station. This will saving you a 30-minute drive from Hualien City on either side. At Xincheng station, you can rent a scooter (IDP needed) or hire a driver to visit the gorge.

2. Travel to Hualien the day before

A less rushed way to visit Taroko Gorge is to travel from Taipei to Hualien the day before, check into your hotel, then wake up the next morning to spend the whole day at Taroko Gorge, whether you rent a scooter in Hualien, hire a driver , or take a popular Taroko Gorge day tour like this one .

If you do this, you can stay in Hualien City, where there are more hotels to choose from and things to do at night, including Hualien Night Market.

3. Spend the night in Hualien after your visit

If you’re an early bird, perhaps you won’t mind taking a super early train before you spend the whole day at Taroko Gorge.

But then, instead of rushing back to Taipei in the evening, check into a Hualien hotel and spend the night, before returning to Taipei the next day. This will give you a chance to see more things in Hualien the next day.

If you take the first train of the day, you can make it just in time for joining this tour .

What to See on Day 1

Whether you are visiting on your own or as part of a guided tour, here is the logical order of places you could visit on your Taroko Gorge tour. Find even more ideas is my guide to Taroko Gorge .

Taroko Gorge Entrance Gate : It’s worth stopping for a quick click!

Shakadang Trail : One of the best and easiest hikes in Taroko Gorge, featuring amazingly clear, blue water of the Shakadang Creek.

Eternal Spring Shrine : The most famous site in Taroko Gorge, a beautiful shrine built to honor those who died while building the highway through the gorge.

Swallow’s Grove : A mandatory roadside stop with dramatic views and tunnels.

Tunnel of Nine Turns : More tunnels with some of the best views in all of Taroko Gorge.

Baiyang Trail and Waterfall : A second hike worth considering, to a beautiful waterfall and a cave you can run through while water pours down on your head.

Wenshan Hot Spring : A secret hot spring if you have extra time. Here’s how to find it .

The above are the main sights in Taroko Gorge that you should include on the first day of your Hualien itinerary.

However, there are two more sights outside of Taroko Gorge that you should be able to squeeze in as well, and I would strongly recommend doing so.

Day tours like this one usually include a stop at one of, if not both of the below sights, usually depending on time:

Qingshui Cliffs : About 10 minutes’ drive along the coast north of the entrance of Taroko Gorge, this series of dramatic coastal cliffs are breathtaking.

Qixingtan Beach : About 15 minute’s drive south of Taroko Gorge toward Hualien city, this is a highly scenic pebble beach. If you’re staying in Hualien City, it only makes sense to stop here on the way back from Taroko Gorge.

Hualien 2 Day Itinerary: Hualien City

Adding a second day to your Hualien itinerary will allow you to experience more of Hualien beyond Taroko Gorge, and you surely won’t regret it. This could involve either enjoying one of the many nature-oriented activities which take off from Hualien City, or enjoying the culture and sights of the city itself.

Find even more ideas is my Hualien City travel guide .

Nature-focused activities in Hualien

The following are some amazing outdoor activities in Hualien that you can arrange and depart from in Hualien City.

Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours : Hualien is one of the best places in the world to see many different species of whale and dolphin. Boat tours like this one take off from Hualien City, and are best from May to October .

Culture-focused activities in Hualien City

Culture-loving travelers may choose to spend their second day entirely in Hualien City, where there find loads of sights and activities to choose from. These may include:

Aboriginal cooking course : Learn how to make aboriginal food from members of the Amis, Taiwan’s largest tribe. You’ll also get to taste aboriginal millet wine. Book your cooking course here or here .

Hualien Martyr’s Shrine : One of the most beautiful and tranquil building’s in the city, dedicated to those who died WWII.

Hualien Pine Garden : For a taste of Japanese colonial history in the area.

Hualien Railway Culture Park : A railway museum built in an original Japanese-built train station.

Starbucks Shipping Container Store : Iconic Starbucks branch built out of 29 recycled shipping containers. It’s located at the southern end of the city. One way to get there is by joining this half-day tour .

Hualien Night Market : Finish your day at Hualien’s best night market, which includes a whole section of aboriginal food. To find out what kind of food you can expect, see my Taiwanese street food guide !

Hualien 3 Day Itinerary: Road Trip to the South

If you add a third day in Hualien, this will likely involve traveling south from Hualien City toward Taitung county in the southeastern corner of Taiwan. This is a remoter and less traveled region of Taiwan with few people and incredible scenery. Find out how to plan your Taitung itinerary here .

There are two parallel highways you could follow. Coastal Highway 11 will require you to rent a car or scooter, or to take this day tour from Hualien City .

Inland Highway 9 follows the East Rift Valley, a highly scenic valley filled with rice paddies and flanked by mountains on either side. The closer you get to Taitung, the more beautiful it gets. Learn more about both of these routes in part 2 of my Taiwan east coast guide .

What to See on Highway 11

If you spend a whole day driving Highway 11 from Hualien to Taitung, this is the logical order of sights you’ll see along the way, but you’ll need to have your own wheels. This drive may not seem that long, but the road is slow and winding.

Farglory Ocean Park : An ocean-themed amusement park, if that’s your thing. Learn more about Taiwan’s amusement parks here , and  find discounted tickets online . You can also spend the night at Farglory , which is Hualien city’s best resort.

Baqi Rest Stop : One of the best views along the coast (see above photo)

Jiqi Beach : One of the few places you can (usually) swim on the east coast.

Fengbin Skywalk : A death defying coastal walkway with glass floors (closed at the time of writing)

Xinshe Rice Terrace : Rice terraces overlooking the sea with quirky sculptures and swings made of straw.

Shitiping : Coastal park with rocky pools of water to explore.

Sanxiantai : Incredible bridge to an offshore island (actually in Taitung County)

Final stop : Dulan, Taitung (see day 4)

What to See on Highway 9

If you choose inland Highway 9, you’ll have the option of riding a scooter, taking this day tour, or hopping between towns on the train. At each town, you can rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the area. Here is the logical order of sights you would see (I’ll mention which are train accessible).

Liyu (Carp) Lake : A pretty lake a short drive from Hualien City. Carp lake is also included on this day tour .

Fenglin : Get off at this train station to try paragliding over the East Rift Valley .

Ruisui : Take the train to Ruisui station to spend a night in a hot spring hotel or to go white water rafting on the Xiuguluan river.

Tropic of Cancer Marker : Stop for a photo if you’re driving!

Final Stop : Yuli (see day 4)

Hualien 4 Day Itinerary: Dulan or Yuli

For your fourth day in Hualien, hop on a bicycle or rent a scooter in Yuli to get to know one rural area better. You may very well find this to be your most memorable day on your Hulian itinerary.

Exploring Dulan on Highway 11

If you chose to travel down Highway 11 by car or scooter, then the best place to spend the night, with by far the most accommodation options, is Dulan. This aboriginal village in Taitung County is a popular hangout for surfers and artists. Spend a day chilling out or surfing on the beach, exploring the area by scooter, or hanging out at Dulan Sugar Factory, the focal point of the local arts scene.

See my detailed guide to Dulan for all the information you need. After Dulan, you can return to Hualien, or continue south to Taitung City to catch the train or if you plan to make a full circle around Taiwan .

Exploring Yuli on Highway 9

Yuli is smack in the middle of the stunning East Rift Valley and is a great place to base yourself while exploring the area. Ride a bicycle or scooter to impressive Nan An Waterfall and walk the first section (which doesn’t require a permit) of the incredible Walami Trail.

By scooter, you can easily travel as far awesome Sanxiantai on the coast or Sixty Stone Mountain to see fields of tiger lilies in summer. At the end of the day, take a hot spring bath at nearby Antong Hot Spring.

Find my recommended places to stay in Yuli in part 2 of my east coast guide . If you are continuing on to Taitung, then you can also consider spending the night in the towns of Chishang , Guanshan, or Luye , which all have a similar vibe to Yuli and aren’t much further away. Luye is a great choice in summer, during the incredible Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Well, that brings us to the end of my proposed Hualien itinerary. I’d love to hear from you, whether you are planning to follow this itinerary or already have, so let me know in the comments below!

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15 thoughts on “A Detailed Hualien Itinerary for 1-4 Days”

Hi Nick, First of all, thank you so much for your blogs, I got a lot of information. We are going to visit Taiwan in April with teens. I am bit confused about how to put the places we would like to visit in order. Our plan is 3 nights in Taipei (with day trip tour to Juifen, geo park etc) 1 night in Hualien (with 1/2 day tour to Taroko Gorge then HSR train to Taichung, do you think it will be too tiring? It is about 3-4 hours, right?) 2 nights in Taichung (with day trip to Khaosiung) 1 night in Taipei, flying back home

Or should I add extra night in Hualien, then Taichung 1 night (and forget about Khaosiung) ? Or 2 nights Taichung, 1 night Khaosiung and forget Hualien? Or do you have another suggestions? Thanks in advance Alex

Hey Alex, for Hualien to Taichung, there’s no HSR. The HSR only runs down the west coast of Taiwan from Taipei to Zuoying (Kaohsiung). So from Hualien, you can ride a regular train all the way to Taichung, and yes, it takes about 4 hours on the fastest train, the Puyuma Express. This train is the most popular and sells out fastest, so it’s important to buy the ticket as early as possible (up to 28 days in advance). Another option is to take the same train but get off in Taipei, then transfer to the HSR for Taipei to Taichung. Then your total travel time would only be about 3 hours, but it will cost more. And since you need to factor in time for transferring, and for getting from the Taichung SHR station into the city, it won’t even save you much (or any) time. I don’t think it’s too tiring, but it all depends on getting train tickets at a suitable time. There are usually only 1 or 2 Puyuma express trains per day. If you can’t get that one, other train types will take longer, like 4.5 to 5.5 hours. If you’re only spending two nights in Taichung, and planning a day trip to Kaohsiung, it doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for actually seeing or doing anything in Taichung, considering you’ll be arriving there late on your first night. You might consider cutting out Kaohsiung, unless you’re OK with that.

Hi Nick, Thank you very much for your Taiwan travel blog. It is very useful. We (five adults) will be travelling to Taipei for 11 days in early June, Upon arrival in Taipei Taoyuan Airport at 6am, travel to Kaohsiung for the first day. Starting from Kaohsiung, travelling upward to Taipei. 2 nights in Kaohsiung 1 night in Tainan 2 or 3 nights Taichung (We intend to go to Sun Moon Lake and Hualien for 1 day trip each). Is it better to go to Hualien from Taichung or Taipei? 3 or 4 nights in Taipei 1 night in Keelung/Jiufen Do you think we should just stay in Taipei and travel to Keelung and Jiufen for a day trip?

We are thinking of buying the a) 3 days Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (Choose one out of the Four City Impression Experience to enjoy: Yoshan Tea – Century-old Taiwanese Bubble Tea DIY, Pingxi Sky Lantern, Tea bag DIY in Maokong, The Grand Hotel Taipei Western Secret Slide (Choose 1 from 4. Which would you suggest?) b) either THSR 3-day pass/THSR Flexible 2-Day Pass c) or 5 Day Joint Train Standard Pass (THSR+TR)/5 Day Joint Train Express Pass (THSR+TR) d) Day trip THSR Ticket What would you suggest? Should we get the THSR pass or 5 day joint pass or day trip THSR or combination. Do you think we need to buy an EasyCard also? I am grateful for any suggestions.

Thanks. Theresa

First, you can’t travel from Taichung to Hualien without passing through Taipei. Yes, there is a road across the mountains, but it is very slow, no buses, and it is often closed due to landslides. Currently the road is destroyed in 3 places from landslides in 2022, and they are still fixing them. So instead, go back to Taipei by HSR (1 hr) then express train to Hualien (2 hrs). If you have time in your schedule, it’s better to spend a night in Hualien, but if your schedule is tight, then a day trip from taipei works too. It’s very easy to do Jiufen and Keelung as a day trip from taipei. You could easily add one more stop. Many people do Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen, then finish at Keelung Night Market for dinner and train back to Taipei. Whether to buy the EasyCard is a complicated decision. I wrote a whole article to help you decide if it’s worth it (please search on my site). Basically, it’s a tourist pass and it’s only worth the money if you do most of the attractions and ride the MRT a lot. Otherwise, it’s easier to just not buy the pass and pay for things as you go. Then you won’t feel pressure to try to visit all those attractions just because you bought the pass (some of them are top attractions, but some are places you most likely won’t visit). If you get the Fun Pass, it works like an EasyCard for the MRT in Taipei, but only for the number of days you choose (1, 2, or 3). If you don’t get the Fun Pass, then yes, you should get an EasyCard, as this is what almost everyone in Taipei uses for riding the MRT. You can also use it for other city buses and MRTs across Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Taichung), for taxis, for convenience stores, and some food stalls. So it’s super convenient. For the HSR/TRA passes, these passes are only worth the money if you plan to take many train rides is a short period of time. To figure out if it’s worth it, first calculate the price of your train rides with no pass. Check the TRA sites for the TRA prices. They have no discounts. For HSR tickets, you can check the official site and maybe get up to 35% early bird discount if you book them early enough, or you can get a 20% discount anytime by booking individual rides on Klook. So just add up all your TRA ride costs and HSR ride costs with 20% discount, then see if it’s cheaper or more expensive than the price of the pass. This is the only way you can figure out if it’s worth buying or not.

Hi Nick, Thank you so much for the itinerary. The suggested places in Hua lien are amazing. I am going to visit Taiwan in April next year with my family of 4 (with two elderly) My plan is once I touch down at Tao Yuan Airport, we will take the HSR train to Kao Hsiung (Zuo Ying) Spend 4 nights in Kao Hsiung Trip to Hualien (do you have suggestion on how to go about from Kao Hsiung to Hua lien) Most probably spend 3 nights at Hualien Then back to Taipei for 4 nights. Would love to get your suggestion on how should I rearrange or am I spending too much night at certain place?

Regards, Shirley

From Kaohsiung to Hualien, you can take a regular (TRA) train, not the HSR, from Kaohsiung Station to Hualien Station, which takes about 4 hours. https://tip.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip How much time you spend in each city really depends on your interests. A lot of travelers will only spend one night in each place and make many stops, like Taipei, Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Kaohsiung, Taitung, Hualien and back to Taipei. But if you prefer to spend more time in each place, then your itinerary is fine too. It it were me, I would probably spend less than 4 nights in Kaohsiung and less than 3 nights in Hualien, and then add one or two more places. 2-3 nights in Kaohsiung is enough for seeing the main sights in this city and 2 nights is enough for seeing Taroko Gorge in Hualien. You can consider then to add a stop for one night in Taitung, for example Chishang village for cycling in the rice paddies. Or many add a 1 or 2 night stop in one of the other places I mentioned above.

Hi Nick, Thank you so so much for your detailed and very informative articles on Taiwan. My husband & I are planning for 4 weeks trip in March 2024. May I ask: 1) I can’t find any rental car available for pick up at Taipei and drop of at the South (Taitung, Fang-Liao station or Kaohsiung) 2) My next options: Train to Hualien (2-3 Nights), do you have contacts where I can have private transfer from Hualien to Yuli (2N), and private transfer again from Yuli to either Luye or Taitung (2N). We will then take train from Taitung onward to the West.

-At Yuli we will rent Scooter to visit wonderful places you mentioned: Sixty Stones Mt, Chishang, San-Hsien island, Walami trail -I am hopeful with private transfer we will be able to have stops at Baqi—Xin she Rice Terrace; I am not sure from Yuli to the South which route we will take the coast or inland through East riff Valley (probably inland) of course with stops and detour will have added compensation

3) Same as with Hualien, we would like to rent scooter: it is possible to go to Qingshui cliff with scooter correct? also is it possble to drive scooter to Taroko park, to drive and park along the way through the Park to do some of the hiking trails? Thank you very much for your time Vananh

For car rentals, have you tried Klook? You can also try contacting Steven Hsieh (search his name in my Facebook “Taiwan Travel Planning” group. He can arrange drivers and car rentals. You can also ask him about the Yuli transfer. If that doesn’t work, you can also book point-to-point trips anywhere in taiwan on the Tripool website. Yes, you can explore all of Taroko Gorge with a scooter. It’s even better than a car because you can easily park anywhere. And yes, you can go to see the Qingshui Cliffs by scooter too. There are a few different places along the highway where you can stop to view them. Just be very carefully when driving along there and parking, as some cars may come along quickly.

Thank you very much Nick, Yes I found car rental form Klook on another article of yours and they do have car rental from Taipei and drop off at Taitung (quite expensive) I will try Steve Hsieh and see which route works best. We are very excited to visit the East coast and using scooter at villages

I really hope that Alishan has no booking available for March 2024 due to reservation dates are not out yet and not because the hotel is fully booked [for reference I checked much further down the line after March all come back with no availability, but Alishan has some dates still available for October 2023. Just in case if I can’t book at Alishan, my other alternatives would be 2-3 nights at Shizhuo. I just like to get your opinion since there are many buses from Shizhou to Alishan ~ 40 minutes. Bus to visit Fenqihu is more limited, do you think it is easy to arrange transfer back to Shizhou [in case I miss the bus for Fenqihu visit]. 2nd question would be it is still the best route to take bus from Shishou to Alishan to catch the 1pm bus to Sun Moon Lake correct? Thank you very much Vananh

Several hotels at Alishan only release their rooms 2-3 months in advance, so it is normal that nothing is available if you look so early. I suspect some will probably release their rooms for the new year around January 1 (just my guess though). It is best to just keep checking again and again until you find something. If you do stay in Shizhuo and visit Fenqihu, then no, there are no taxis or private transfers available there. These are tiny villages in the mountains. But you could actually walk from Fenqihu to Shizhuo in about 1 hour, slightly downhill. And yes, that would be fine to bus from Shizhuo to Alishan for catching the 1 PM bus to SML. Just make sure to arrive at Alishan maybe 30 min or 1 hr before the bus departs to secure your spot in line.

Hi Nick, Your website is amazingly informative & current ! Extending from similar posts above, may I clarify most “efficient route” from HuaLien to KaoHsiung? By “efficient”, I mean (a) takes least time, (b) hopefully as less costly as possible. I researched following options & really surprised to have been told that Option B (by car) takes so much long ! (more than 2 times longer!)

** OPTION 1 ** By Train = about 4.5 hours to at most 7 hours

** OPTION 2 ** By Car or Van (for 7 of us) = 10 to 11 hours

Yes, the train is often much faster than traveling by car in Taiwan because there are many tunnels through mountains, while cars have slow, winding roads and traffic. So if getting there fast is your priority, take the train. Only drive if you want to make a road trip of it, with many stops along the way.

Hi Nick Thank you for your informative blogs. We plan to have a self drive trip in Taiwan for 8D7N in December. What would be your recommended itinerary? We will arrive in and depart from Taipei, both in the afternoon. Thanks in advance for your advice. Regards

Please search “Taiwan itinerary” on this site and you’ll find my article with recommendations for 1 week itinerary. The exact itinerary will depend on so many factors though, like what kind of places you want to visit and activities you like, the season, the budget, fast or slow, etc.

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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

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Hualien Starts Here

Any discussion of a Hualien itinerary invariably shifts to the topic of a Taroko Gorge hike. (Don’t worry: That beautiful place will feature heavily in this article.)

Before we get there, however, I want to take some time to spotlight city-center Hualien attractions, which I feel don’t get enough attention. To say nothing of Hualien’s relaxing and laid-back vibe, which all by itself is a vacation from the hustle-bustle of Taipei .

Whether you’re searching for a Hualien travel gide you can use right out-of-the-box, or need inspiration for your own trip plan, I hope you’ll continue reading.

Where to Stay in Hualien

Before I begin talking about things to do in Hualien, let’s talk about where you should stay. Generally speaking, I recommend staying in the city center (as opposed to spending a night in or near Taroko), since this beautiful destination is best seen on a day trip. This is particularly advisable if you rent a car (and I imagine you will) since you can easily travel between the city and the park.

As far as specific Hualien hotels, I have a personal recommendation— Fupin Hotel , where I stayed during my most recent trip to the city, and is still one of my favorite hotels in Taiwan—but my advice for Hualien is generally similar to my tips in Taiwan more generally. Hotels here leave something to be desired; if you can find a good Airbnb in the city center, this might be your best option.

My Favorite Things to Do in Hualien

Slow it all down.

Is Hualien worth visiting? Yes—and if only for the chill vibes it offers, or the fact that its sidewalks are literally paved with marble from Taroko Gorge. Hualien offers respite from the day-to-day of Taipei, whether you flee it as an expat or a tourist. Certainly, you’ll want to lower your heart rate a bit before heading off to Taroko Gorge, where it’s sure to tick up again. TIP: If you have a rental car, a great place to chill out is Qixingtian Beach , which is just north of the city center.

Eat Taiwan’s Tastiest Scallion Pancake

Eating is one of the best things to do in Hualien, and in a couple of different contexts. The first meal I ever had in the city remains the best: A cong you bing scallion pancake at Lao Pai , a few minutes’ walk north of Hualien Station. What makes this one so special? Rather than the pancake being grilled and the egg being scrambled, as is the case in most of the rest of Taiwan, both are deep-fried (together—the egg is wrapped inside the dough!) in Hualien.

Explore Dongdamen Night Market

A walk through the Hualien night market offers you a wider diversity of food experiences than a trip to Lao Pai, but it’s not just what you eat here that makes it memorable. Dongdamen Night Market is one of the largest such markets I’ve ever visited in Taiwan. The square footage of the market, which is just south of the city center, certainly belies the relatively small size of Hualien itself.

Spend a Day (or Two) in Taroko Gorge

There are other things to do in Hualien’s city center, but by this point you’ll understandably be eager to get to Taroko Gorge National Park . Whether you travel by bus or your own rented car, Taroko Gorge is simple to navigate and has finite points of interests. Some of my favorites include Swallow Grotto and the Shrine of the Eternal Spring , a temple from which a waterfall (i.e. eternal spring) seems to pour.

Admire the Qingshui Cliffs

While it’s possible to get to Taroko via public transportation, the only realistic way to get from Hualien to Qingshui Cliffs is via private car. That’s the bad news. The good news? Most travelers to Hualien (certainly, foreigners who aren’t currently residing in Taipei or another Taiwanese city will have their own wheels, and will be in the middle of a road trip I’ll describe in a few paragraphs.

How Long Should You Spend in Hualien?

Inevitably, the question of how many days in Hualien you should spend curves back around to two secondary concerns. First, how long do you plan to spend in Taroko Gorge National Park? Secondly, are you traveling to Hualien as an excursion from Taipei , or en route down Taiwan’s east coast as part of a road trip? (I’ll have more to say about Taiwan road trips in a second!)

If it’s simply a matter of things to do in Hualien, plus a day in Taroko Gorge and/or at Qingshui Cliffs, most travelers can get by spending two nights in Hualien. If, on the other hand, Hualien serves more as connective tissue than an actual meat-and-potatoes destination, you can probably spend just a night there, although this will involve heavy-duty sightseeing on either side of your sleep.

Driving Taiwan’s East Coast

For many travelers—myself included, at least on my first swing through the city—Hualien is a stop on a Taiwan road trip , its own merit notwithstanding. Assuming you rent your car within Taipei’s city limits (most do), you’ll drive eastward from the capital, optionally stopping at Jiufen Old Street en route to your first overnight stopover. This may or may not be Hualien: Many decide to first visit Yilan , a popular weekend destination for Taipei residents.

On the other side, the most popular way forward is to drive from Hualien to Taitung , stopping amid the rice fields of Yuli County and the Bridge of the Three Immortals (aka Sanxiantai ) en route to the hub of Taiwan’s southeast . From here, you’ll continue southward, stopping (among other places) at Taimali Beach before ending up in popular Kenting National Park , where you’ll sleep for at least one night.

Other FAQ About Visiting Hualien

Is hualien worth visiting.

Hualien is absolutely worth visiting, to the extent that I often cite it as my favorite city in Taiwan. Whether you’re traipsing through the city streets (which are literally paved with marble) or making a trip to Qingshui Cliffs or into Taroko Gorge, Hualien is a seriously underrated city that punches way about its weight.

How do you get around in Hualien?

Although Hualien does have a modest bus network (and is walkable, within its immediate core), it’s really best to have your own set of wheels when you’re in the city. I recommend riding the train here from Taipei, and then renting a car at least for the day or days you plan to visit Taroko Gorge.

How do I get from Taipei to Hualien?

Limited express trains travel several times per day from Taipei Main Station to Hualien, and take about two hours each way. Unfortunately, the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) doesn’t currently go to Hualien, and I’m not sure if it ever will.

The Bottom Line

Hualien far exceed excursions to Taroko Gorge or the Qingshui Cliffs, although I can understand people’s desires to reduce the city to its environs. Likewise, for many unsuspecting travelers, Hualien is simply a stopping-off point on a road trip down Taiwan’s East Coast Scenic Route. Which is not to say that, through this article, I’m attempting to paint Hualien as more than it is: A medium-sized Taiwanese city that gains a great deal of appeal from its natural setting. I do hope, however, that you will take time to appreciate Hualien itself, apart from the places you go before and after it. Loved my Hualien travel guide? Consider hiring me to plan your entire Taiwan trip!

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A Comprehensive Guide To Exploring Hualien: 7-Day Itinerary

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Table of contents.

Are you planning a trip to Hualien and wondering where to start? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will take you through a 7-day itinerary that covers the best of what Hualien has to offer.

From stunning natural landscapes to cultural experiences, this itinerary has it all.

On Day 1, you’ll arrive in Hualien City and have the opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Then, on Day 2, you’ll embark on an adventure through Taroko Gorge, one of Taiwan’s most breathtaking national parks.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a cultural enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable vacation, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Hualien.

So, pack your bags and get ready for an exciting journey through this beautiful city!

Key Takeaways

• Hualien offers a diverse range of activities, from exploring the city and night markets to hiking in Taroko Gorge and relaxing on Qixingtan Beach.
• Local food specialties, such as taro balls, wild boar meat, and salt and pepper shrimp, are a must-try for visitors.
• Hualien is a hub for arts and crafts, with numerous shops and markets selling handmade goods and traditional handicrafts.
• The region is also rich in natural beauty, with scenic hikes to waterfalls and secluded valleys with crystal-clear water and breathtaking scenery.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Hualien City

So, you’ve finally made it to Hualien City! Time to kick off your adventure by exploring all that this vibrant city has to offer.

Begin your day by visiting the Hualien Pine Garden, a beautiful park filled with towering pines and stunning ocean views. Take a leisurely stroll along the paths, breathe in the fresh air, and snap some photos of the picturesque scenery.

After the park, head to the Dongdamen Night Market, where you can indulge in delicious street food and browse through local handicrafts and souvenirs. Be sure to try the famous Taiwanese dishes such as stinky tofu, oyster omelet, and bubble tea.

The lively atmosphere of the night market is a great way to experience the local culture and start your journey in Hualien City.

Day 2: Adventure in Taroko Gorge

On day 2 of your Hualien adventure, get ready for an exciting day of hiking and exploring Taroko Gorge!

Take on the Shakadang Trail, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Liwu River and its crystal-clear waters.

Next, venture into the Swallow Grotto, a narrow canyon that offers breathtaking scenery.

Finally, visit the Eternal Spring Shrine, a serene temple surrounded by cascading waterfalls and lush greenery.

Adjusting the paragraph structure in this way allows each sentence to stand on its own and emphasizes the unique experiences each location offers. Additionally, using contractions adds a more casual and conversational tone to the text.

Hike the Shakadang Trail

If you’re up for a scenic and easy hike, don’t miss the opportunity to trek the Shakadang Trail. This trail is one of the most popular and picturesque hikes in Taroko Gorge, offering stunning views of the crystal-clear Shakadang River and the towering marble cliffs that surround it.

The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it accessible to hikers of all skill levels. The Shakadang Trail is a 4.5 km round-trip hike that takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush forests, cross suspension bridges, and marvel at the sheer beauty of the gorge.

Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear comfortable shoes, as the trail can be slippery in some areas. Don’t forget your camera, as the Shakadang Trail offers plenty of photo opportunities that you won’t want to miss.

Explore the Swallow Grotto

You can’t miss exploring the Swallow Grotto, where you’ll witness the sheer beauty of the Taroko Gorge and its unique geological features. This section of the gorge is named after the swallows that nest on the nearby cliffs. The grotto is a narrow section of the gorge that has been eroded by the Liwu River over millions of years, creating a breathtaking sight for visitors.

As you walk through the Swallow Grotto, you’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs on both sides, with the river flowing calmly below you. The unique geological features of the area are a must-see, including the marble walls that have been carved out by the river. To help you appreciate the beauty of the Swallow Grotto even more, here is a table showcasing some of the key information about this attraction:

Make sure to add exploring the Swallow Grotto to your itinerary when visiting Hualien. It’s a one-of-a-kind natural wonder that you won’t want to miss!

Visit the Eternal Spring Shrine

When visiting Taroko Gorge, don’t miss out on the Eternal Spring Shrine. You’ll be amazed by the stunning waterfalls and serene surroundings. This beautiful shrine is dedicated to those who lost their lives during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway.

Take a stroll around the grounds and admire the traditional Chinese architecture of the buildings. They are perched on the side of a cliff overlooking the Liwu River. Be sure to also check out the Baiyang Trail, which is located near the shrine. This trail is a moderate hike that takes you through a tunnel and past several waterfalls.

Here is a list of other things you can do while visiting the Eternal Spring Shrine:

• Take pictures of the stunning waterfalls
• Light incense and pay your respects at the shrine
• Enjoy a picnic on the grassy area near the river
• Marvel at the breathtaking views of the gorge from the viewing platform

With so much to see and do at the Eternal Spring Shrine, it’s no wonder that it is one of the most popular attractions in Hualien. Don’t forget to add it to your itinerary!

Day 3: Relaxation at Qixingtan Beach

Take a deep breath and let the sound of the waves wash away your worries as you lounge on the golden sands of Qixingtan Beach.

This picturesque spot is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun. With crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the nearby mountains, you’ll feel a sense of peace and tranquility that’s hard to find anywhere else.

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip in the ocean or try your hand at some water sports . Surfing and paddleboarding are popular activities here and there are plenty of rental shops nearby.

But if you’d rather just relax, grab a beach chair and enjoy the gentle sea breeze. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and plenty of water – you’ll want to stay here all day!

Day 4: Cultural Experience at Farglory Ocean Park

Ready to immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture? Head over to Farglory Ocean Park on Day 4 for a day filled with traditional performances, delicious food, and thrilling rides.

This park is not just an ordinary theme park, it also showcases the rich culture of Taiwan. Be amazed by the lively performances that feature traditional Taiwanese songs, dances, and costumes.

Aside from the cultural experience, Farglory Ocean Park offers a wide range of thrilling rides and attractions that will surely satisfy your adrenaline cravings. Get on the Dolphin Bay ride and feel the rush of flying over the water or brave the heights of the Sky Tower for a bird’s eye view of the park.

And after a long day of exploring, don’t forget to try the local delicacies available in the park. From fresh seafood to traditional street food, Farglory Ocean Park has it all.

Day 5: Exploration of East Rift Valley

On Day 5 of your Hualien itinerary, you’ll be exploring the scenic East Rift Valley.

Start your day by visiting the stunning Liyu Lake Scenic Area, where you can go hiking, cycling, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the lake.

Next, make your way to the Fenghuang Waterfall, a majestic cascading waterfall that’s sure to take your breath away.

Finally, be sure to try some of the local specialty dishes, like taro balls or wild boar meat, to truly experience the unique flavors of Hualien.

Visit the Liyu Lake Scenic Area

Exploring the Liyu Lake Scenic Area is a must-do when visiting Hualien. You’ll be amazed by the beautiful natural scenery that surrounds the lake.

The clear blue waters of the lake are surrounded by lush green forests, creating a picturesque view that will leave you breathless.

At the Liyu Lake Scenic Area, you can take a leisurely walk on the trails that surround the lake, rent a bike to explore the area, or even go fishing.

The area is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, providing a unique opportunity for nature lovers to observe local wildlife.

Don’t forget to pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the lake.

The Liyu Lake Scenic Area is the perfect place to unwind and take in the beauty of Hualien.

Explore the Fenghuang Waterfall

Now that you’ve taken in the serene beauty of Liyu Lake, it’s time to head over to your next stop on your Hualien adventure: the majestic Fenghuang Waterfall. This breathtaking waterfall is a must-see for any nature lover, and fortunately, it’s easily accessible from the nearby Fenghuangshan Trail.

Here are four reasons why exploring the Fenghuang Waterfall should be at the top of your Hualien itinerary:

The sight of the waterfall itself is absolutely stunning. The water cascades down the rocks in a dramatic display that will leave you in awe.

The hike to the waterfall is a scenic adventure in itself. You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The trail is relatively easy to navigate, making it accessible for hikers of all experience levels.

Once you reach the waterfall, there are plenty of spots to stop and take in the view, making it the perfect spot for a picnic or to simply enjoy a quiet moment in nature.

Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture the magic of this natural wonder. The Fenghuang Waterfall is truly a sight to behold and a highlight of any trip to Hualien.

Try Local Specialty Dishes

You’ve got to try the local specialty dishes while you’re in Hualien, so why not start with the famous taro balls and sesame mochi at the Dongdamen Night Market? These delicious treats are made by hand and are a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The taro balls are made with mashed taro, sweet potato, and tapioca flour and are served with a sweet syrup, while the sesame mochi is stuffed with a sweet filling and covered in sesame seeds. Make sure to arrive early at the night market, as these treats sell out quickly!

Aside from the night market, Hualien has a variety of local restaurants that serve mouth-watering specialties. One popular dish is the Aboriginal-style wild boar meat, which is cooked in a bamboo tube and served with rice. Another must-try is the salt and pepper shrimp, which is a local seafood delicacy. Pair these dishes with some local rice wine or tea for the ultimate Hualien dining experience.

Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations, as they’re always eager to share their favorite food spots with visitors.

Day 6: Nature Experience at Mukumugi

To fully immerse yourself in nature on Day 6, head to Mukumugi for a unique and unforgettable experience. This hidden gem is a secluded valley with crystal-clear water and breathtaking scenery.

The trek to the valley takes around 3 hours, but the journey is definitely worth it as you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the lush green mountains.

Once you arrive at Mukumugi, you can take a dip in the natural pools, which are filled with fresh spring water. The water temperature is perfect for swimming and relaxing, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.

You can also explore the surrounding area and hike to the waterfalls, where you can take in the stunning views and maybe even spot some wildlife. Make sure to bring your camera as this is a place you’ll want to capture and remember forever!

Day 7: Shopping at Hualien Night Market

You’re in for a treat on the final day of your Hualien trip! Head over to the Hualien Night Market and try out the local street food, from oyster omelets to bubble tea.

Make sure to shop for souvenirs, such as handcrafted goods and unique trinkets.

And don’t forget to enjoy live performances throughout the night!

Try Local Street Food

Don’t miss out on sampling the mouthwatering local street food during your stay in Hualien! As you explore the night market, you’ll be met with a plethora of delicious options. From savory to sweet, there’s something for everyone.

Make sure to try the following must-try street foods:

• Stinky Tofu: Despite its off-putting smell, this fermented tofu dish is a popular Taiwanese snack. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and it’s usually served with pickled vegetables and spicy sauce.
• Fried Chicken: Taiwanese fried chicken is a beloved comfort food. It’s typically seasoned with a blend of spices and served piping hot.
• Bubble Tea: This popular drink originated in Taiwan and has spread all over the world. It consists of tea, milk, and tapioca pearls that add a fun texture to the drink.

Trying local street food is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of Hualien. So, go ahead and indulge in the mouthwatering flavors that this city has to offer!

Shop for Souvenirs

Make sure not to forget to pick up some unique souvenirs during your trip to Hualien, as they serve as a great memento of your memorable experience in this charming city.

Hualien has a lot of local specialty shops where you can find handmade goods, traditional handicrafts, and exquisite artworks. If you’re looking for something special, you can visit the Hualien Cultural Creative Industries Park, which is a hub for local designers and artists. Here, you can find a wide range of souvenirs, from pottery and woodwork to fashion accessories and food products.

If you’re into traditional Taiwanese snacks, you can stop by the Hualien Dongdamen Night Market, where you can find a variety of local delicacies, such as mochi, pineapple tarts, and sun cakes. These treats make great gifts for family and friends back home.

Additionally, you can visit the Hualien Handicraft Exchange Association, which is a non-profit organization that promotes local arts and crafts. Here, you can find unique souvenirs that are not available elsewhere, such as jade carvings, aboriginal textiles, and paper umbrellas.

Don’t miss the chance to take home a piece of Hualien’s vibrant culture!

Enjoy Live Performances

Get ready to be entertained by the vibrant live performances in Hualien, where the music and energy will leave you feeling exhilarated. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Taiwanese music or modern pop hits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Here are four ways to experience the live performances in Hualien:

Check out the nightly performances at Dongdamen Night Market, where local musicians and dancers take the stage to showcase their talent.

Visit the Hualien Cultural Creative Industries Park, which hosts regular concerts and theater performances throughout the year.

Catch a show at the Hualien County Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art venue that attracts renowned artists from around the world.

Attend one of the many festivals that take place in Hualien, such as the Hualien International Stone Sculpture Festival or the Hualien Pacific Music Festival, which feature live performances by both local and international artists.

No matter where you go in Hualien, you’re sure to be swept up in the excitement and energy of the live performances. So sit back, relax, and let the music transport you to another world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit hualien.

The best time to visit Hualien depends on your preferences. If you enjoy warm weather and don’t mind crowds, then the summer months of June to August are ideal.

However, if you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, then the fall months of September to November or the spring months of March to May are better options. Keep in mind that Hualien can experience typhoons during the summer, so it’s important to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.

Are there any recommended hiking trails in Taroko Gorge?

If you’re looking for some great hiking trails in Taroko Gorge, you’re in luck! There are plenty of recommended trails to choose from, depending on your experience level and preferences.

One popular option is the Shakadang Trail, which takes you along a crystal-clear river and through stunning rock formations.

For a more challenging hike, consider the Zhuilu Old Trail, which offers breathtaking views from a narrow cliffside path.

No matter which trail you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, and take your time to enjoy the beautiful scenery around you.

Is it possible to rent a car in Hualien for exploring the surrounding areas?

Yes, it’s definitely possible to rent a car in Hualien to explore the surrounding areas. There are several rental car companies located in and around the city that offer a variety of vehicle options, including compact cars, SUVs, and even luxury vehicles.

Renting a car is a great way to explore the scenic drives, beaches, and other attractions that are located just outside of Hualien. Just be sure to have an international driving permit and to familiarize yourself with the local driving laws and regulations before hitting the road.

What are some local dishes to try at the Hualien Night Market?

If you’re looking to try some local dishes at the Hualien night market, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some popular choices include the barbecue squid, stinky tofu, and oyster omelette. You might also want to try some of the more unique offerings, such as the fried milk or the mochi filled with peanut powder.

Don’t forget to wash it all down with a refreshing bubble tea or fruit juice. The night market is a great place to experience the local food culture and try some new and exciting dishes.

Are there any traditional cultural performances or events in Hualien that visitors can attend?

You’ll be pleased to know that Hualien is home to a variety of traditional cultural performances and events that visitors can attend.

The Hualien Cultural Creative Industries Park is a great place to start, as it regularly hosts performances and exhibitions showcasing the region’s indigenous cultures.

Additionally, the Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum holds daily performances of the traditional Japanese art of katsuo fishing, which is a unique and fascinating experience.

And if you happen to be visiting in July, don’t miss the annual Hualien County Stone Sculpture Festival, which features impressive stone carvings and cultural performances.

So whether you’re interested in indigenous traditions or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, Hualien has plenty of options to offer.

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of your 7-day adventure in Hualien. Throughout your journey, you’ve experienced the beauty of nature in Taroko Gorge, Qixingtan Beach, and Mukumugi.

You’ve also delved into the local culture at Farglory Ocean Park and Hualien Night Market. And let’s not forget about the stunning views of East Rift Valley.

As you head back home, take a moment to reflect on all the wonderful memories you’ve made during your trip. Hualien has so much to offer, and you’ve only scratched the surface. Perhaps you’ll come back one day to discover even more hidden gems in this beautiful city.

Thank you for joining us on this comprehensive guide to exploring Hualien. We hope you’ve had an unforgettable experience and that this itinerary has helped you create lasting memories.

Safe travels!

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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...

Best Breakfast in Taipei Taiwan: 9 Places to Eat Taiwanese Breakfast

Zhongshe Flower Market: Flower Farm in Taichung Taiwan

Solo Travel Taipei: 20 Things to do in Taipei Alone

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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Burgas Travel Guide: Things to Do in Burgas + Getting There + Day Trips

Hualien food guide: where and what to eat in hualien, taiwan, ms travel solo.

The Best Things To Do In Hualien (Including Taroko Gorge)

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 13, 2023

Categories Taiwan

Hualien is a city located on the beautiful east coast of Taiwan. We spent 3 days in Hualien and used this relaxed city as a base to explore the famous Taroko Gorge and the gorgeous Qingshui Cliffs.

Besides these impressive natural phenomena, there are lots of other fun things to do in Hualien.

Stroll around the Hualien night market and sample the local cuisine, visit Nanbin Park, and explore the East Coast National Scenic Area.

The best things to do in Hualien: travel guide

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

What to do in Hualien in 3 days

Plan your Taiwan trip like a pro with these tools: ? Pick up an EasyCard for cashless payments and to use public transport. ? Book discounted tickets for Taiwan's high-speed rail. ? Stay connected with a  Taiwan Wifi router . ? Plan your journey with the  T aiwan Lonely Planet . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Klook or Get Your Guide . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Are Taiwan's East Coast and Hualien worth visiting?

Yes absolutely! In fact, eastern Taiwan was my favorite part of the country! Taiwan's East Coast is home to steep cliffs, a stunning blue ocean, marble mountains, and a dense green jungle.

Furthermore, this area of Taiwan is much less populated than the rest of the country, only 4% of the Taiwanese live here!

During our 1 month Taiwan trip , I was surprised about the very limited number of (Western) tourists in Taiwan (except in Taipei ), it's such a beautiful country and well worth a visit!

When I was researching where to go in Taiwan, Hualien was the first place on my list. Why? Because the Taroko Gorge is a very popular day trip from Hualien and the pictures on Google made it immediately clear this beautiful place was a must-see!

But that wasn't the only reason to visit Hualien, because besides the amazing Taroko Gorge there were lots of other things to see and do in and around Hualien!

Things to know when planning a trip to Hualien

In general, November until April is the best time for a trip to Hualien and the Taroko Gorge because these are the driest months. December to February receive the least rain but temperatures are also a bit lower (21-22 degrees Celsius). We visited at the end of May and as I mentioned earlier in this post: this is the start of the monsoon season and not the best time to visit if you don't like rain.

The official currency in Taiwan is the  New Taiwan dollar  ( NT $) .   Here  you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 34NT$ and $1 approximately 30NT$.

Where to stay in Hualien: Honey B Trip B&B

We stayed at Honey B Trip B&B and it was our favorite accommodation in Taiwan because of the cute Bee theme design!

Our room was very big with a super comfortable bed. We even had a sofa and a small desk. The bathroom was modern with an excellent shower.

The hotel also has a really cool family room with a castle, I can imagine it must be a great place to stay with little kids. I don't have a picture of this room but you can see it on Agoda .

On the 2nd floor, there is a hot and cold water dispenser, plus any additional items you might need during your stay (towels, toiletries, water bottles, maps of the area, bus schedules, etc). WiFi was very fast.

Click here to book via Agoda | Click here to book via Booking

Hualien 3 day itinerary: map & attractions

Click here for the interactive map

What to do in Hualien

Drive the scenic coast road, marvel at the amazing qingshui cliffs, visit the famous taroko gorge, hike the shakadang trail, hike or drive the swallow grotto trail, have lunch in xiulin township, check out the eternal spring shrine, make a stop at nanbin park, explore the east coast national scenic area, check out liyu lake, eat your way around hualien, hualien itinerary day 1.

The weather forecast hadn't been great for this day (unsurprising since monsoon season was about to start), but we were very lucky: blue skies and only a bit of rain at the end of the day.

After picking up our scooter in the city center (read about transportation to and around Hualien below), we drove to Chisingtan, then turned north and followed the scenic road along the coast.

In the distance, we could already see the famous Qingshui cliffs…

And the views kept getting better and better…

I couldn't stop marveling at the beautiful color of the ocean. And the impressive steep cliffs of course!

After peeling our eyes away from the breathtaking cliffs and natural scenery we turned our scooter around and drove to Taroko Gorge, one of the nine national parks of Taiwan.

We picked up a map of the area at the Tourist Information Center and entered the famous gorge, known as one world’s natural wonders.

From steep marble cliffs and huge rock formations to the swirling waters of the Liwu River, Taroko Gorge will take your breath away…

Our first stop in Taroko Gorge National Park was the Shakadang Trail. This easy trail leads along the Shakadang River, it was a fairly busy trail but still very nice!

Next up was the Swallow Grotto trail (pictured above), you can either drive this path or walk (20 minutes one way).

We had lunch in Xiulin Township (beef noodle soup, of course, a Taiwanese specialty;-) before turning around and driving back the same way, all the while admiring the steep marble cliffs around us.

On our way back we quickly stopped at the Eternal Spring Shrine, but by that time it had started to rain and we quickly drove back to Hualien to relax in our cozy hotel room.

Want to get off the beaten track in the Taroko Gorge? Check out this post about hiking to a secret tribal village .

Hualien itinerary day 2

The next day we hopped back on our scooter and instead of driving north, we went south. I really liked this Southern loop because, unlike the Taroko Gorge, there were very few other tourists!

We passed Nanbin Park which is a nice place to spend some time. Also, if you're looking for an original way to propose, check out the ‘Marry Me' art installation at the entrance;-).

Via the bridge at Ji’an we entered the so-called ‘East Coast National Scenic Area' and scenic it was!

We drove along the coast and came along the Farglory Ocean Park. We didn't go in but it looked like a lot of fun!

At the tiny village of Shuilian, we turned inland, a very adventurous drive! The road kept getting bumpier and muddier so we drove very carefully…

But the views along the way made it worth the effort!

If you decide to drive on this road, be careful and make sure you have enough petrol. We didn't come across any other people and the road didn't look like it was used a lot.

Nevertheless, we had a lot of fun driving this deserted road and eventually made it to the West side of the peninsula.

Via the Yuemei bridge, we crossed back to the mainland and drove to Liyu Lake, our final stop of the day (because it started to rain again).

Liya Lake is the largest inland lake in Hualien County and a popular spot for locals to visit during the weekend. If you happen to travel to Hualien in April or May, be sure to visit this lake.

These months are firefly mating season and the whole lake is lit by fireflies which create a magical atmosphere.

Hualien itinerary day 3

Unfortunately, it rained almost the entire day, but we made the most of it by sampling the local cuisine.

We found the best baozi and located  Hualien's famous onion egg pancake (see pictures below, the exact location is marked on the map at the start of the post).

I'm a huge coffee addict, but every once in a while I try to mix things up. In the cute Seven Beans coffee shop, I tried their signature hot chocolate which was divine and perfectly suited for the rainy weather.

We also found a great Japanese restaurant serving big bowls of steaming ramen, yummy…

And of course, we couldn't skip the famous Dongdamen Night Market in downtown Hualien!

Luckily the rain stopped around 6 pm and we sampled several delicious street food dishes and tasty snacks at the market.

Hualien travel budget

I mentioned this in my other Taiwan posts as well, but traveling in Taiwan is surprisingly affordable!

During our 3 days in Hualien, we spent approximately  €68 per day  (for us as a couple, so €34 per person).

This budget includes the scooter rental (and petrol), transport from Taipei to Hualien and back to Taipei, our accommodation, and all the costs for food.

Hualien itinerary: in conclusion

That’s everything about our 3-day trip to Hualien! We had a great time and I hope I've inspired you to visit Hualien county.

You can download the Hualien things to do checklist below.

Looking for more Taiwan travel tips ? Check out these posts:

• Best beaches in Taiwan
• Taipei day trips
• Taiwan travel budget
• Things to do in Kaohsiung
• Things to do in Taichung
• Things to do in Tainan
• Things to do in Taitung
• Where to stay in Taiwan on a budget

This post was updated in February 2023.

Wednesday 29th of November 2017

Hi Lotte, I will be making a solo budget trip mid Jan to Feb 2018. Thanks for the great info. Just a few question. 1) are there cheap guesthouses in Kaoshiang city, preferably with windows that you have come across? I have booked online hotels in the past and always the photos don't match the real thing.

2) What is the maximum ATM withdrawal in Taiwan dollars per one time.? I am using my Visa debit card.

3) any problems using simple english with the locals?

4) are the street signs in chinese and also english for tourist to get around?

Thank you James

Friday 1st of December 2017

Hello James,

Thanks for reading my Taiwan post:-). Great you'll be going there in Jan/Feb! About your questions:

1. The Airbnb I stayed at in Kaohsiung had big windows and even a balcony. Since that's the only place I stayed in Kaohsiung I don't know about other hotels. You can find all the information in my accommodation post: https://www.phenomenalglobe.com/budget-accommodation-taiwan/. 2. The maximum withdrawal is 20.000NT, not all banks work with all bank cards so just try a couple and see which branches work with your visa card (I have a Maestro and Mastercard so unfortunately don't know which banks accept visa). 3. It depends on where you are but yes, that could very well be a problem. In Taipei most people speak a little English, but even there we came across small restaurants or shops where people didn't understand us at all. It helps to have a internet, you can use google translate to communicate. Taiwanese people are extremely friendly and always willing to help even if they don't speak English so don't worry about it! You can mine and sign your way around. It sometimes means you'll end up eating a very surprising dish;-). 4. Many signs are only Chinese, I recommend downloading the maps.me app and make sure you have the offline map for Taiwan. Mark your hostel/hotel on the map so you'll always know where to return to. Or take a business card if the hotel has one so you can give it to a taxi driver and he'll know where to take you.

Taiwan is a beautiful country with amazing people and delicious food, I'm sure you'll have a great time! Enjoy:-) Lotte

Thursday 7th of September 2017

Thank you for existing! You make me travel in my mind :) ! Much love, please continue! Ange

Hi Ange, thank you so much for your kind comment, you made my day! I'll write many more travel stories for you:-) Lotte

Friday 1st of September 2017

What an adventure, Lotte! Ever since I went to Hong Kong I have wanted to explore more of Asia. The color of the sea in your photos takes me back to the crystal blue ocean in the Bahamas. Stunning!

It was definitely an adventure! I love Asia... The people are so kind, the temples are beautiful, the food is the best in the world and nature is spectacular. Though you make the Bahamas also sound pretty good;-)

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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.

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3-Day Hualien Itinerary: Exploring Mountains to Sea

Welcome to Hualien, a hidden gem on Taiwan’s east coast, known for its breathtaking landscapes that stretch from towering mountains to pristine beaches. This comprehensive 3-day itinerary is designed to guide you through the best of Hualien, from the renowned Taroko Gorge to the tranquil waters of Qixingtan Beach, encompassing adventure, cultural exploration, and culinary indulgence. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a foodie, Hualien has something special for you.

Day 1: The Heart of Nature – Taroko Gorge

Start your adventure in Hualien with a visit to the awe-inspiring Taroko Gorge , a must-see attraction that showcases the natural beauty of Taiwan. Taroko National Park offers various trails that cater to all fitness levels, each presenting unique sights such as towering marble cliffs, deep gorges, and serene rivers.

• Trail Recommendation: Begin with the Shakadang Trail for an easy yet scenic route, followed by a more challenging hike to the Zhuilu Old Trail, offering stunning views of the gorge below.
• Lunch: Enjoy a picnic with local snacks from the Hualien market, or visit the Silks Place Taroko hotel for a more upscale dining experience.
• Afternoon Exploration: Continue to explore the park’s highlights, including the Eternal Spring Shrine and Swallow Grotto.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Culinary Delights

On your second day, delve into Hualien’s rich culture and tantalizing food scene. Begin your day at the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park , where you can learn about local crafts and traditions. Later, embark on a culinary journey through Hualien’s vibrant night markets.

• Morning Activity: Visit the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park to see artisans at work and purchase unique souvenirs.
• Lunch: Sample traditional Taiwanese dishes at popular local restaurants, such as Dongdamen Night Market.
• Evening: End your day with a relaxed stroll along the Hualien Harbor, witnessing the beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Day 3: Serenity by the Sea – Qixingtan Beach and Beyond

Conclude your Hualien adventure with a day dedicated to the serene beauty of the Pacific coastline. Qixingtan Beach offers not just a picturesque setting but a peaceful retreat to reflect on your journey.

• Morning Activity: Start with a sunrise viewing at Qixingtan Beach, where the calm waters and pebble shoreline create a tranquil atmosphere.
• Lunch: Enjoy seafood at one of the many restaurants overlooking the beach, offering fresh catches of the day.
• Afternoon Leisure: Visit the Hualien Stone Sculpture Park to admire artwork crafted from the area’s famous marble.

Accommodation Suggestions

Whether you’re seeking luxury or traveling on a budget, Hualien offers a range of accommodations to enhance your stay.

• Luxury: Silks Place Taroko Hotel – Nestled within Taroko National Park, offering premium facilities and stunning gorge views.
• Mid-range: Parkview Hotel Hualien – Comfort and convenience in a beautiful location, with easy access to local attractions.
• Budget: Hualien Wow Hostel – Modern, clean, and affordable, perfect for backpackers and solo travelers.

Dining Recommendations

Hualien’s diverse culinary scene is a reflection of its cultural melting pot, offering everything from traditional Taiwanese snacks to contemporary fusion dishes.

• Zhu Xin Ju Dumpling Restaurant: Known for its dumplings and noodle dishes, a must-visit for comfort food lovers.
• Gongzheng Baozi: A favorite spot for steamed buns, with a variety of fillings to choose from.
• Dot Café: Perfect for coffee enthusiasts and those seeking a quick, delicious brunch.

Travel Tips and Cultural Insights

Understanding local customs and knowing a few travel tips can enhance your Hualien experience significantly.

• Language: Mandarin is the official language. Knowing basic phrases can be helpful, though many locals also speak some English.
• Transport: Renting a scooter or bicycle offers flexibility for exploring Hualien’s scenic routes at your own pace.
• Cultural Etiquette: Respect local traditions and environmental guidelines, especially when visiting natural and sacred sites.

Day Trips from Hualien

While Hualien offers plenty to explore within its boundaries, its surrounding areas are also replete with natural beauty and unique attractions. Here are a few day trips to consider:

• Ruisui: Known for its hot springs and scenic countryside, it’s a perfect retreat for relaxation and experiencing rural Taiwan.
• Yilan: Easily accessible by train, Yilan offers a mix of cultural attractions, hot springs, and beautiful landscapes.
• East Rift Valley: A stunning geographical area filled with rice paddies, hot springs, and quaint villages, ideal for biking and exploration.

Local Festivals and Events

Hualien’s calendar is dotted with vibrant festivals and events that showcase its rich cultural tapestry. Participating in these festivities can provide deeper insights into the local way of life.

• Hualien Ocean Park Whale Watching: An annual event where visitors can embark on boat tours to catch glimpses of migrating whales and dolphins.
• Amis Harvest Festival: Celebrated by the indigenous Amis people, this festival features traditional dances, music, and feasts.
• Lantern Festival: A magical experience where thousands of lanterns light up the night sky, marking the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Unique Culinary Traditions of Hualien

The gastronomic landscape of Hualien is as diverse as its culture, with unique dishes and flavors that are a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage.

• Mochi: A popular local snack made from glutinous rice, available in various flavors.
• Mulberry wine: An exotic local specialty made from the abundant mulberries found in the region.
• Flying fish: A delicacy among the indigenous tribes, especially during the flying fish season.

Hualien’s Hidden Gems

Beyond the well-trodden paths, Hualien hides several secret spots that offer tranquility and beauty, away from the crowds.

• Shihtiping: Astonishing rock formations along the coast that create natural pools and breathtaking scenery.
• Liyu Lake: A serene lake perfect for a leisurely day of cycling or paddle boating, surrounded by stunning mountain views.
• Mukumugi Valley: A hidden valley with crystal clear turquoise waters, ideal for a refreshing swim or hike.

Preparing for Your Trip to Hualien

To make the most of your Hualien adventure, here are some tips to prepare for your trip:

• Weather: Check the seasonal weather in advance and pack accordingly. Hualien can experience rain throughout the year, so a lightweight raincoat is advisable.
• Transport Bookings: If you plan to rent a car or scooter, book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Accommodation: Hualien offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cozy homestays. Booking early can secure you the best spots at competitive prices.

Outdoor Adventures Beyond Taroko Gorge

While Taroko Gorge is a highlight for many visitors, Hualien’s landscape offers numerous other outdoor activities that cater to adventure seekers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences.

• Hehuanshan Mountain: A paradise for hikers and nature lovers, offering breathtaking sunrise views and stunning stargazing opportunities.
• Rafting on the Hualien River: Experience the thrill of white-water rafting through the scenic gorges of Hualien.
• Paragliding in Fuli: For a bird’s-eye view of Hualien’s lush landscapes and the Pacific Ocean, try paragliding in Fuli.

Engage with Local Crafts and Tradition

Hualien is not just known for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural tapestry and tradition of craftsmanship. Take time to engage with these local practices for a memorable experience.

• Stone Carving Experience: Hualien is famous for its marble and stone carving. Participate in workshops and take home a unique souvenir crafted by your own hands.
• Indigenous Culture Experience: Visit one of the indigenous tribes to learn about their traditions, music, and crafts. Engaging directly with the local communities is both enlightening and respectful.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Travel in Hualien

As you explore the natural wonders of Hualien, consider ways to reduce your environmental footprint and travel sustainably. Here are some tips:

• Eco-Tours: Opt for tours that emphasize sustainability and respect for the environment. These can include guided nature walks, eco-friendly farming experiences, and visits to conservation areas.
• Support Local: Choose accommodations, restaurants, and shops that are locally owned and operated. This not only enhances your experience but also supports the local economy.
• Leave No Trace: While exploring Hualien’s parks and outdoor areas, make sure to follow the principles of Leave No Trace to preserve the beauty for future visitors.

Practical Information for Travelers to Hualien

Before embarking on your journey to Hualien, here are some practical tips to ensure a smooth trip.

• Getting There: Hualien can be reached by train from Taipei, offering scenic views of Taiwan’s east coast. The Hualien Airport also serves flights from select destinations.
• Local Currency: Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). While major cards are accepted in many places, cash is still king in local markets and smaller establishments.
• Emergency Services: In case of emergency, dial 110 for police and 119 for ambulance and fire services. It’s advisable to have travel insurance for peace of mind.

Your 3-day journey in Hualien, from the lush mountains of Taroko Gorge to the calming seas of Qixingtan Beach, presents a unique blend of adventure, culture, and tranquility. Hualien is not just a destination but an experience, offering memories that will last a lifetime.

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30+ Things to Do in Hualien (besides Taroko Gorge!)

As you’ve most likely already heard, a massive earthquake struck Hualien on the east coast of Taiwan on April 3, 2024 and there have been hundreds of aftershocks since then.

The earthquake severely damaged Taroko Gorge , Hualien’s premier attraction. As I write this one week after the disaster, they are still conducting search and rescue, and the gorge will be closed to visitors for an estimated 6 months to 1 year.

Unsurprisingly, the news resulted in mass cancellations, as thousands of visitors tried to find alternative destinations in Taiwan to replace Hualien. This has already severely impacted many small businesses in Hualien, who are now asking visitors to still come .

I spend two days in Hualien in early May, a month after the earthquake. Things were very quiet, but everything I wanted to visit was still open. I only suggest that you continue to avoid any mountain areas around the city for the time being, as aftershocks continue (I experience three while I was there.

In this article, I’ll introduce over 30 things you can still do in Hualien despite Taroko Gorge being closed , including both Hualien city and across Hualien county.

Also check out the many Hualien tours offered by Island Life Taiwan and find out where to stay in Hualien in my Hualian travel guide .

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Hualien City Center

Hualien city was moderately damaged by the earthquake. A few buildings toppled and are currently being removed. Some hotels have closed temporarily for repairs, while most remain open. The following are places you can visit in the city.

Dongdamen Night Market

Dondamen is one of the coolest night markets in Taiwan . It is the best night market for sampling Taiwanese aboriginal foods – in fact, the Aboriginal Food Street here takes up a quarter of the whole night market.

Dongdamen is also less crowded than most other night markets (especially now with the drop in tourism), making it great for kids. It is also one of the few that features live music.

When I visited post-earthquake, the night market was very quiet but still open. On my first night (a rainy weeknight) it was almost totally dead, with only around 10-20% off stalls open and almost no on there. It was very sad!

However, the second night (a Friday and not raining) it was much better, with more than half the stalls open and more and more market-goers.

Aboriginal Cooking or Hunting Class

Visitors rave about the aboriginal cooking and archery classes in Hualien, and this is one of the most personal ways that you can experience Taiwanese indigenous culture.

In the Karenko Cooking Class (book on Klook or on Cookly ), you will visit local Hualien markets and a small garden on site, then learn how to cook Amis aboriginal dishes from a local person.

The class only needs a minimum of 2 people to run, with two time choices per day, and there’s a vegetarian option.

For a totally different aboriginal experience, you can learn how to use their traditional weapons in this hunting class , with aboriginal meal included. This one is located in Ji’an township, south of Hualien city center.

Coastal Parks & Cycling

There are some lovely coastal parks right in Hualien city. With kids, head to Taipingyang Park (太平洋公園), where there is a cool pirate-themed playground. You can play on the rocks down by the water, but swimming is not allowed here (or at any beaches or coastal parks around Hualien) due to the strong current.

Also check out Beibin Park (北濱公園) just north of the latter. This one has a cool pebble beach (like a mini version of Qixingtan – see below). For a sunset snack or drink in the park, head to 戶不閉 chill chill here .

There’s no YouBike in Hualien, but you can rent a bike here between the two coastal parks for cycling up and down the coast . I highly recommend cycling to Qixingtan and back!

Cool Temples and Shrines

There are several cool temples and shrines worth seeing in Hualien city. In the city center, Hualien Martyr’s Shrine (花蓮忠烈祠) was a former Shinto shrine (from the Japanese colonial period) converted into shrine for “martyrs” of the Republic of China.

The shrine is overdue for repairs (even before the earthquake), but it can be lovely when lit up around golden hour / sunset.

Tzu Chi, one of the four major Buddhist organizations in Taiwan, is headquartered in Hualien city, where they run a huge Buddhist complex and university.

The best spot to visit is the Tzu Chi Cultural Park (慈濟文化園區), 15 minutes’ walk west of Hualien train station. The highlight is the large gray Meditation Hall, or Jingsi Hall (慈濟花蓮靜思堂), whose roof is shaped like the character for people (人).

The organization also has an even more beautiful temple here in Xincheng .

In Ji’an township, south of Hualien city center, Ji’an Qingxiu Temple (吉安慶修院) is another temple worth visiting.

This is an original Japanese Shinto shrine which is one of the best-preserved in all of Taiwan. Visit it on the way to Starbucks Container Store, Liyu Lake, or road trips down Highway 9 (see next section for all of those).

Meeting Animals at Zhang Family Garden

Zhang Family Garden (張家の樹園, here ) is a very typical attraction for Taiwan (you can find these all over the country) which combines animals, “Japanese” theme, and lots of selfie opportunities.

It’s not very big, but I still enjoyed my visit here. I met baby ducks, capybaras, meerkats, alpacas, sika deer, and a room full of cuddly cats. I do admit some of the cages were really small, so this isn’t the most ethical animal experience.

Entrance of TWD 200 includes a free room full of kimonos/qipaos and accessories, so you can dress up for taking pictures in the garden or with the animals.

The 200 fee includes 100 which can be used towards coffee or a meal in the room overlooking the garden. It’s in Ji’an township south of Hualien city center, near Ji’an Qingxiu temple.

Here are other places to visit capybaras and wear kimonos in Taiwan .

Other City Attractions

Hualien Railway Culture Park (花蓮鐵道文化園區) is an old Japanese railway station on a decommissioned line. You can see the original station and some old locomotives on display. While it’s a little small and there isn’t much to see, it’s an easy stop just before you get to Dongdamen Night Market.

About 10 minutes north of there on foot, Old Railway Pedestrian Street (舊鐵道行人徒步區) is a street of cute cafés, shops, bars, and street art along the old railway line. It’s best to visit in the early evening.

Pine Garden (松園別館) is a group of buildings which served as an administrative office for the Japanese Navy during WWII. The buildings include an air raid shelter, calm pine tree garden, and pine needle ice cream.

It’s not really a must-see, but an easy add-on if you’re visiting Martyr’s Shrine nearby. Entrance is TWD 60, and you can use 30 of that towards pine juice or pine ice cream from the cafe onsite.

Places to Visit around Hualien City

The following activities and things to do are located just outside the Hualien city center.

Qixingtan Beach

Qixingtan (七星潭) is one of the most picturesque beaches in all of Taiwan . This is a long, pebble beach on the coast just north of Hualien city. When Taroko Gorge is open, most Taroko tours usually include a stop at it.

Like most beaches on the east coast, you can’t swim, but it’s still a gorgeous spot to suntan or enjoy the epic views looking up the coast.

You can also rent bikes here at Qinxingtan for riding the cycling paths up and down the coast. You can even ride to Hualien city and arrange for them to meet you and pick up the bike from you there, but you may need some Mandarin skills to make this happen.

If you like fish flakes (a common ingredient in Taiwanese and Japanese cooking), Chisingtan Katsuo Museum (七星柴魚博物館, official site ) is a whole museum dedicated to them. You can learn all about kutsuo/bonito, how the are caught, and how they are processed into flakes.

There are also hands on activities for kids, including touching real starfish, and DIY activities like making takoyaki. Half of your TWD 100 entrance fee can go towards dried fish crisps or other products. It’s on the main road just before the beach.

Hualien tourist shuttle 310 (Hualien station to Taroko Gorge) normally stops at Qinxingtan on the way, but the bus is canceled for now due to Taroko Gorge closing. Take a taxi from Hualien or check GoogleMaps directions for other bus options.

ATV Riding on the Beach

Another popular adventure activity around Hualien city is ATV (quad) riding on the beach. This is the most popular one and includes some “sky tower” selfie spots on the beach.

It is located on Mambo Beach in Xincheng – you can take a taxi from Hualien city or ride the train one stop to Xincheng (the town at the entrance to Taroko Gorge) then walk (40 min) or take a short taxi ride to the meeting point.

Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours

Taiwan is one of the best places in this world for dolphin and whale watching, with 31 out of a total 90 species in the world. The best places to do this are off the coast of Yilan and Hualien.

This is the most popular whale watching tour in Hualien , but if you search around on Klook, there are several others. While it’s most common to see dolphins, you also have the chance to see humpbacks, killer whales, sperm whales, and pygmy killer whales.

The season runs from April to October, with summer being the peak and best time to see them. Tours run multiple times per day and the activity takes around 2.5 hours in total. The harbor is at the northeastern corner of the city.

One concern for the time being is that tours will only run if they get enough participants. But with locals and foreign tourists alike avoiding Hualien these days, this may happen. If your tour is cancelled, they will tell you only 1-2 days in advance.

Liyu (Carp) Lake

Liyu Lake (鯉魚潭) is a small, pretty lake southwest of Hualien city center and Ji’an township.

You can hire a bicycle here to do the easy circuit around the lake. It only takes about 30 minutes to cycle or one hour to walk around the lake. You can also rent small paddleboats for padding on the lake.

It takes about an hour to get here by public transportation – use GoogleMaps for bus or bus + train options from Hualien city center.

In the past, I would also recommend that you visit nearby Emerald Valley (翡翠谷) and Mugumuyu (慕谷慕魚生態廊道) for scenery similar to Shakadang trail in Taroko Gorge. However, these areas were closed due to landslide damage even before the earthquake, so they are even less possible to visit now. There’s a police roadblock and they won’t let tourists through.

Three Cool Starbucks

There are three very cool Starbucks in Hualien, two south of the city, and one on the coastal highway north to Yilan.

The nearest one to the city center is the iconic Starbucks Contain Store here in Ji’an township. The café is built out of 29 recycled shipping containers stacked at 90-degree angles. Make the trip just for the café, or include it as a stop when driving south to Highway 11 or 9.

Further south in Shoufeng township, Starbucks Promiseland is another unique Starbucks which is associated with Promiseland Resort nearby.

It has a fairy-tale design and overlooks a picturesque pond. National Dong Hwa University (國立東華大學) nearby features similarly beautiful scenery.

Yet another cool Starbucks is located here in Xiulin township, on the coastal highway near the border with Yilan county.

However, this highway was severely damaged in the recently earthquake and the damaged spot is currently only open to small cars three times per day (8 to 9 AM, 12 to 1 PM, and 5 to 7 PM) – you’ll need to plan accordingly if you want to drive between the two counties.

Swimming Spots

If you want to go for a swim, here are a few natural or semi-natural swimming spots in Hualien worth seeking out. If you can’t drive, then let Island Life take you on this swimming-focused tour .

A remote swimming spot west of Hualien city center that can only be reached by scooter or small car is this swimming spot on Meilun River (美崙溪). River tracing groups also trace up the river from here. However, for the time being, I don’t really recommend this spot because it is in the mountains around Hualien, which are still subject to possible landslides as aftershocks continue.

Southwest of Hualien city, there’s a swimming spot here on the Baibao River (白鮑溪), which can easily be visited in combination with Liyu Lake or at the start/end of road trips down Highway 9. Locals love this spot for swimming and barbecues by the river in summer. It’s safe to visit as it’s not in the mountains.

On the opposite side of the river, there’s another swimming spot (only sizeable in summer after rain) and cycling trail to a waterfall starting here .

Nearby, up a small road behind Chinan Recreation Area (see hiking section below) and even closer to Liyu Lake, there are similar swimming spots here and here on the Miyanwan River (米亞丸溪). The road up to them is very narrow – a scooter would be best, but a car can fit (barely!) The same road continues up to Rainbow Waterfall (彩虹瀑布) here . These are also safe.

Near Xincheng and the entrance to Taroko Gorge, there’s are a few great swimming spots on Sanzhan River here and here , in a small aboriginal village called Sanzhan (三棧). The water is extremely clear, there are rocks where you can jump in, and the scenery around the village is stunning.

Farglory Ocean Park

At the start of Highway 11 down the coast south of Hualien, Farglory Ocean Park (遠雄海洋公園) is a marine-focused amusement park, with a few rides, marine mammal shows, and aquarium for kids.

A half-hour drive from Hualien city center, families can even consider to stay here at the connected Farglory Resort as their base for visiting Hualien. The resort also offers a sleepover in the aquarium and a glamping experience .

Selfie Spots & Capybaras

There are a few places in Hualien designed specifically for taking selfies. These would also be fun for kids.

In Ji’an township just south of Hualien city, near Ji’an Qingxiu Temple, there’s a popular Japanese-themed village / animal zoo here called Zhang’s Tree Garden (張家の樹園). Like so many other places like it in Taiwan, it’s set up for visitors to take tons of selfies, with kimono rentals, Japanese-style shrines, and animals like capybaras, sika deer, and meerkats.

At the start of coastal Highway 11, just before Farglory Ocean park, there’s another selfie park called Mountain Space (山度空間) here . It features a variety of selfie platforms and reflecting pools with the ocean or coast in the background (see image above).

Five minutes’ drive past Farglory, there’s another Japanese-themed one called Yueywan Children’s Farm (月崖灣親子農場) here . This one has Japanese red torii gates, kimono rentals, capybaras, alpacas, and more selfie spots with ocean background. It’s just past Henan temple.

Here are other places to rent kimonos or qipaos and see capybaras across Taiwan .

Best Hikes that Are Still Open

To the west of Ji’an township, you can walk up to several viewpoints of the city. Marked Maplewood Trail (楓林步道, here ) and White Cloud Trail (白雲步道, here ) on GoogleMaps, these are actually narrow vehicle roads but with minimal traffic.

However, since these are on the side of the mountain, I don’t recommend them until the aftershocks have finished.

A safer spot even now is Chinan National Forest Recreation Area (池南國家森林遊樂區, official site ). This is a smaller version of the more famous Alishan and Taipingshan – a former logging area where you can still see many relics of the industry, including old logging trains.

There are short and easy trails suitable for families or a longer (60- to 90-minute) forest trail. It’s near Liyu Lake, and the longer trail offers views looking down on the lake (see above image).

Further south in Hualien county, Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area (富源國家森林遊樂區, official site ) is known as Butterfly Valley for its many butterflies. It has a lovely riverside trail to two suspension bridges and a tall waterfall. Budget about two hours return. There’s also a hot spring spa near the start of the trail here .

This would be a small detour if you’re driving down highway 9. It’s an hour and 15 minutes’ drive from Hualien city center.

In Yuli township of southern Hualien county (also on Highway 9), you can even hike a little into Yushan National Park (Yushan is the tallest mountain Taiwan). The trail starts here , just past the impressive Nanan Falls . You can walk the first 4.5 kilometers, called Badongguan Ancient Trail (八通關古道).

The trail features stunning scenery, waterfalls, suspension bridges, and when we did it, lots of macaques. You can hike as far as the Jiaxin Stone House here .

After that, it becomes the Walami Trail , which requires a permit. You’d need a scooter to reach the trailhead or you can try to ride a bike there, but the road to it is uphill.  

Highway 9 to Taitung

The parallel highways 9 and 11 from Hualien to Taitung are both open and free to explore post-earthquake.

Highway 9 runs through the scenic East Rift Scenic Valley (花東縱谷). Flanked by mountain ranges on either side, the valley is filled with rice paddies and cute little towns.

One option is to join one of Island Life Taiwan’s tours down this highway or contact them to arrange a private driver and make your own itinerary.

Alternatively, rent a car in Hualien city and do it on your own. There are too many small stops for me to introduce on this route, so I recommend that you read my east coast road trip guide: Highway 9 section for planning your trip.  

Yet another option is to ride the train from Hualien to Yuli (玉里, see here ), where you can rent a bicycle to cycle through the rice paddies in the area or ride a scooter to Nanan Waterfall, Badongguan Ancient Trail (see hiking section above), and Antong Hot Spring.

You could also ride the train further south to towns in Taitung like Chishang for even better cycling in rice paddies or Luye for exploring the countryside and tea plantations there.

Highway 11 to Taitung

Another option for traveling south in Hualien is the coastal Highway 11. There are fewer “must-see” attractions on this route, but the coastal scenery is spectacular and there are several roadside stops with scenic views and cute artworks.

Once you reach Taitung, Sanxiantai is a must.

There’s no train down this highway, so you’ll either need to join a tour , contact Island Life to arrange a driver, or rent a car and drive yourself. See my guide to renting a car in Taiwan .

It is possible to see both highways in one trip – take Highway 9 down to Yuli, then cross Highway 30 to the coast for the remaining stretch down to Sanxiantai and Dulan surfing village in Taitung. You can even drive as far as Kenting National Park on the southern tip of Taiwan.

See my east coast road trip guide: Highway 11 section for all the info.

Visiting Taipei & Taiwan in December 2024

What to eat at tonghua (linjiang street) night market in taipei, 10 thoughts on “30+ things to do in hualien (besides taroko gorge)”.

Hi Nick, your site is so helpful. Wondering about the dolphin watch and if the cruises would be calm or nausea-inducing. Thanks!

It will depend on the wind and ocean conditions on that day. But usually it’s a little bumpy, so for those who easily feel motion sickness, it might be better to take some motion sickness medication. You can buy some at any pharmacy in taiwan – ask for 暈車藥

Hey Nick thanks for this very up to date article. Do you know if this is currently a good moment for the whale and dolphin watch tours?

I’m not 100% sure. Surely the boat tour companies hope people will come. But unfortunately, because so many people are cancelling their trips to Hualien right now, they may not have the numbers to run the tours. Most of them will only run a tour if they have enough participants. If they don’t get enough, they won’t bother going out. So even if you purchase a tour say on Klook, they may message you 1-2 days before to say the trip is canceled. Another issue I’m not sure about is whether all the recent earthquakes (there have been hundreds in the last month) will scare off the marine wildlife. Someone asked about this in my group, and I don’t know enough about whale and dolphin behavior to know whether the vibrations would make them leave the area or not.

This is so useful and helpful. I am currently looking into other activities to replace the day planned for Taroko. Will be looking forward to your May update

The article is now updated!

Thanks for the article, really helpful! Do you recommend visiting Qingshui Cliff or is it unsafe?

Hi Nick, thanks again for the updates. FYI, Farglory Ocean Park is closed until May 31 per website notice in case anyone asks. Cheers

Thanks for letting us know!

It’s tough to visit right now due to the road closures. The road is only open 3 times per day currently (6-8, 12-1, 5-7). And even during those times, I think some of the main pullovers/viewpoints are closed. I’m not sure whether there will be anywhere to easily stop and view the cliffs. They don’t really want tourists lingering there until the road is fully open and safe. But you could probably at least get some glimpses of the cliffs if you just drive through.

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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 3 days itinerary — the suggested taiwan hualien itinerary & how to spend 3 days in hualien perfectly.

Besides many popular tourist attractions in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Tainan, … Hualien is also one of the beautiful and worthy places for you to visit and experience at least once. Do you know, Hualien is one of the destinations with the most pristine and majestic natural scenery in Taiwan with high mountains and vast blue ocean that makes tourists’ hearts race. How many day in Hualien is enough? I think 2 days but to fully explore Hualien you should spend 3 days. So, what to do in Hualien for 3 days? Let’s check out our suggested hualien 3 days itinerary (Taiwan Hualien itinerary 3 days) on how to spend 3 days in Hualien perfectly to find out the answer!

• Where to go in Hualien? — 9+ must-go, best Hualien places to visit & suggested 3 days in Hualien itinerary
• What to do in Hualien? — 10 must, best things to do in Hualien & top things to do in Hualien
• Hualien travel blog — How to spend 2 days in Hualien (Hualien 2 days itinerary) perfectly?
• Taiwan itinerary 10 days — What to do & How to spend 10 days in Taiwan perfectly?
• Visit Din Tai Fung Taipei Original (Din Tai Fung Xinyi) — Tasting the best dimsum at the best dimsum restaurant in the world

To explore all Hualien city in one trip, Living Nomads recommends you spend 3 days 2 nights in Hualien! Now, let us suggest you the best things you should try in Hualien!

Taiwan Hualien itinerary: How to get to from Taipei to Hualien?

The easiest way is to take a train because the train runs straight from Taipei that only takes about 2-2.5 hours to get to Hualien. However, you should book tickets online early about 2 weeks to avoid run out of tickets! Ticket price is TWD 440/way.

Take a flight of Uni Air from Taipei to Hualien for 1.633 TWD/way.

If you drive, it will takes 3-4 hours but Living Nomads does not recommend you to drive by yourself, due to the road from Taipei to Hualien has places with landslides, so it is very difficult to drive and dangerous if you not familiar in travel routes.

Take the bus and take the train

If you cannot buy train tickets, you have another option is to travel by bus and then take the train to Hualien. The time will be longer than taking the one straight train, usually you will take 4-5 hours of traveling.

You can buy combo tickets for bus and train by:

Step 1: Buy one-way ticket from Taipei to Loudong at Taipei Bus Station, Taipei City Hall Bus Station, Xincheng (Taroko) Railway Station and Hualien Railway Station. At Taipei Main Station, you can buy tickets of Kamalan Bus and at Taipei City Hall Bus Station, find Capital Bus to buy tickets!

The ticket price for bus + train combo is 222 TWD. If you buy single ticket, it will be more expensive, so we recommend you buying combo tickets, which is more convenient and more economical!

Step 2: The bus takes you to Luodong station, from here you transfer to the train station to continue on to Hualien! You can change to fast train at the ticket counter (about 73 TWD).

To getting from Hualien to Taipei, you also go similarly above!

Rent a private car

If you are traveling with a group of 3 or more people and plan to visit Hualien within 1 day, you can choose a private car rental service to make your own itinerary and take the initiative.

Book your Hualien Day Tour Now!

Done with the transportation, now hurry up to note yourself the top things to do, best places to visit in Hualien in 3 days (Hualien 3 days itinerary, Taiwan Hualien itinerary for 3 days) as below.

Hualien 3 days itinerary — Day 1

Rafting on the hsiukuluan river.

Hsiukuluan River will bring you the best rafting experience in Taiwan for you. Even if you have never rowed, do not worry because the rapids are very safe for beginners and you will be guided enthusiastically and carefully by the guide. The best time to go rafting is from April to October. This is an ideal activity to relieve stress and conquer your limits, so try once to enjoy the natural scenery with rafting adventure! We ensure you will feeling very exciting, and your spirits will become much refreshed!

• Location: Hsiang Sun River Rafting Center, No. 216, Section 3, Zhongshan Road, Ruisui Township, Hualien.
• How to get there: If you choose a private transfer service in Hualien or Ruisui, it will takes about 1.5 hours each way from your hotel to Hsiang Sun Surfing Center
• Start time: 9am and 11am
• End of experience time: about 2pm and 4pm
• Cost: 497.21 TWD – 994.46 TWD (depending on service package)

Living Nomads’s suggestion: Because there are no local buses and it is difficult to catch the car to get back to the hotel, so you should choose the package that included transfer service for a more comfortable and convenient experience.

Klook Now Rafting On The Hsiukuluan River

Visiting Guangfu Sugar Factory (Hualien Tourism Sugar Factory)

Guangfu sugar factory has been present since 1913 and has been one of the region’s largest sugar production facilities. Currently, the factory is no longer in operation but has been changed to a place to visit. In addition to the Japanese-style wooden house architecture, the Guangfu Sugar Factory also attracts many visitors thanks to its delicious ice cream dish with over 30 attractive types.

• Address: No. 19, Tangchang St., Dajin Vil., Guangfu Township, Hualien
• How to get there: Take the Taitung train line and get off at Guangfu Station, then walk for about 10 minutes to get there.
• Ice cream price: about 19.57/stick
• Opening hours: 8am – 8pm

3 days in Hualien — Day 2

Hualien farglory ocean park.

Surrounded by mountains and the blue sea, Farglory Ocean Park has a beautiful view. It only takes you about 30 minutes from Hualien center to come here!

Farglory Ocean has 8 theme areas, focusing on introducing the world of blue ocean including: Brighton by the Sea, Crystal Castle, Discovery Island, Dolphin Lagoon, Harbor Square, Main Street, Mariner’s Cove, and Underwater Kingdom. In addition to thrilling games, visitors can also watch the performances of dolphins and seals that extremely interesting. In addition, the park also serves cable car, very suitable for the elderly and children.

• Address: No.189, Fude, Yanliao Village, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County
• Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 6pm / Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 9am – 6pm

How to get there?

1. Take bus number 1127, 1140, 1145 at Hualien Raiway Station to Farglory Ocean Park (Fare 51 TWD/way and takes about 35 minutes). 2. Take a taxi: about 400 TWD/way, takes about 25 minutes. 3. Take the transit bus when you booking park tickets via Klook

Klook your Farglory Ocean park tickets

Hualien 3 days itinerary — Day 3

Dolphin and whale watching.

Hualien is an ideal place to enjoy the special dolphin and whale performances. In every spring and summer every year, it is easy to see many whales appearing in eastern Huadong. You can see many species of whales like humpback whale, killer whale, sperm whale, fake killer whale and dwarf sperm whale and many mischievous, lovable dolphins like dolphins spinner, bottlenose dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin and Chinese white dolphin.

Each tour of the dolphin and whale watching will last for 2.5 hours and you can choose the appropriate time period because there are up to 3-4 tours/day.

• Location: 37 Minquan Street, Hualien City: 花蓮市民權路37號 (多羅滿)
• Departure time: 8:00 am / 10:00 am / 1:30 pm

Our suggestions:

• Book a tour during the best whale watching season from April to October
• If you’re come from Hualien city, you can choose a transfer package and pick up from your hotel in Hualien city center, which is both economical and faster than taking public transportation.

Klook Dolphin and Whale Watching In Hualien Now!

Qixingtan Beach

Qixingtan Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Taiwan, with beautiful natural scenery and blue waves day and night hitting the shore. The coast is covered with unique small colorful pebbles. You can come here to hang out and see the majestic Qingshui cliff far away in the day or you can also watch the stars sparkling at night. Not too crowded, Qixingtan beach deserves a place to bring you wonderful relaxing moments.

• Address: Haian Road, Xincheng Town, Hualien
• Opening hours: 24/24
• How to get there: From Hualien, take bus number 105 and get off at Qixingtan station (20 minutes)

Having experienced of traveling and travel itinerary in detail, why not invite your friends to visit Taiwan at the end of this year, guys? Before you go, remember to buy in advance 4G SIM card to enjoy texting, posting beautiful check-in photos on Facebook and Instagram!

Klook Now Taiwan’s 4G SIM Card (Receiving at Taiwan Airport) by “Welldone”

Taiwan still has many other attractions that are equally interesting! Discover more interesting destinations in Taiwan here .

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)

If you have only 2 days in Hualien, check out our suggested Hualien itinerary 2 days here . And are you looking for more top things to do in Hualien: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Check out here .

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Sample TAIPEI-HUALIEN ITINERARIES: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Days

“If you could visit only one destination in Taiwan, make it the East Coast,” our guide shared confidently. Her description of this side of the island was so peppered with superlatives, it sparked a curiosity in me so hard that I found myself on the train to Hualien just two months later.

Hualien City is the gateway to the East Coast. Our guide was right. The East Coast is definitely one of the most breathtaking destinations in Taiwan. A journey along the shore and into the canyons will treat you with a bombardment of scenic views. The best part, Hualien is easily accessible from Taipei.

If you’re flying to Taipei soon, you might want to consider squeezing Hualien into your itinerary.

Tip: For a hassle-free trip, rent a pocket wi-fi!

If your entry point is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, rent a Pocket Wifi so you stay connected when you travel. This device can accommodate up to 5 devices at once. Klook’s wifi rental service also provides unlimited 4G data with no decelaration to 3G. You can pick it up at Taipei Taoyuan Airport. The number of available units so reserve one as soon as you can.

Here are some sample Taipei-Hualien itineraries. If you choose to use this as your guide, please take note that these itineraries assume the following:

• You’re flying in and out of Taipei Taoyuan International Airport.
• You’re staying near the Main Station in Taipei and near Hualien Train Station in Hualien. These are strategic locations because most key attractions will be easy to reach.

We also put Hualien earlier in the itinerary because it’s farther than Taipei. This way, since you’re already in Taipei on your last day, there is less risk of missing your flight out.

As always, feel free to make some changes to these itineraries to better suit your flight schedule and other travel preferences.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Taipei-Hualien Itinerary: 3 Days

This itinerary will allow you to tour Taroko Gorge, Hualien City, and Taipei City.

Duration: 3 days, 2 nights Stops: 2 nights in Hualien, Taipei day tour Places to visit: Taroko Gorge, night market, Pine Garden, Martyr’s Shrine and Stone Art Avenue in Hualien; Taipei 101, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, and Shilin Night Market in Taipei

Day 1: DIY HUALIEN CITY TOUR 10:05am – Arrival at the airport 11:00am – MRT to Taipei Main Station, NT$160 12:58pm – Taroko Express train to Hualien, NT$440 01:00pm – Arrival at Hualien Station, walk to hotel 01:30pm – Hotel check in 02:00pm – Late lunch, NT$150 03:30pm – Martyr’s Shrine 04:30pm – Pine Garden, NT$50 06:00pm – Walk around town 07:30pm – Night market, Budget: NT$250 09:00pm – Cab to hotel, NT$100 10:00pm – Lights out

Cost Estimate: NT$4100 (USD133, SGD183, PHP7220, EUR115), not counting plane tickets and hotel.

Taipei-Hualien Itinerary: 4 Days

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights Stops: 2 nights in Hualien, 1 night in Taipei Places to visit: Taroko Gorge, night market, Pine Garden, Martyr’s Shrine and Stone Art Avenue in Hualien; Taipei 101, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, and Shilin Night Market in Taipei; Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu Geopark.

Cost Estimate: NT$5100 (USD166, SGD228, PHP8990, EUR143), not counting airfare and hotel.

Taipei-Hualien Itinerary: 5 Days

Duration: 5 days, 4 nights Stops: 2 nights in Hualien, 2 nights in Taipei Places to visit: Taroko Gorge, night market, Pine Garden, Martyr’s Shrine and Stone Art Avenue in Hualien; Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, Sun Yat Sen Memorial, Ximending, and Shilin Night Market in Taipei; Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu Geopark.

Cost Estimate: NT$5900 (USD192, SGD264, PHP10400, EUR165), excluding plane tickets and hotel.

Taipei-Hualien Itinerary: 6 Days

Duration: 6 days, 5 nights Stops: 3 nights in Hualien, 2 nights in Taipei Places to visit: Taroko Gorge, Dangdamen night market, Pine Garden, Hsiukuluan River Rafting, Martyr’s Shrine and Stone Art Avenue in Hualien; Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, Sun Yat Sen Memorial, Ximending, and Shilin Night Market in Taipei; Shifen, Jiufen, and Yehliu Geopark.

Cost Estimate: NT$7200 (USD234, SGD322, PHP12700, EUR201), excluding airfare, accommodations, and tips.

Hualien-Taipei Itinerary: 7 Days

Duration: 7 days, 6 nights Stops: 3 nights in Hualien, 3 nights in Taipei Places to visit: Taroko Gorge, Dangdamen night market, Pine Garden, Hsiukuluan River Rafting, Martyr’s Shrine and Stone Art Avenue in Hualien; Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, Sun Yat Sen Memorial, Elephant Mountain, Ximending, and Shilin Night Market in Taipei; Jiufen, Shifen, and Yehliu Geopark.

Day 4: FREE DAY, ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN 06:30am – Wake up call, hotel check out 08:30am – Puyuma train to Taipei, NT$440 11:30am – Hotel check in 12:00nn – Lunch, NT$150 01:00pm – Free time, rest 03:30pm – MRT to Xiangshan Station, NT$25 04:00pm – Walk and climb Elephant Mountain, FREE 05:30pm – Watch sunset 06:30pm – Trek down to city 07:30pm – Dinner, NT$150 09:00pm – Lights out

Cost Estimate: NT$7700 (USD250, SGD345, PHP13500, EUR215), excluding airfare, tips, and hotel.

Reminders and Tips

• Book your tickets and tours with Klook. I have provided links where you can purchase tickets or book tours. These are affiliate links, many of which offer discounts. You’ll also help our blog in the process if you purchase tickets via Klook.
• The fares and prices are just estimates. It’s meant to give just a ballpark figure. The actual costs may vary. Estimated costs do not include shopping budget and other expenses that are not indicated.
• Total cost estimates are bloated. We added a bit of allowance. Better overestimate than under.

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HUALIEN TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG (Budget + Itinerary)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Oct 3, 2018 | HUALIEN , Itinerary , TAIWAN , Travel Guide | 4 comments

They say travelers go to Hualien to soak up nature. Like most part of Taiwan’s East Coast, the natural environment here is unspoiled and the pace is unhurried.  The landscape here is impossibly picture-perfect that you have to travel to Hualien to believe they’re not photoshopped. Here, rising limestone hills and cloud-capped mountains fringed the tempting turquoise sea.

I arrived in Hualien via train from Taipei. My trip only took 2 hours, passing by gorgeous, green rice fields and verdant farmlands. The scene reminds me of my hometown in the Philippines, so it was sort of heartwarming. I never imagined Taiwan like that so I was a bit surprised. I remember before I visited Hualien, I was chatting with a close friend who went here a few years ago, and he was raving how beautiful Hualien is. I told him how I liked my Taipei trip, then he said something like “Wait until you see Hualien”.  Too bad it I was there during the wrong season, it was raining a few days prior to my visit, so the river fringed by towering canyons wasn’t as emerald-green as I saw on the pictures online. Nevertheless, I was still blown away by Hualien’s raw appeal and varied landscape.

So as promised, here’s my Hualien Travel Guide to assist you in planning your trip.  If you find this Hualien blog helpful, please share this.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HUALIEN

When planning a trip to Hualien, one of the important questions is, “When is the best month to visit Hualien? Or “When is the best month to travel to Taroko Gorge?”  Like I said, I went there during the wrong season, Hualien like the rest of Taiwan is not sunny year-long, you might end up drenched if you don’t check the weather updates, so always do that before proceeding with your trip.

Taiwan is divided into 2 climate zones: Southern Taiwan belongs to the tropical zone while Northern Taiwan is under the sub-tropical zone. Hualien is located on the East Coast near Northern Taiwan. About 2.5-3 hours away by train from Taipei on the north.  Typhoon season in Taiwan is around July to September.  In Hualien, the rainiest months fall around June, August and September.

The best month for travel to Hualien is around October, because of the transition to summer to winter, there’s less crowd. And accommodations are cheaper.  November to April are also best months to travel to Hulien.  However, the peak season and most expensive months for Taiwan travel is January to February because of the Chinese New Year.

HUALIEN WIFI

Getting connected online is important in Hualien and the rest of Taiwan since English is not widely spoken.  You might have a hard time asking for directions. So best to have Google Maps in handy, which only works when you have internet access.

Buying a sim card in Hualien is quite daunting, they were asking me for two government IDs and unfortunately, I only have my passport with me.  I suggest you rent a pocket Wi-Fi in advance and just pick it up at Taipei Airport for less hassle and less paperwork.  You can RESERVE A POCKET WIFI HERE.

But if you really need a local simcard, you can PURCHASE A TAIWAN SIMCARD HERE.

HUALIEN MONEY EXCHANGE

I didn’t want to withdraw in Hualien because I was going to receive my travel allowance in Taiwanese dollars the next day, so I decided to look for a money changer in Hualien. That’s when I learned that I needed to go to the bank instead of money changers.  And because my hostel is quite far from the banks, I had to bike for a few minutes to change my money, not to mention the quite long queue.  Thankfully, my host was kind enough to assist me.

So yeah, if you want to avoid such hassle, change your money in Taipei, bring Taiwan dollars or withdraw money from ATMs in Taipei.  There are ATMs in Hualien by the way but I will still suggest you withdraw in Taipei since there are more machines there, and the ATMs in Hualien can be quite a distance from your hotel.

TAIPEI TO HUALIEN

From Taipei to get to Hualien, the fastest way is by taking the train at Taipei HSR Station, adjacent to Taipei MRT Station.  If your hotel is near Songshan Train Station, you can also take the train there.

I actually took the train from Songshan Train Station to Hualien and Puyuma express train fare is NTD 426 (PHP 704/USD 14/SGD 19.43/MYR 60.24).  To get to Songshan Train Station, you can take the MRT or take a cab, but make sure you tell the driver it’s Songshan Train Station (not Songshan Airport).  I wasted money and worse, I missed my train because the driver drove me to Songshan Airport.  I had to take another taxi to the train station (I only realized it’s an airport when I entered the building and the cab left already), there’s a taxi lane but the drivers there didn’t understand me, I showed my train ticket and  thankfully one of them understood.  All of them were really kind and helpful, I just had a hard time because of the language barrier.

TIP: If you miss the train (please don’t), you can talk to the staff at the ticket booth.  Explain your situation. In my case, I missed the Puyuma express train by 2 minutes, so they allowed me to board the next train.  They wrote something on my ticket to override it and I just showed it to the inspector.  But because I missed the Puyuma express train with reserved seat, I had to board the regular train and seat is not reserved (which was fine with me rather than buying a new train ticket).  Having reserved seat will guarantee that you will have your own seat until you reach your destination, otherwise, you just wait if there are available seats. But once the passenger with reserved seat arrives and you happen to be sitting on their paid seat, you have to give it up.  You can stand or sit on the floor of the train. Non-reserved seat train tickets are cheaper.  Luckily, there weren’t a lot of passengers that time, so I was able to sit.

GETTING AROUND HUALIEN

If you plan to explore Hualien City center, you can rent the yellow bikes (like those found in Taipei) sprinkled around Hualien City.  Basically, you need to download the OBike app and input your credit card info for the refundable deposit.  Then once you’re done touring around, you can just leave the bike (make sure it is locked) near your hotel or wherever it is convenient for you.

If you have the luxury of time, you can go to the Hualien Bus Station and purchase a 1 Day Taroko Gorge Bus Pass for NTD 250 (PHP 417/ USD 8.26/ SGD 11.20 35.36/ MYR 35.36) or 2 Day Taroko Gorge Bus Pass for NTD 400 (PHP 668 / USD 13.21/ SGD 18/MYR 57).  However, take note that buses here have schedule, so you need to wait for the next bus to arrive which could take about an hour for every stop.

BY TOUR PACKAGE

                CHECK HUALIEN TOUR PACKAGES RATES HERE

BY CAR RENTAL

If you are in a group and you want to create your own itinerary, you can rent a car to tour Taroko Gorge, the East Coast or East Rift Valley depending on what you’ve booked.   RENT A CAR HERE. You will tailor your own route but an experienced driver will can still recommend an itinerary for you. You will be picked up at your hotel lobby by your driver in your choice of sedan, SUV, or minivan based on your party size.

HUALIEN TOP ATTRACTIONS

There are a couple of attractions in Hualien City like temples, night markets, galleries and public beaches.  Most of these Hualien City attractions are free and a cheap way to explore them is by bike.  You can rent a bike from bike rental shops dappled around the city or near the Hualien Train Station.  Or better yet download the OBike App to rent one of those yellow bikes scattered around Hualien City (see travel tip below).  But Hualien’s most beautiful attractions are found outside the city center, just like the famous Taroko Gorge National Park.   I will be writing a more detailed Taroko Gorge Travel Guide soon.  For the meantime, here’s a list of the top attractions in Hualien and how to get there.

ATTRACTIONS OUTSIDE HUALIEN CITY CENTER

1. taroko gorge national park.

Hualien is synonymous to Taroko Gorge, this national park is the claim to fame of the city.  The massive park is dappled with soaring limestone hills, steep canyons interrupted by scenic rivers and forest with thriving wildlife.

While it is possible to do a day trip to Taroko Gorge from Taipei, it can be daunting to squeeze in all the attractions in a day.  Best to stay overnight in Hualien or better tour here for 2-3 days to better appreciate its natural beauty.  But if you are really pressed for time, you can do Taroko Gorge tour in 1 day, just pick the destinations that you want to visit, avoid trails that will require long walk.  I’ll write a more detailed guide soon about this.

Must-see Attractions in Taroko Gorge

Because I only had 1 day to tour Taroko Gorge, I ended up visiting 3 attractions since I had to wait for the bus to arrive, which usually has 1 hour interval.  I’ll post the full schedule in another post soon.   Here are some of the must-see places inside Taroko Gorge National Park.

• Shakadang Trail

• Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou)

• Changchun Shrine

HOW TO GET TO TAROKO GORGE FROM HUALIEN

Option 1:  If you just plan to do a day tour or you have limited time yet you want to cover Taroko Gorge’s most beautiful attractions, I recommend joining a Taroko Gorge Private Tour. BOOK TOUR HERE

Option 2: To get to Taroko Gorge, you can go to the Hualien Bus Station and purchase a 1 Day Taroko Gorge Bus Pass for NTD 250 (PHP 417/ USD 8.26/ SGD 11.20 35.36/ MYR) or 2 Day Taroko Gorge Bus Pass for NTD 400 (PHP 668 / USD 13.21/ SGD 18/MYR 57). However, take note that buses here have schedule, so you need to wait for the next bus to arrive which could take about an hour for every stop.

Option 3: Via car rental.  RENT CAR HERE 

2. QUINGSHIU CLIFF

Quingshiu Cliff is known for its scenic view deck, where tourists can get a glimpse of the verdant cliff plunging into the ocean.  The colors of the water – different shades of blue from azure, turquoise to pastel blue, is quite tempting.  However, swimming is not allowed here due to the mad waves and sudden drop.

How to get to Quingshiu Cliff:

To commute to Quingshiu Cliff from Hualien City, you have 3 options:

Option 1: Ride the train to Chongde station and then walk to Qingshui Cliff for about 10-20 minutes depending on your pace.

Option 2:   Take the Hualien Bus en route to Chongde and alight at Chongde stop. From there,  you can reach Quingshiu Cliff  by foot.

Option 3: If you have the Taroko Route 1 or 2 Day Bus Pass, you can alight at the Taroko Visitor Center, the 3 rd stop from Hualien City and walk towards the entrance of Taroko Gorge where you can head north towards Quingshiu Cliff, which is quite a long walk.

Option 4: Via Tour Package.  BOOK A TAROKO GORGE TOUR HERE.

3. QIXINGTAN BEACH

Qixingtan Beach, also Chisingtan Beach, is situated in Xincheng Township facing the Pacific Ocean. This popular shingle beach, dappled with pebbles and massive rocks is part of the Taroko Route.   I reckon the beach is not safe for swimming as it faces the Pacific Ocean and I saw the waves were quite strong during my trip here.  Nonetheless, Qixingtan Beach is a good spot for hanging out while eating Taiwan local street food and home-made drinks sold by vendors along the coast.  The beach is situated in front of the Hualien Air Force Base so you might catch a sight of an F-16 fighter jet flying above the sea.

Interestingly, there is a star watching square here since Qixingtan Beach is a good spot for star-gazing because of less pollution.

While you are at it, look for the Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum near Qixingtan Beach. I didn’t visit it since I was in a hurry so not exactly sure how to get there. The museum showcases the dried fish production techniques as well as the culture of East Coast of Taiwan.

HOW TO GET TO QIXINGTAN BEACH/CHISINGTAN BEACH

To go to Qixingtan Beach/ Chisingtan Beach from Hualien, you can ride Bus 105 and alight at Qixingtan Beach.  But since Qixingtan Beach is part of the Taroko Route, if you have the 1 Day Bus pass, you can ride that orange Taroko Route Bus and alight at Qixingtan Bus Stop, which is actually the first stop.

  4.  HUALIEN WHALE WATCHING

Did you know that Taiwan’s coast is a good spot for whale watching? Hualien, which is lying along the east coast of Taiwan, is believed to be a haven of roughly 29 species of cetaceans (whales and dolphins)! Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to join a tour package here, you can BOOK A HUALIEN WHALE WATCHING TOUR HERE . Some of the species that you might spot are spinner dolphins, you might spot Chinese white dolphins and bottle nose dolphins.  If you are luckily enough to visit during the right season, you might catch a glimpse of killer whales, sperm whales and humpback whales.

5. EAST COAST NATIONAL SCENIC AREA

photo by Klook

Take in some of the Taiwan’s most beautiful tourist attractions located on the East Coast when you BOOK THE EAST COAST TOUR HERE. Starting at Fanshuliao Valley, you’ll be blown away by the dramatic landscape of a hundred-meter gorge cutting through the mountains. Also pay a quick visit to Taroko Gorge’s iconic bridge and catch a glimpse of the fishing village at Shihti Harbor. End the day by relaxing at Baqi Gazebo and Niushan Huting and soak up the view of the Pacific coastline.

6.   EAST RIFT VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC AREA

Another scenic destination in Hualien is the East Rift Valley. The most convenient way to explore this area is by tour package. You can CHECK RATES OF HUALIEN EAST RIFT VALLEY TOUR HERE .  This Hulien tour includes a visit to the Butterfly Valley , the Hualien Sugar Factory , the Ruisui Pasture and the Lintian Mountain Forestry Center , a former logging town set in a verdant mountain.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN HUALIEN CITY

Night markets.

STONE SCULPTURE MUSEUM

A museum that displays a mix of traditional and modern sculptures in an open-air park.

Address: No. 6, Wenfu Road, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan

Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Entrance Fee: NTD 100 (PHP 167/USD 3.30/SGD 4.48/MYR 14)

THE PINE GARDEN

This age-old building is an erstwhile Naval Administration of the Imperial Japanese Navy office in Hualien City. Because it is standing on a hill, it offers a scenic view of Hualien Harbor and the Pacific Ocean.

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

Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entrance Fee:

Adults – NTD 50 (PHP 83.46/USD 2/SGD 2.24/MYR 7)

Taiwanese Senior Citizens, Students with valid ID, Volunteer with honor card – NTD 25 (PHP 42/USD 0.83/SGD 1.12/MYR 3.54)

Hualien Citizens, Children under 6 y.o, PWD and Government certified tour guides – FREE

HUALIEN BEST BUDGET HOTEL

Cave Hostel

No.248, Zhonghua Rd, Hualien City, Hualien, Taiwan

CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

One of my favorite hostels in Taiwan.  Perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.  The hostel is newly renovated. As you might have surmised, their design is cave-inspired, but the atmosphere is far from it, because it’s clean, serene and spacious. It’s like everything is spotless here, for a moment I thought I was in Japan!

Disclosure: My trip to Hualien was made possible by Cave Hostel.

ALSO READ: TAIWAN BEST BUDGET HOTELS

Hualien itinerary + budget.

If you only have a few days to spend in Taiwan and you want to visit Hualien, you can actually explore the city plus Taroko Gorge for 2 days 1 night.  Here’s my sample budget itinerary for Hualien, Taiwan to guide you in your trip planning.

Sample Hualien Itinerary 2 days 1 night

Sample Hualien Itinerary 3 days 2 nights

If you are not in a hurry or if you have 3 days 2 nights to spend in Hualien, here’s a sample itinerary that will cover some of Hualien and East Coast Taiwan’s most beautiful attractions.

HUALIEN BUDGET

HUALIEN TRAVEL TIPS

*If you happen to travel to Hualien around December to February, don’t miss the East Rift Valley Sea of Flowers.  This is dubbed as Taiwan’s largest flower festival stretching over 7,000 hectares!

*Meanwhile, the Daylily Festival happens around August to September, when lilies bloom at the Sixty Stone Mountain in Fuli and Chihkeshan in Yuli.

* Falling rocks and landslides occur frequently in Taroko Gorge National Park after earthquakes or heavy rains. Wear hard hat to protect your head and take necessary safety measures.

TAIPEI TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary)

Hualien top things to do blog.

About the Blogger : Gael is a Filipina travel blogger. Her work has appeared in local and international publications.

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The cliff is so breathtaking. Makes me want to book a flight now 🙂

Just to be fair and accurate.

The minimum taxi fare from Hualien Train Station to Cave Hostel is at 140 Taiwanese Dollar. I rode a cab 5x and I was charged minimum of 140 to maximum of 160.

Also the distance from Chongdae Train Station to Qingshui Cliff is about 2.5km. I tried walking to my maximum pace but it cant be walked by 10 to 20mins.

Thank you! 😄

Thanks for the heads up Ericson. There’s a taxi umber operator where you can call and they charge TWD 100 only.

Hello, we are going to Taroko on January 16, and I am having a hard time to buy train ticket online since we are going to Taiwan on January 15. May I ask how you booked your train ticket online?

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• Map of Keelung
• Map of Ruifang
• Map of Kaohsiung
• Map of Yonaguni-cho
• Map of Magong
• Map of Hengchun
• Map of Pingtan County

Hualien throughout the year

• Hualien in January
• Hualien in February
• Hualien in March
• Hualien in April
• Hualien in May
• Hualien in June
• Hualien in July
• Hualien in August
• Hualien in September
• Hualien in October
• Hualien in November
• Hualien in December

Q&A about Hualien

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8D Eastern Taiwan Itinerary: The Gateway to Nature’s Best Adventures (Yilan, Hualien, Taitung and Kenting)

Experience Taiwan’s scenic countryside with this Eastern Taiwan itinerary!

The Best of Eastern Taiwan

Travel essentials.

Public transport:  In more developed cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, public transportation is both time and cost-efficient. Get the rechargeable  Happy Cash Card (S$4)  for use on both transport as well as payment in convenience stores such as Family Mart found all over Taiwan!

Car rental:   Renting a car (S$62/day)  to self-drive around eastern Taiwan is the easiest and most efficient way! Alternatively, take the scenic  TRA (Taiwan Railway Administration 臺灣鐵路) trains  from one county to another.

Staying connected: Traveller’s SIM cards and 4G WiFi devices are readily available for purchase or rental at Taoyuan International Airport’s arrival hall.

Flights: This Eastern Taiwan itinerary kicks off at Taipei since it’s most accessible. Check flight prices in advance with this widget:

If you can’t see the widget above, click here to check flights from Singapore to Taipei instead!

Day 1: Taipei

Lunch at crazy cart café  .

Other than having food, the  Crazy Cart Café  is a unique go-cart concept store that brings a speedy adventure to meals! The cafe is located slightly out of the touristy belt of Taipei and may not be the easiest to find, but is surely worth the effort!

You’re only allowed 2 hours for each meal session, so plan your time well between carting and eating!

Cost: From NT$699 ( reservation required ) Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 12PM – 9:30PM. Closed on Mon – Tue Address:  No. 360, Section 8, Civic Blvd, Nangang District, Taipei City, Taiwan 115 [南港區市民大道八段360號一樓 Taipei, Taiwan 115]

Read also: 25 Unique Experiences in Taiwan

Hunt Down a Locals’ Hideout — MAJI MAJI  

A new kid on the block,  MAJI Square  (MAJI集食行樂) is a conglomeration of local stalls from food to little trinkets such as in handmade earrings and bracelets. Walk around the hipster carnival set-up for some shopping.

Opening Hours: 11AM – 9PM Location:  No. 1, Yumen Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491 [臺北市中山區玉門街1號]

Tsay Chuen Kuan Massage Treatment 再春健康生活舘

My first Taiwanese massage at  Tsay Chuen Kuan Massage has opened me up to a whole new world of physiological indulgence. Unlike the Thai-style massage that we’re familiar with, Taiwanese massage is more of a therapy that alleviates aches, targeting specifically at lymph nodes and the circulatory system. Choose either foot reflexology or a full body massage and you’re guaranteed to feel rejuvenated after the therapy session.

Cost: S$60-90/session  Opening Hours:  9:30AM – 11PM Location:  No. 8, Sec. 2, Nanjing E. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City 104, Taiwan [10491台北市中山區南京東路二段8號二樓]

Accommodation in Taipei

Booking our accommodation through the Skyscanner app was a breeze as it filters the “best”, or most worth it, by price points and ratings. With that, we found ourselves a luxurious yet affordable option, the Taipei Marriott Hotel , situated on a quieter side of Taipei.

Cost: From S$319/night  Address: No. 199 Lequn 2nd Road (intersection with Jinye 4th Road), Zhongshan District,   Taipei, Taiwan [臺北市中山區樂群二路199號 (與敬業四路交叉口)]

Day 2: Taipei – Yilan

Breakfast at lailai soy milk 來來豆漿.

We started the day with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at Lailai Soy Milk  that’s just a short 10min walk away from Taipei Marriott Hotel. We ordered a bowl of savoury soybean milk (NT$32/bowl) out of curiosity having heard so much about Taiwanese soy milk.

Well, it’s definitely an acquired taste not many can stomach. If I were to best describe the taste, it’s like drinking a bowl of egg-drop soup with youtiao. Also recommended is the pan-fried beef puff (牛肉餡餅) generously stuffed with juicy beef.

Cost:  ~NT$10–88/pc Opening Hours: Opens 24h Address:  No. 93, Section 1, Neihu Road, Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan 114 [台北市內湖區內湖路一段93號]

Day Tour to Yilan from Taipei

After breakfast, we hopped on a flexi day tour from Taipei to Yilan that covers three interesting spots. While the tour is pre-arranged to bring you to some notable areas of Yilan, you can actually request to visit places within Yilan that are out of the planned route (upon driver’s approval).

1)  National Centre for Traditional Arts  (國立傳統藝術中心)  — an open-air complex that hosts a variety of local arts and small independent businesses.

Some interesting stores we saw included an ornamental glass shop where a skilled craftsman intricately sculpted tiny glass leaves from molten glass.

Another shop sold soaps of every scent you can imagine — including unusual scents like coffee and vinegar.

We even managed to catch a Zodiac-themed street dance performance by the performing arts group, FervorTaiwan (藝想台灣劇團) .

Entrance Fee: NT$150/pax

2) Dong Shan River Park (冬山河親水公園)  — Accessible by a boat ride from the arts centre, explore the park either on a quadracycle with your friends or simply cycle solo. The cycling path starts from the iconic red Lizejian Bridge (利澤簡橋) and loops at Dongshan Railway Station (冬山車站). The one-way distance is about 5km, and a slow loop ride will take about 1.5–2 hours.

Costs: NT$600/motorised quadracycle; NT$250/motorised bicycle

3) Kavalan distillery (噶瑪蘭酒廠)  — the only whisky distillery in Taiwan, Kavalan made headlines internationally in 2015 with its Solist Vinho Barrique being named the “World’s Best Single Malt Whisky” by the World Whiskies Awards.

Within the distillery, you’ll be able to see the processes of whisky-making and the history of Kavalan. Tasting and DIY Blending tours are available daily from 10:10AM – 4:10PM upon advanced successful  registration .

Fun fact, “Kavalan” is the olden indigenous name of “Yilan” where the distillery sits at now!

Entrance Fee: Free

The visit to Kavalan Distillery was definitely the highlight of our day tour, and it will take up to 4 full hours including the tasting session and shopping. Do communicate with your driver on places you’ll want to visit. The day tour is very flexible, and drivers are usually very accommodating.

Day Tour from Taipei: Yilan Cost:  S$201 (Chi-speaking driver) / S$223 (Eng-speaking driver) per vehicle (up to 4 persons). Pick-up & Drop-off: Any address within Taipei city. As this tour is flexible, you can also request to be dropped-off at Yilan.

Accommodation in Yilan

Activities continue into the night as we checked ourselves into  Art Spa Hotel (中冠礁溪大飯店) in Jiaoxi (礁溪), a rural township of Yilan that’s most famous for its underground hot springs. It’s said that Jiaoxi residents even pipe the spring water into their homes!

Art Spa Hotel  has 50 hot springs facilities within the hotel’s compound, and every room has its own hot spring tub!

The highlight would be a 5-storey high spiral pool slide that leads into a hot spring pool. Thankfully, my morbid thought of being boiled alive like a prawn sliding into a pot of hot oil slowly turning into tempura didn’t happen.

While the hot spring pools are open daily from 7:30AM – 10:30PM, the spiral slide only operates hourly at 10AM, 2PM, 4PM, 7:30PM, and 9PM.

Cost: From S$165/night for a double room Address: No. 6, Deyang Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 262  [宜蘭縣礁溪鄉德陽路6號]

*Pro-tip:  Bring along your own swimming cap as it’s compulsory to wear one in the hot spring pools. Each swimming cap costs NT$50.

Day 3: Yilan

Day trip to toucheng: turtle island & whale-watching 宜蘭龜山島登島賞鯨之旅.

Taiwan’s eastern seas often see dolphins and whales during the warmer months, and we heard  Turtle Island (龜山島) is the place to go. Not wanting to miss the opportunity of seeing wild dolphins, we pre-booked the  Turtle Island & Dolphin Watching Tour .

A 35-minute ferry ride brought us to Turtle Island (龜山島) —   a volcanic island dating back to 7,000 years ago. The guided walk brought us through a couple of abandoned buildings that hint of a past in an otherwise empty land.

After the one hour guided tour at Turtle Island, we hopped back onto the ferry and started our dolphin-watching cruise. The seas were very calm and we managed to see a lot of dolphins at close proximity.

Many times, the dolphins were right beneath our boat, swimming playfully as though playing a game of catch with us. Dolphin-watching is only available during the months of March through November.

Day Tour from Yilan, Toucheng: Turtle Island Whale Watching Tour Cost:  S$40/pax (excl. on-site island cleaning fee of NT$100/pax) Duration: 3.5 – 4 hours

Onwards to Hualien via Rail

After a fruitful day in Yilan, we took a rail train to Hualien (花蓮). The journey takes about 1.5–2 hours, depending on the type of train you choose. Do book your train tickets online (~NT$240) in advance or risk not being able to get on a cross-county train!

Dongdamen Night Market 東大門夜市

Dongdamen Night Market is made up of four adjacent smaller night markets, and there’s nothing you can’t find here with 400 vendors selling traditional aboriginal treats to the highly raved brown sugar bubble milk tea.

Unlike typical Taiwanese night markets that are a squeezy and sweaty mess, Dongdamen Night Market’s walking paths are almost three times the size of regular night markets.

One interesting stall that caught our eyes was “Taiwan Hamburger” (NTD65) that sold Chinese buns with stir-fried noodles encased within. And we thought we’ve seen it all with fusion food! We guarantee an explosion of flavours in your mouth with this one!

Opening Hours:  5:30PM – 11:30PM Address:  No. 50, Zhongshan Road, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970 [花蓮縣花蓮市中山路50號]

Accommodation in Hualien

Taiwan has been famous for their homestays, or minsu  (民宿), before bed and breakfast management companies became a thing for budget travellers. In Taiwan, homestays are not just cheaper lodging options, but also a way for travellers to experience an authentic Taiwanese lifestyle.

We stayed in Jinghua Homestay 菁華河畔民宿 , a clean and spacious space perfect for a travelling party of 2-6. If you’re looking for a true experience of staying with a local yet not invading their space and privacy, Jinghua Homestay is a lodge just like that. Also, the host Mrs. Hsu makes the best breakfast every morning.

Costs: From S$116/night for a double room Address: No.18, Aly. 1, Ln. 35, Jinghua St., Hualien, Taiwan 970 [花蓮縣花蓮市菁華街35巷1弄18號]

Day 4: Hualien

River trekking in hualien 花蓮溯溪冒險體驗.

Photo credit: 溯溪王Riverking Facebook

Hualien is known to be one of Taiwan’s most scenic county and the gateway to nature by the eastern coast. Our quest for adventure led us to a river tracing activity (a.k.a canyoning ) in Hualien.

Be prepared to be blown away by the views of the stunningly clear emerald waters. Being physically fit is a must, as walking upwards a stream is not as easy as it seems.

River Tracking Tour in Hualien Cost:  S$43/pax Pick-up & drop-off: Any location in Hualien

Must-Eats & Must-Sees in Hualien

Food choices are aplenty along Zhongshan Road from Hualien Railway station till Dongdamen Night Market. Below are some of the noteworthy foods we tried in Hualien!

1) Guosheng Fried Chicken 國聲沾醬香雞排:  These addictive fried chicken comes in two flavours — plum sauce or their own homemade signature sauce.

Costs: NT$60/pc Opening Hours:  3:30PM – 11:30PM. Closed on Sundays Address:  No. 226, Linsen Road, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan [花蓮縣花蓮市林森路226號]

2)   Old Bombing Egg Green Onion Pancake  老牌炸蛋蔥油餅:  Scallion pancakes are ubiquitous in Taiwan, but if you’re looking for epic, try  Old Bombing Egg . For only NT$30, you’ll get a golden crispy scallion pancake that has runny yolk oozing out. Get there early or expect to queue up to an hour for it!

Cost: NT$30/pc Opening Hours:  1PM – 7PM (Closed on Wednesdays) Address:  No. 2, Lane 110, Fuxing Street, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970 [花蓮縣花蓮市復興街110巷2號]

3) Hualien Bo’ai Special Zone 花蓮博愛特區(逃。花蓮):  This small alley of Bo’ai Street in Hualien is the true meaning of “hidden gem”. Tucked away in a quiet street, this alley is a collective of hipster pop-up stalls and cafes remodelled after Taiwan of the 1960s. Walking down memory lane never felt more literal!

Address: Lane 159, Bo’ai Street, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970 [花蓮縣花蓮市博愛街159巷]

4) NANIWA MARU 浪花丸 かき氷•島食

A minute’s walk from Jinghua Homestay is this adorable Japanese shaved ice shop we couldn’t say no to. From shop setting to menu design, every little detail of NANIWA MARU 浪花丸 かき氷•島食   fascinates. Our shaved ice bowls came shaped like a teddy bear’s head!

Cost: ~NT$60–160/bowl Opening Hours:  1PM – 6PM (Closed on Wednesdays) Address:  No. 1-5, Lane 4, Jinghua Street, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970 [花蓮縣花蓮市菁華街4巷1-5號]

River Shrimping with BBQ Dinner 花蓮夜間抓溪蝦體驗

At night, we signed ourselves up for a  river shrimping tour  to catch our own dinner. Unlike the usual prawning we’re used to in Singapore, this activity requires slightly more effort. After a quick crash course on catching shrimps in the dark, we were handed headlamps, wet boots, and nets.

The  shrimps ‘ tiny eyes will look like two bright little purplish orbs under our headlamps, and that’s how you can spot them little prawns in the pitch black stream.

After around 40mins of catching, or trying our luck scooping up some unlucky shrimps, we were gathered back to our meeting point for dinner. And no, we don’t actually eat the shrimps we caught as they are too small and not suitable to be eaten, so they’re released back into the stream. Instead, our guides had nicely prepared us some barbecued meat and bamboo rice.

River Shrimping with BBQ Dinner Cost:  S$43/pax Pick-up & Drop-off:  Any location in Hualien

D5: Hualien – Taitung

Taroko national park 太魯閣國家公園.

We headed to Hualien Railway station to collect our  rental car  for our morning drive to  Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園) . If you are driving into Taroko like us, do check the  road and trail conditions  prior as certain roads could be closed due to weather conditions.

A must-visit for all travellers to Hualien, Taroko National Park’s majestic rocky mountains puts the  stun  in “stunning”. As we drove through the narrow and winding roads in Taroko, we felt immensely small against the gigantic rock formations.

It may be a national park, but unless you are a serious hiker, hiking through Taroko is no walk in the park. Putting the size into perspective, Taroko is 920km² while Singapore is only 721.5km².  Permits are also required  to hike the mountaineering trails.

As we did not have much time, we drove to several scenic spots such as the  Cimu Bridge (慈母橋)  and Yue Wang Pavilion (岳王亭) for some photo-taking opportunities with nature’s amazing backdrop.

Transportation:  Driving is the fastest and most comfortable way to get here but a cheaper (but much slower) option is the shuttle bus (NT$170/pax) that runs to-fro Hualien station and Taroko Visitor Park four times a day. Alternatively, hop on a taxi. We got to know a taxi driver, Mr. Paul, who can be contacted at +886972507388.

Hualien Paragliding Experience 花蓮飛行傘體驗

Hualien’s breathtaking scenery of the East Rift Valley (花東縱谷) is best viewed from the top, and the best way to do so is paragliding (S$110)  above the mountains. In mid-air, you’ll see the mosaic of colours from the paddy fields, houses, seas, and gorges. Gorgeous.

Get your pictures and video instantly as the GoPro footages will be transferred to your mobile phone after the flight. Be sure to have at least 4BG of space in your mobile, and you can instantly upload your amazing flight onto your social media.

Cost: S$110/pax Meeting Point: Shan-Hu-Jiau Restaurant (山胡椒小館) No. 137-2, Zhangqiao Road, Fenglin Township, Hualien County, 975 (Nearest station: East Line Railway’s Wan Rong Station 萬榮車站)

Lunch at Four-Generation Farmer 四代務農

Located far out in the countryside of Hualien is  Four-Generation Farmer , an omakase-style family-run restaurant.

At Four-Generation Farmer, you pay NT$300 per pax, and the chef will whip up dishes with whatever he has in his kitchen. When we were there, we had some homely stir-fried fish with roselle sauce, braised pork knuckles, and dried radish omelette.

Cost: NT$350 – 450/pax Opening Hours:  11AM – 2PM (Lunch), 5PM – 8PM (Dinner) Address:  No. 1, Dazhong Road, Fenglin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 975 [花蓮縣鳳林鎮大忠路1號]

Brown Boulevard 池上伯朗大道

We stopped by Brown Boulevard (伯朗大道) as we drove southwards to Taitung (台東). The big plains of paddy field are seemingly endless. The main street of Brown Boulevard has since been turned into a bicycle path and closed to cars, only allowing visitors to pass through via foot or bicycle.

Location:  958, Taiwan, Taitung County, Chishang Township [958台東縣池上鄉]

Siwei Night Market 四維夜市

Open only on Sundays, Siwei Night Market (四維夜市) in Taitung is a gem left untouched by time. Walking down the night market brought back memories of pasar malams of the ’90s, where there are old-school carnival games and hawkers cooking behind their push-cart stalls.

Opening Hours: Sundays 6PM till late (Closed on Mon-Sat) Address:  Lane 464, Section 1, Siwei Road, Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan 950 [台東縣台東市四維路一段464巷]

Accommodation in Taitung

Our crashpad for the night was Inn by the Village (台東南豊鉄花桟) , a modern hotel conveniently located in the city. There are bicycles free for rent for hotel guests at any time of the day.

Cost: From S$121/night Address:  No.585, Sec. 1, Zhonghua Road, Taitung City, Taiwan [台東縣台東市中華路一段585號]

D6: Taitung

Taitung is known for its great outdoors, especially their bike trails that attract cycling enthusiasts from all over the world to hit the roads that guarantee sweet views of mountains and seas.

With our rented bicycles from our hotel (free with a deposit of passport), we cycled around 10mins to the nearby Haibin Park (海濱公園) by the sea. The bike path is clearly demarcated on the roads.

If you have sufficient time, take the longer cycling route that goes all the way to the old rail tracks. Now named “ Railway Arts Village ( 鐵花村音樂聚落 ) “, the old rail tracks has since been revamped into an outdoor activity corner for arts and music, easily somewhere you could spend up to a whole day at!

D7: Taitung – Kenting

From Taiwan’s hidden gem, Taitung, we proceed further south to the island’s paradise — Kenting, that’s described by tourists as “Taiwan’s Hawaii”.

Snorkelling at Houbihu, Kenting 墾丁後壁湖浮潛驚喜體驗

Photo Credit: KKday

Kenting is known for white beaches that are drastically different from more common black sand beaches around Taiwan. The “white” beaches are formed by dead corals and shell fragments that’s been washed ashore. The area is ideal for snorkelling or  skin diving  as the corals can be found in shallower waters — allowing you to get closer to the corals and spot more marine life.

Houbihu (後壁湖) is one of Kenting’s most scenic skin diving spot with many different species of fish and sea creatures such as sea urchins.

Cost:  S$14/pax  (min. 2 pax)

Lunch at A Shin Sashimi 阿興生魚片

This humble seafood restaurant was recommended to us by a local, in his words, “very fresh very cheap”. Which is true; you’re looking at an entire platter of assorted sashimi — salmon, tuna, marlin, and herring for only NT$300 (~S$15). Such lobangs can’t just be kept to ourselves, so here are the details.

Cost: NT$100-300/platter of sashimi Opening Hours:  11AM – 7:30PM Address:  No. 8-6, Daguang Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946 [屏東縣恆春鎮大光路8-6號]

Fu De Temple & Guanshan Lookout  高山巖 福德宮 &  關山觀景臺

At Hengchun Township of Kenting lies a world’s top lookout that’s not known to many. A short walk from Fu De Temple (高山巖福德宮) is the Guanshan Lookout (關山觀景臺) that’s been voted by CNN as one of the top 12 sunset spots in the world .

Entrance Fee: NT$60/pax Location:  No. 17-1, Binlang Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946 [屏東縣恆春鎮檳榔路17-1號]

Chu Huo Special Scenic Area 出火特別景觀區 

A natural phenomenon, Chu Huo (出火)  is where the natural gas that’s leaking from the ground get ignited. We visited just after sunset to see the eternal flame from the ground burn brightly — like how it has been for the past forty years.

Location:  No. 259-2, Hengdong Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946 [屏東縣恆春鎮恆東路259-2號]

Kenting Night Market 墾丁大街夜市

Later in the night, we walked along the Kenting Night Market that starts from Caesar Park to Kenting National Park. Spanning 2km long, Kenting Night Market is the second-largest night market in southern Taiwan.

As usual, we settled our dinner gobbling from one stall to the next. While Kenting Street is open 24hrs, the portable stalls usually open from 6:30PM to 9:30PM.

Accommodation in Kenting

Caesar Park Hotel (墾丁凱撒大飯店) is a Bali-themed hotel that boasts sea-frontal views. The hotel also has a direct shuttle service to-fro Kaohsiung’s Zuoying Train station once a day. Do refer to Caesar Park’s official site for timetable and reservation information.

Cost:  From S$196/night Address:  No. 6, Kending Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 94644 [屏東縣恆春鎮墾丁路6號]

D8: Kenting – Kaohsiung

After catching the sunrise at Taiwan’s Southernmost Point in Kenting, we left the tropical paradise and headed to Kaohsiung, our final leg of the trip.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum  佛光山佛陀紀念館

Thereafter, we headed to Fo Guang Shan (佛光山), the largest Buddhist temple in Taiwan. The compound is so huge that some people will go there as a day-trip.

Transportation: Driving from Kaohsiung city to Fo Guang Shan takes about 20mins. The Harvard Express Bus (NT$70/pax) that shuttles to-fro Kaohsiung HSR station and Fo Guang Shan takes 45 mins. Taxis make the same trip at half the time for NT$100/pax. You may contact Mr. Huang at +886933307574 for taxi services around Kaohsiung and Fo Guang Shan.

Entrance Fee: FREE Opening Hours: 9AM – 7PM (Closed on Tuesdays) Address:  No. 1, Tongling Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 84049 [高雄市大樹區統嶺路1號]

Gao Xiong Po Po Shaved Ice 婆婆冰店

Another locals’ favourite, Gao Xiong Po Po Shaved Ice (婆婆冰店)  has been frequented by many since 1934. While there are three shaved ice stores with very similar names (all grandma-related), we heard that Gao Xiong Po Po is the most authentic one.

Cost: NT$80-100/bowl Opening Hours:  10AM – 12AM Address:  No. 135, Qixian 3rd Road, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 802 [高雄市鹽埕區七賢三路135號]

Liuhe Night Market 六合觀光夜市

We then walked around Liuhe Night Market, a smaller night market in Kaohsiung. Although it does not have as many stalls as Ruifeng Night Market, it’s adequate if you’re craving for some local delights like the small sausage in large sausage (大腸包小腸) , seafood, oyster omelette, and fried rice.

Opening Hours: 6PM till late Location:  800, Taiwan, Kaohsiung City, Xinxing District [台灣高雄市新興區六合二路與中山一路口]

Accommodation in Kaohsiung

PaPa Whale 高雄美麗島館 is an affordable and cosy stay in Kaohsiung. Each room is designed to a theme, from cartoonish to wacky and dreamy.

Cost: From S$50/night Address: No. 328, Minsheng 1st Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 800 [高雄市新興區民生一路328號]

Book Your Activities for Eastern Taiwan 

The eastern side of Taiwan may not be as famous or easily accessible as the western, but exploring the natural beauty of Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung was very convenient with KKday ‘s tours and activity bookings!

Headquartered in Taiwan, KKday  is an expert in curating activities and travel-related products in Taiwan. The best part is how accommodating and flexible the tour operators were. For example, one of the tours was supposed to be a round trip from Taipei to Yilan but with a simple request, the driver agreed to drop us off at Yilan.

Here’s what we got from KKday : Happy Cash Card (TPE Airport Pick-Up): S$4/card Tsay Chuen Kuan Massage Treatment: From S$60/pax Day Tour from Taipei to Yilan: S$224/tour  (up to 4 pax) Turtle Island Whale Watching Tour: S$40/pax Hualien River Traciing: S$43/pax Car Rental: From S$56/day Hualien Paragliding: S$110/pax Hualien River Shrimping:  S$43/pax Kenting Skin Diving: S$14/pax

Accommodation in Taiwan

If you’re used to the convenience of searching for flights on Skyscanner , you’ll be happy to know they’ve now extended that convenience of researching to accommodation! Instead of having to check across various sites such as Agoda, Booking.com or Hotels.com, Skyscanner is the one-stop platform you need to browse through all the accommodation options available based on your preferred location and budget.

From boutique hotels to minsu (guesthouses), and even more luxurious but affordable five-star hotels, you can easily match what’s “best” based on your budget — that’s how we easily found all our accommodations in this itinerary 😉

Check Flights to Taipei

Ready for your Eastern Taiwan adventure? Start planning by checking flight prices with this widget:

Know of other interesting places to visit in eastern Taiwan? Let us know in the comment section below 🙂

This post was brought to you by  KKday , Taiwan Tourism Bureau Singapore Office , and  Skyscanner .

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Jan 7, 2020 at 3:23am PST

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