Insider’s guide to Hualien beyond the Taroko Gorge: East Rift Valley and Hualien County

Hualien’s East Rift Valley

Hualien 花蓮 is often celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty. It offers so much more than the iconic Taroko Gorge. During my fourth visit to Hualien, I finally ventured out of Taroko Gorge to explore other parts of Hualien. I am so amazed by the vastness of Hualien and its diverse collection of natural spots, scenic areas, and cultural experiences.

While some parts of Taroko Gorge is closed because of the natural disasters in 2024, Hualien is safe to visit and there is so much to explore. My Hualien friends have generously shown me the best places to visit Hualien beyond Taroko Gorge. Inspired by my newfound discovery of Hualien, I am excited to share this comprehensive guide to Hualien that is filled with local’s recommendations in Hualien City, Hualien County and the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area.

Introduction to Hualien

Hualien train station

Hualien is the largest county in Taiwan. Located in the eastern part of Taiwan, Hualien is blessed by diverse nature – the Pacific Ocean lies to its east and the Central Mountain Range lies to its west.

Hualien is massive! Hualien County is divided into 13 administrative divisions: one city (Hualien City), two urban townships (Fenglin and Yuli), seven rural townships (Fengbin, Fuli, Guangfu, Ji’an, Ruisui, Shoufeng, Xincheng) and three mountain indigenous townships (Wanrong, Xiulin, Zhuoxi).

During my fourth trip, I discovered cities and towns that I was not familiar with. To be honest, I was confused where I was sometimes because we moved from one township to the next while exploring different places. To help you to visualise how big and diverse Hualien is, I have compiled a “Hualien travel table” to show you all 13 areas in Hualien and the top attractions. I am still learning so much about Hualien so I will update the table progressively.

*Note: I have tried to organise the areas from north to south (or Taroko Gorge all the way down to Taitung).

Hualien City 花蓮市The main urban centre and transportation hub to get to other parts of Hualian.
Attractions: Qixingtan Beach, Dongdamen Night Market, Turumoan Whale Cultural Museum, whale-watching tours (start from Hualien fishing harbour), Starbucks Hualien Container store
Ji’an Township 吉安鄉A suburban area adjacent to Hualien City, known for temples and cultural sites.
Attractions: Ji’an Temple, Hualien Martyrs’ Shrine, Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum
Xincheng Township 新城鄉Gateway to Taroko National Park and Qingshui Cliffs; located just north of Hualien City
Attractions: Qingshui Cliffs, Qixingtan Beach, Jia Shing Lemon Juice (Jia Shing Ice Fruit Shop)
Xiulin Township 秀林鄉North of Hualien City and it is just beside Xincheng Township
Attractions: Taroko Gorge, Liyu Lake, Hualien Sugar Factory, scenic cycling routes
Shoufeng Township 壽豐鄉South of Hualien City
Attractions: Liyu Lake, Hualien Sugar Factory, Starbucks Hualien Promiseland store (temporarily closed), Shuhu Fengqing Orchard (seasonal)
Guangfu Township 光復鄉Known for wetlands and agricultural landscapes
Attractions: Matai’an Wetlands, Hualien/Guangfu Sugar Factory, Danongdafu Forest Park
Fenglin Township 鳳林鎮A peaceful farming town with organic agriculture
Attractions: Fenglin Hakka Cultural Museum, Lintian Mountain Forestry Center
Wanrong Township 萬榮鄉Rich in Taroko/Truku indigenous culture
Attractions: Wanrong Hot Springs, Chunyang Farm
Fengbin Township 豐濱鄉Situated along the coastal Highway 11
Attractions: Shitiping Scenic Area, March Cave, Jici Beach
Ruisui Township 瑞穗鄉Famous for hot springs and whitewater rafting. The Tropic of Cancer Marker is here.
Attractions: Ruisui Hot Springs, Wuhe tea plantation, Xiuguluan River (for rafting)
Yuli Township 玉里鎮A larger town in the southern East Rift Valley
Attractions: Yuli, Antong Hot Springs, Yushan National Park (partial), Walami Trail (shared with Zhuoxi)
Zhuoxi Township 卓溪鄉The most remote township, known for Bunun tribal heritage
Attractions: Walami Trail (shared with Yuli), Zhuoxi Hot Springs
Fuli Township 富里鄉Renowned for its rice fields. Nearest to Taitung
Attractions: Chihke Mountain, Dongli Rice Terrace
Credit: Hualien Tourism Website

Another way to understand Hualien’s geography and plan your trip is to know that Hualien has two big scenic areas: East Rift Valley National Scenic Area 花東縱谷國家風景區 and East Coast National Scenic Area 東海岸國家風景區.

These two regions cover much of Hualien’s most scenic landscapes and stretch from northern Hualien to southern Hualien, connecting with Taitung. The detailed map below shows how extensive the two areas are. In this Hualien guide, I am excited to share my favourite spots in Hualien City and the two scenic areas.

Credit: Hualien Tourism Website. Download the full map here.

Best places to visit in Hualien 

I spent four days in Hualien during my most recent trip and I only visited some places in Hualien City and the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area. I recommend that you take your time and enjoy slow travel in Hualien. If you have 3-4 days, focus on either the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area or East Coast National Scenic Area. Hualien is always there for you to revisit! Here are some must-visit places in Hualien to add to your Hualien itinerary.

Hualien City

Hualien City is the main urban centre and transportation hub. Most travellers start their Hualien trip when they get off the TRA train at Hualien Train Station 花蓮火車站. The newly renovated Hualien Train Station is sleek and spacious.

Credit: Hualien Tourism Website
Credit: Hualien Tourism Website. Download the full map here.
Travel tips
Free travel maps
: Walk to the nearby Hualien bus station to get useful travel maps and brochures.
Hualien souvenirs: Cross to the road to the row of shops opposite the Hualien Train Station to buy your Hualien souvenirs. The shops sell famous brands of local delicacies like Hualien pineapple tarts, mochi, beancurd, and more.

While Hualien City is the base to explore other parts of Hualien County, it is worth spending some time in the city to explore what it has to offer. Interesting attractions include Manor House 莊園, Pine Garden 松園別館, Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park 花蓮文化創意產業園區, Taiwan Aboriginal Culture Museum 花蓮縣臺灣原住民族文化館, Hualien Harbor 花蓮港 where the whale watching tours start and the nearby Sunward Plaza 向日廣場 where you can enjoy the best fish balls in Hualien at Lin Ji Fish Ball 林記魚圓.

There are also educational and interactive experiences for both adults and children like jade-making workshop at 翡翠工坊體驗 where you can craft your own jade and bring home a special souvenir from Hualien.

Whale Watching

Credit: Turumoan Whale Watching Company

Whale watching is a highlight in Hualien. Whale watching tours are available from December to April and the sightings of whale peak in January to March. These excursions offer a chance to spot humpback whales, sperm whales, and bottlenose dolphins.

Turumoan Whale Watching Company is the longest-running whale watching tour company in Hualien (book their tours here). Turumoan focuses on education and research. Visit Whale and Cultural Museum 鯨過多羅滿地方文化館 to learn more about whale biology and conservation, as well as the cultural significance of whales to local indigenous communities.

Travel tip: You book your Turumoan Whale Watching tour on Klook. Use my special Klook promo code WENDYKLOOK  to enjoy 5% any Klook purchases (no min. spend; capped at USD $10).

Dongdamen Night Market

Credit: 東麥局 (Dong mai ju). The best grilled corn I have ever tasted in Taiwan!

Dongdamen Night Market 東大門夜市 is the largest and most popular night market in Hualien. Located in Hualien City’s downtown area, this sprawling market reopened in 2015 after merging several smaller markets into one unified space to create a centralised food hub for locals and tourists. The massive market is divided into different sections and the indigenous food section offers an interesting variety of traditional dishes.

I really enjoyed a number of outstanding local snacks in Dongdamen Night Market and strongly recommend these stores.

  • 東麥局 (Dong mai ju): Grilled corn seasoned and grilled to perfection. This is so good that I returned to Dongdamen Night Market on my last night in Hualien just to eat the corn again.
  • 強蛋餅 (Mashed potato pancake or strong egg pancake): Award-winning upsized egg pancake stuffed with eggs, cheese and quality ingredients like seafood.
  • 甜一口 (Candied Bite): They serve exquisite sweet strawberry and tomato treats that are like “candied hawthorn” or “tanghulu.” I tasted the best tanghulu 糖葫蘆 in my life here. They are so popular that they are also sold in convenience stalls and served to premium passengers by STARLUX Airlines.
  • 億大雪花冰 (Yi Da Shaved Ice Dessert): This is the most special shaved ice dessert in Taiwan. They infuse fresh fruits (like strawberries, passionfruit, and more) creatively into the shaved ice and the result is an addictive shaved rice dessert that I couldn’t stop eating.

Other than local food from Dongdamen Night Market, Hualien City has many other popular food stores. Hualien is famous for the Hualien Bomb Scallion Pancake 炸彈蔥油餅 or “Yolk Bomb Scallion Pancake.” Head to Fuxing Street 復興街 in the city and look out for the yellow truck (Google map) or blue truck (Google map) to buy the best scallion pancakes in Hualien.

Another food institution in Hualien is Wang’s Tea House 王記茶鋪. This popular tea house and restaurant has a long history and their signature pearl milk tea is well-loved by the locals. They serve a scrumptious spread of local delicacies and their tea menu is very extensive. This is the place to enjoy a nice meal so remember to add this to your Hualien itinerary.

Credit: Wang’s Tea House 王記茶鋪

Hualien Container Starbucks Store

Designed by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and opened in 2018, Hualien Container Starbucks Store 星巴克 洄瀾門市 is a super cool and sustainable Starbucks store assembled using 29 used shipping containers. These containers are recycled from 20 different ports around the world. This is the first container Starbucks store in Asia and the first time Kuma has used shipping containers for his designs. You can buy exclusive Starbucks mugs and cups (with the Container store design) here! The store is just beside New Paradiso 花蓮新天堂樂園. Address: No. 505, Section 1, Nanbin Rd, Ji’an Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 973 (Google map)

Check out my video tour of the Hualien Container Starbucks Store!

Near Hualien City

Xincheng Township

Famous lemon juce from Jia Shing Ice Fruit Shop 佳興冰果店

While Xincheng Township 新城鄉 is not part of Hualien City, it is very close to the city and situated conveniently between Hualien City and Taroko Gorge National Park. Spend some time at Xincheng main street on your way to Taroko Gorge.

Lemon juice is a famous product from Xincheng and locals like to stop by the renowned Jia Shing Ice Fruit Shop 佳興冰果店 to buy their lemon juice and have the meal either on the way to Taroko Gorge or back to Hualien City. The lemon juice is really delicious and I would have bought a carton back to Singapore I could.

Other interesting places in the area: Xincheng Photo Studio 新城攝影館, Xincheng Catholic Church 新城天主堂 and cosy cafes and lifestyle shops. I can easily spend half a day exploring this rustic village.

Qixingtan

Stack 7 stones and make a wish at Qixingtan beach

The Qixingtan Scenic Area 七星潭風景區 is in Xincheng Township and the famous Qxingtan beach is a stunning crescent-shaped pebble beach. According to the locals. if you stack 7 pieces of stones successfully and you can make a wish (as it may come true)!

Other must-visit areas in Qixingtan area includes the local’s favourite Sarlee’s Cafe 莎莉好食 the first shop in Hualien to invent and sell the iconic Qixingtan pebble-shaped cookies and they sell detectable local dishes and desserts.

Qixingtan-inspired pebble-shaped cookies from Sarlee’s Cafe 莎莉好食

Visit the Qixingtan Visitor Center 七星潭遊客中心 for free travel maps and information. The Fish Bar 洄遊吧 is an interesting place integrated with the Qixingtan Visitor Center where you can learn more about sustainable oceanic culture and local fishing traditions through educational workshops. Bonus: The view of the beach and ocean from the second level is breathtaking.

A unique experience to view Qixingtan is to join a horse-riding tour and ride on the beach during sunrise. I had the privilege of enjoying this unforgettable experience riding charming horses on the beach with Wild Life 花蓮野生活. Contact Wild Life 花蓮野生活 via Facebook if you are interested to join a horse-riding tour.

Credit: Wild Life 花蓮野生活

Pajiq indigenous restaurant

Pajiq Indigenous Restaurant 巴奇克原民餐廳 is a must-visit restaurant in Hualien. Pajiq Indigenous Restaurant is not in Xincheng Township but in the neighbouring Xiulin Township. It is a short drive from Hualien City and located near Qixingtan. This specialty restaurant serves authentic indigenous cuisine prepared thoughtfully by the talented chef, Yu Jie. She shares her Taroko culture through traditional recipes with modern twist. There is no menu. Guests are served daily special course based on the seasonal produce. Make reservation through Pajiq Indigenous Restaurant Facebook page.

Credit: Pajiq Indigenous Restaurant 巴奇克原民餐廳

East Rift Valley National Scenic Area

Commonly known as the Hua Dong area, the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area 花東縱谷國家風景區 is also called the East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area. The locals call this area Hua Dong 花東 because the valley stretches between Hualien 花蓮 and Taitung 台東. The Highway 9 is a scenic route that runs through the valley and here are the highlights of this scenic area.

Credit: East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area

Liyu Lake

Credit: East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area

Liyu Lake 鯉魚潭 in Shoufeng Township is the largest inland lake in Hualien. You can enjoy activities such as paddle boating, kayaking, SUP, cycling around the scenic lake or simply relaxing by the water. The lake is also famous for its annual dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival. I planned to do SUP with Into Kayak 無痕海洋 in the lake but I did not manage to due to rain. I hope to try it the next time I visit. The firefly season is April to May and you participate in fun ecological tours.

Lintianshan Forestry Culture Park

Credit: East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area

Lintianshan Forestry Culture Park 林田山林業文化園區 was built during the Japanese era and used as a logging base to store logs from the mountains. Today, it has been converted into a cultural park showcasing Taiwan’s rich forestry history. The park features well-preserved Japanese-style cypress buildings, logging tools and a railway system.

Fruit Picking

Hualien’s nature and climate is conducive for agriculture. Shuhu Fengqing Orchard 樹湖豐慶果園 specialises in organic farming and it is open for fruits-picking for varieties of oranges from November to March. Check out Shuhu Fengqing Orchard 樹湖豐慶果園 Facebook page for their fruits production updates and availability for fruits-picking appointments.

Starbucks Hualien Promiseland Shop

Credit: Starbucks

Located within the picturesque Promisedland Resort 理想大地渡假村 in Shoufeng Township, Starbucks Hualien Promiseland Shop 星巴克花蓮理想門市 is a charming addition to the resort’s European-inspired village. This Starbucks store is nestled in a beautifully designed building that blends seamlessly into the resort’s architectural style, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere for coffee lovers. It is currently under construction. 

Wild Monkey Adventure Jungle

Credit: Wild Monkey Adventure Jungle

Wild Monkey Adventure Jungle 野猴子探險森林 in Shoufeng Township is a treetop adventure park with ziplines, suspension bridges and treetop platforms. The park features two courses: Course A for ages 5-65 with ziplines, and Course B for ages 10-60 with more challenging elements like climbing and tightrope walking. Both courses provide stunning views of Hualien’s mountains and valleys. The activities are safe and suitable for children and adults. This is a different way to interact with Hualien’s nature. Find out more about the adventure courses and make your reservation on Wild Monkey Adventure Jungle website.

Matai’an Wetland Ecological Park

Credit: East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area

Situated in Guangfu Township, Matai’an Wetland Ecological Park 馬太鞍休閒農業區 is one of Taiwan’s largest wetlands. Enjoy getting up close with wildlife and birds and walking trails while learning about the indigenous Amis culture. I participated in two fun and immersive experiences, which I would recommend because this is the only place in Hualien to try these unique activities.

  • Palakaw or Balagao 巴拉告 Fishing Method: Try the Amis people’s ecological fishing technique using bamboo structures.
  • Stone Cooking: Experience traditional Amis cuisine by cooking local ingredients in a bamboo tube pot using heated stones.

Find more information and book your activities (in Chinese) on Matai’an Wetland Ecological Park Facebook page.

Hualien Sugar Factory

Credit: Hualien Sugar Factory 花蓮糖廠

Hualien Sugar Factory 花蓮糖廠, also known as Guangfu Sugar Factory 光復糖廠, is a historic site in Guangfu Township that offers a unique experience for guests. Originally built during the Japanese colonial era as a sugar refinery, the factory produced sugar for the region. It has been transformed into a cultural and recreational hub. Explore the area, museum, join guided tours and workshops and enjoy their famous locally-made, naturally-flavoured ice cream. You can also spend the night here in Japanese-style wooden cabins, which used to be dormitories for the factory workers. Visit the Hualien Sugar Factory’s website for more information.

Danongdafu Forest Park

Credit: Danongdafu Forest Park

Danongdafu Forest Park 大農大富森林公園 is located in Guangfu Township along Highway 9. The vast park showcases the beauty of the East Rift Valley with a network of cycling and walking trails. I enjoyed a relaxing afternoon cycling through the beautiful landscape of trees and open fields decorated with interesting artworks. You can rent bicycle or electric bikes (which it is very fun and effortless to “drive”) at the bicycle shop near the entrance.

Like other parts of the East Rift Valley, March to April is the firefly viewing season here and autumn is a great time to enjoy autumn foliage. Check out their Danongdafu Forest Park website and Facebook page for more information and upcoming events.

Wuhe Tea Plantation

Credit: Hualien Tourism Website

Wuhe Tea Plantation is a hidden gem tucked deep in the East Rift Valley in Ruisui Township. This beautiful region is home to tea farms and plantations. The farms produce high-quality teas and the popular “Honey Black Tea” is a signature tea from Hualien.

I visited the famous Princess Coffee 公主咖啡 舞鶴茶園 and their tea farm and was blown away by the scenery and the variety of tea and coffee products on sale. They grow high quality tea, coffee beans and seasonal produce. Their Princess Coffee is popular with coffee lovers. Check out Princess Coffee Wuhe Tea Farm products as they make great gifts and souvenirs.

Credit: Princess Coffee 公主咖啡 舞鶴茶園

Yuli

Credit: Alida/米86 在織羅部落

Yuli Township 玉里鎮 is definitely one of my favourite places in Hualien and I plan to spend more time here when I visit again in the future. Yuli is a rustic village where you can experience Amis indigenous culture and Hakka culture due to the diverse communities.

I enjoyed the best indigenous food feast there thanks to the Ceroh Community 織羅部落  who organises engaging cultural activities like DIY rice painting, footprint food table (communal dining) and more. You can book half or full day tour and activities with them so check out their Alida/米86 在織羅部落 Facebook page for more information and make your reservations.

Other must-do activities in Yuli is to visit the Tribal Queen Art & coffee 部落皇后 cafe and try their famous local delicacies: Yuli smelly tofu (Qiaotou Stinky Tofu 橋頭臭豆腐, Google map) and Yuli noodles (Railway Side Yuli Noodles 鐵路邊玉里麵, Google map).

Hot springs

Credit: East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area

Due to Hualien’s mountainous landscape, Hualien boosts two major hot spring areas: Ruisui Hot Spring 瑞穗溫泉 and Antong Hot Spring 安通溫泉. A bonus for visiting Hualien is that you can indulge in mineral-rich hot springs that have beneficial properties for your skin and body.

Ruisui Hot Spring 瑞穗溫泉 is the main attraction in Ruisui Township. There is a wide range of hotels and hot spring resorts that are popular for their carbonate waters producing “golden hot springs”.

Antong Hot Spring 安通溫泉 is further south in Yuli Township. Their sulfur-rich water are believed to have therapeutic properties. Like Ruisui Hot Spring area, you can enjoy public hot spring pools or stay overnight in hot spring resorts with both public and private baths.

East Coast National Scenic Area

Credit: East Coast National Scenic Area

The East Coast National Scenic Area 東海岸國家風景區 in Hualien offers another type of experiences and scenery that is different from the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area. The coastal area runs along the Pacific Ocean and the coastline is lined with beaches, cliffs, fishing and indigenous villages. Like the East Rift Valley, the East Coast area stretches to Taitung. For a relaxing road trip, take Highway 11 to explore this scenic area.

I have not explored East Coast National Scenic Area much so I will expand this section when I have a chance to visit in the future.

The top highlights include Shimen Scenic Area 石門遊憩區, Shitiping Scenic Area 石梯坪遊憩風景區 in Fengbin Township and more. Check out East Coast National Scenic Area website for more information and sample itineraries.

How to get to Hualien

Credit: East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area

Some travellers may think that Hualien is far because it is on the east side of Taiwan. But it is actually very easy to get to Hualien from Taipei. I have compiled the best ways to get to Hualien from Taipei. If you are planning to visit Hualien from other parts of Taiwan, please feel free to get in touch with me if you can’t find information online.  

Method 1: Train

The fastest and most comfortable and popular option to get to Hualien is to take the local TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Hualien Station. Even Hualien people (car owners) take the train from Hualien to Taipei because it is faster than driving.

Only local TRA (Taiwan Railway Administration) trains make the scenic journey to Hualien along the Taiwan’s eastern coastline. You can’t take the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) to Hualien as it runs only along the western coast of Taiwan.

From Taipei: Taipei Main Station -> Hualien Station
Express trains like the Tze-Chiang Express and Puyuma Express take about 2 hours while local trains take about 3-4 hours.

From Yilan: You can take a train down to Hualien from any Yilan stations (popular stations include Luodong, Suao)

Travel tips:
Book the TRA express tickets in advance, especially for weekends and holidays. Check the timings and book your ticket on Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) website or app. I usually use the TRA app to book my tickets. You can cancel the tickets via the app if you don’t collect the physical ticket.

For train ride (Taipei to Hualien), sit on the left for scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Sit on the right from Hualien to Taipei.
Taiwan Railway Administration TRA Tze-Chiang Limited Express train (Taipei to Hualien)
Taiwan Railway Administration TRA Puyuma Express train (Taipei to Hualien)
Taiwan Railway Administration TRA Local train. This train ride is long so you probably will not take this if you can. The train timetable is useful to see the names of the train stations along this East coast train line.

Method 2: Bus 

If you prefer long bus rides, here are some bus options (extracted from Taroko National Park website to get from Taipei to Hualien.

Travelling from Taipei to Hualien City by bus takes roughly 3 hours (off-peak hours) and does not require any advance ticket reservations.

A number of bus companies provide transport from Taipei to Hualien (~3.5 hours):

  • Taipei Bus #1071 from Taipei Nangang Bus Station (West)
  • Capital Bus #1580 from Banqiao Bus Station
  • U Bus #1663 from Taipei Nangang Bus Station (West)

You can also do a bus-train combo. Take a bus from Taipei to main transportation hub in Yilan (Yilan and Luodong) and take the TRA train from Yilan to Hualien.

  • Taipei ↔ Yilan – About 70minutes (Kamalam Bus)
  • Taipei ↔ Yilan – About 50 minutes (Capital Bus)
  • Taipei ↔ Luodong – 1 hour 30 minutes (Kuo-kuang Bus)

Method 3: Car

Driving from Taipei to Hualien takes more time than a train ride (about 4 hours). The driving route is an interesting way to experience travelling in Taiwan and learn more about the geography of the island. For my recent trip to Hualien, I took the TRA express train to Hualien and hitched a ride from my Hualien friend, Lydia, to go back to Taipei. I really enjoyed the scenic drive as a passenger!

The fastest route to drive from Taipei to Hualien is via the Suhua Highway (蘇花公路) or Highway No. 9). The newer version of the highway includes long tunnels and bypasses landslide-prone areas, making it safer for drivers. Some parts of the highway have controlled timings so check the traffic conditions before you set off.

The drive can be a fun road trip as you can make stops at Taroko Gorge, Qingshui cliffs, and charming Xincheng town and more.

  • Taipei ↔ Hualien 157km ( Provincial Hwy No.9 )
  • Taichung ↔ Hualien 314km ( Central Cross-lsland Highway )

Another hassle-free way to travel to and around Hualien is to engage a local driver.

Travel tips
For a self-drive trip or to engage a private driver to get to and around Hualien, you can save time and cost by taking the TRA train to Hualien and pick up your rental car or meet your driver in Hualien City.

If you are looking for a driver and tour guide, I strongly recommend Lydia Kao (高豫菱/美少婦). A Hualien and Taitung expert, she is so passionate her hometown Hualien and has the best insider’s recommendations. Contact her via Facebook Messenger (also here) (in Chinese).
Credit: East of Taiwan Website

Best way to travel around Hualien without a car

Credit: East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area

Getting around Hualien without a car is convenient and affordable thanks to the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 台灣好行 service, which connects major attractions in the region. Here’s a summary of the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus routes in Hualien.

1. 303B Route (1 Day East Rift Valley Line): Operating from Tuesday to Sunday with stops at Hualien Bus Station, Chinxiu Temple, Liyu Lake (After getting off at Liyu Lake Visitor Center, Hualien Sugar Factory, Yunshanshui.

2. 303C Route (1 Day East Rift Valley Line): The bus runs every Monday with stops at Hualien Bus Station, Pine Garden, Liyu Lake (After getting off at Liyu Lake Visitor Center, Hualien Sugar Factory, Yunshanshui.

3. 303D Route (Half Day East Rift Valley Line): This bus route runs daily and stops at Hualien Bus Station, Promiseland Resort Nature Park, LintianShan Forestry Center and Lichuan Aquafarm.

4. 304 Route (Hualien East Coast Route): This route explores the East Coast, including Qingshui Cliffs, Shihtiping, Jici Beach and Shitiping Geopark. Perfect for enjoying the rugged coastal beauty and unique geological formations.

5. 309 Route (Yuchang Fengbin Line): The bus sets out daily from Yuli Railway Station at 10:50 and passes through the East Rift Valley and the Eastern Coast. The bus travels through Antong Hot Springs and Changbin, stopping at major attractions along the route, such as the Tropic of Cancer Monument, Shiti Fishing Harbor, Shitiping, and King Kong Boulevard.

6. 310 Route (Taroko Route): This route focuses on the area between Hualien City and Qixingtan Beach, with stops at the Taroko Visitor Center and nearby attractions like Xinsheng old street. A convenient option for those wanting to explore the coastal beauty and the entrance to Taroko National Park.

A one-day pass for each route typically costs NT$250, allowing unlimited rides on that route for the day. Multi-day passes are available for travellers combining multiple routes. For schedules, ticketing, and real-time updates, visit the Taiwan Tourism Shuttle website.

Credit: Taiwan Tourism Shuttle. Visit the Taiwan Tourism Shuttle website to see all the Hualien bus routes, timings and maps.
Klook.com

When to visit Hualien?

Liushishi Shan 六十石山 is covered with bright orange day lilies from August to September (金針花季).

Hualien offers diverse experiences year-round. The best time to visit depends on your preferences for weather and activities. Here’s a guide to Hualien’s weather throughout the year.

Spring (March to May): Mild and comfortable temperatures (18°C to 25°C). Spring flowers pain the landscape.

Summer (June to August): Warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. This is the perfect weather to visit the coastal area and enjoy beach and water activities. Rafting on the Xiuguluan River is a popular activity. There are also popular summer and flower festivals. Summer is the peak typhoon season (July to September), so be prepared for potential weather disruptions.

Autumn (September to November): Pleasant temperatures (20°C to 27°C) and generally clear skies. This is an excellent season for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Winter (December to February): Cool temperatures between 14°C and 20°C. Winter is the best season for whale watching along the coast (December to April) and soaking in hot springs.

Remember to check out what festivals are going on during your visit. There are fun festivals all-year-round. The indigenous people celebrate their harvest season with special festivals. I hope to visit Hualien summer next time and participate in harvest festivals.

Credit: Hualien Tourism Website

Where to stay in Hualien?

Hualien offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs: Boutique hotels in the city, coastal resorts, cozy bed-and-breakfasts, hot spring resorts, eco-lodges, budget-friendly hostels and more. Here are some places I have stayed before and would recommend. 

Queen Love B&B

Credit: Queen Love B&B 女王萬歲民宿

Located in Hualien City, Queen Love B&B 女王萬歲民宿 is just a short walk from Hualien train station. You will feel at home in this cosy B&B as the owners are very hospitable. They are always ready to offer help for your travel needs from arranging rental cars, booking tours and providing travel and food recommendations. The elegantly furnished rooms made me feel a royalty. The complimentary breakfast with homemade pastries served in its on-site café is super delicious. Check out Queen Love B&B rooms here.

Buckingham Palace B&B

Credit: Buckingham Palace B&B 白金漢宮民宿)

Situated near Hualien City, Qixingtan beach and part of Xincheng Township, Buckingham Palace B&B 白金漢宮民宿 is comfortable and spacious. Designed like a castle, it features a grand collection of themed rooms that transport you to different worlds that are decorated to make you feel like you in underwater, in the wild, or even out in space. Check out Buckingham Palace B&B rooms here.

Hualien Sugar Factory

Credit: Hualien Sugar Factory (花蓮糖廠)

Hualien Sugar Factory 花蓮糖廠, also known as Guangfu Sugar Factory 光復糖廠, is a historic site in Guangfu Township. Other than being a cultural and recreational hub, it is also an interesting “hotel.” The Japanese-style dormitories for the workers have been converted into charming guest houses for guests. The spacious guest houses come with multiple rooms and they are great for families or groups of friends. Visit the Hualien Sugar Factory’s informative website to check out the rooms.

Hoya Spa Manor

Credit: Hoya Spa Manor 虎爺溫泉渡假莊園

Hoya Spa Manor 虎爺溫泉渡假莊園 is a well-known hot spring resort in Ruisui Township. This long-running hot spring establishment is a local’s favourite because of its mineral-rich waters and pampering facilities. There are many types of rooms to choose. Some luxurious rooms have private hot spring baths. The outdoor hot spring pools and water slides are fun and relaxing for all ages. The lady boss is so passionate and works so hard to make sure the guests have the best experience. Check out their Hoya Spa Manor’s room types and extensive facilities on their website.

Travel video

Watch this video Insider’s guide to Hualien: A journey through nature and indigenous culture” to meet the locals for a virtual tour of Pajiq indigenous restaurant, Turumoan Whale Watching Company and Lin Ji Fish Ball. This guide is a supplement to the virtual travel session organised by Taiwan Tourism Administration Singapore and whywendywrites.

My trip to Hualien was supported by Taiwan Tourism Administration Singapore (check out their Facebook page for more travel information about Taiwan) and Tze Chi University. Special thanks to the most passionate local guides Shan Shan and Lydia who showed me the best of Hualien.

Travel websites

Here are some helpful websites you can refer to as you plan your Hualien travel itinerary.

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