Located on Taiwan's east coast, this city is known for its marble industry and proximity to Taroko National Park with its dramatic gorges and cliffs.
Hualien, on Taiwan's east coast, captivates visitors with its stunning natural landscapes. In Taroko Gorge National Park, you can walk across suspension bridges spanning marble canyons. The Pacific coastline invites you to stroll along pebble beaches, while the East Rift Valley offers scenic cycling routes. At Dongdamen Night Market, you can taste unique aboriginal dishes. Whether you prefer hiking through lush forests, tracing rivers, or cycling with mountain and ocean views, Hualien provides a rich array of experiences.
Getting to Hualien
You can reach Hualien by train from Taipei, with the journey taking about 2-3 hours. Express trains run several times daily from Taipei Main Station. Alternatively, you can fly to Hualien Airport from Taipei Songshan Airport, with flights taking around 50 minutes. Once in Hualien, renting a scooter or car is a good way to explore the area, as public transportation is limited outside the city center.
Exploring Taroko Gorge National Park
Taroko Gorge National Park is a major draw in Hualien. The park's centerpiece is its 19-kilometer long canyon with towering marble cliffs. You can hike various trails like the Shakadang Trail along a blue-green river or the more challenging Zhuilu Old Trail with its narrow path on the cliff face. The Eternal Spring Shrine, a temple built over a waterfall, offers a unique sight. The park also has hot springs and is home to wildlife including Formosan macaques and over 150 bird species.
Relaxing at Qixingtan Beach
Qixingtan is a crescent-shaped pebble beach north of Hualien City. From the beach, you can see the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Coastal Mountain Range on the other. You can walk along the shore, watch the sunrise, or rent a bicycle to ride along the coastal path. The nearby Qixingtan Scenic Area has a visitor center with exhibits on local ecology and culture.
Discovering Aboriginal Culture and Cuisine
Hualien has a significant aboriginal population, including the Amis, Truku, and Sakizaya tribes. You can learn about their traditions at the Hualien Indigenous People's Cultural Park or join a cultural experience tour. For a taste of aboriginal cuisine, head to Dongdamen Night Market where you'll find specialties like bamboo tube rice, millet wine, and wild boar sausages. Some restaurants in Hualien also serve traditional aboriginal dishes using local ingredients like bird's nest fern and flying fish.
Cycling through the East Rift Valley
The East Rift Valley, between the Coastal and Central Mountain Ranges, is ideal for cycling. You can rent a bike in Hualien City or join a guided tour. As you pedal, you'll pass small towns, rice paddies, and flower fields. Take a break at Liyu Lake or visit Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area, known as Butterfly Valley for its abundant butterfly population. The area also has several hot springs where you can soak after your ride.
Exploring Coastal Highway 11
Highway 11 runs along the coast south of Hualien, offering numerous ocean viewpoints. You can drive or cycle this route, making stops along the way. Visit the Xiuguluan River Launch Center to watch rafters begin their journey, or stop at Shihtiping to examine the unusual volcanic rock formations. The Baqi Observatory Platform provides a panoramic view of the coastline. During migration season, you might spot dolphins or whales from the shore.
