Things To Do
in Hualien
Hualien is a relaxed coastal city on Taiwan’s less-developed east coast, framed by the Pacific Ocean and the dramatic marble gorges of Taroko National Park. It’s a gateway for dramatic scenery — sheer cliffs, river-cut canyons and long pebble beaches — and a center for indigenous culture. The city blends low-rise urban life with abundant outdoor adventure: hiking, cycling, whale-watching and river tracing are all easily arranged.
Hualien is ideal for travelers seeking nature, fresh seafood and a quieter, more local Taiwanese experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a scenic drive to Taroko Gorge, marveling at the towering marble cliffs as the sun rises. Stop at the iconic Shakadang Trail, where you can stroll along the crystal-clear river and admire the unique rock formations. Enjoy a packed breakfast surrounded by nature, listening to the soothing sounds of the flowing water.
After lunch at a local eatery, venture to the Eternal Spring Shrine, a stunning site dedicated to the workers who built the Central Cross-Island Highway. Continue your exploration with a hike on the Zhuilu Old Trail, known for its breathtaking views and thrilling cliffside paths. Capture the stunning landscapes and diverse flora as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this national park.
Return to Hualien city and unwind with a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional dishes like beef noodle soup and stinky tofu. After dinner, visit the Dongdamen Night Market, where you can taste a variety of street food and browse through local crafts. Engage with friendly vendors and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as the market comes to life at night.
Start your day at Qixingtan Beach, where the sound of waves and the cool breeze greet you as you enjoy a morning walk along the shore. Rent a bicycle and ride along the scenic coastline, taking in the views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains. Stop for a refreshing drink at a beachside café, soaking in the sun and the tranquil environment.
Engage in thrilling water sports such as paddleboarding or kayaking, exploring the crystal-clear waters and enjoying the stunning coastal scenery. Afterward, relax on the sandy beach, where you can sunbathe or play beach volleyball with friends. Grab a light lunch at a nearby food stall, indulging in fresh seafood or local snacks.
As the sun sets, watch the sky turn vibrant shades of orange and pink while enjoying a beachside barbecue dinner. Spend the evening stargazing on the beach, where the clear skies allow for breathtaking views of the stars. Reflect on the day’s adventures while listening to the calming sound of waves lapping against the shore.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| 🍱Railway bento or takeaway meal | $4-7 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $40-100 |
| 🚗Scooter rental (day) | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Spectacular natural scenery (Taroko Gorge, cliffs, beaches)
- Fresh seafood and unique indigenous cuisine
- Laid-back, less crowded than western Taiwan
- Good base for outdoor adventures: hiking, cycling, whale-watching
- Weather can be unpredictable with typhoon season and heavy rain
- Fewer high-end hotel and nightlife options compared with Taipei
- Public transport outside the city is limited; a car or tours may be needed
- Some trails and attractions require permits or guided arrangements
- "你好 / Nǐ hǎo" - Hello
- "謝謝 / Xièxie" - Thank you
- "廁所在哪裡？ / Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?" - Where is the restroom?
- "我要這個 / Wǒ yào zhège" - I want this (useful when ordering food)
- "我吃素 / Wǒ chī sù" - I am vegetarian
- "Taroko 在哪？ / Taroko zài nǎ?" - Where is Taroko? (useful for asking directions)
Places to Visit in Hualien
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic marble canyon with dramatic cliffs, narrow tunnels and river reflections — early morning or late afternoon light is best; some viewpoints are accessible by car or short walks.
Sheer cliffs plunging to the Pacific with sweeping vistas and dramatic sea horizons — ideal for sunrise photography and long-exposure seascapes.
Pebble beach with curved shoreline and mountain backdrop — good for sunrise, coastal wide-angles and bike-path compositions.
Turquoise river sections and clear water framed by marble walls; accessible trails offer many intimate nature shots.
Calm lake reflective at dawn/dusk with boating and mountain silhouettes — great for tranquil landscape photos and birdlife.
Pastoral scenes with rice paddies and mountains — best during planting or harvest seasons for vivid colors and local farm activity.
Food in Hualien
Hualien Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hearty boxed meals of rice with braised pork, vegetables, pickles and fish — easy to find near Hualien Railway Station and in small shops around town.
Must-Try!
Soft, chewy rice cakes often filled with peanut or sesame paste — Hualien is famous for handcrafted mochi sold in shops and markets.
Fresh fish, squid and shellfish grilled simply; available at seaside restaurants and night market stalls near the Harbor and Qixingtan.
Traditional aboriginal cuisine features millet, taro, wild boar and steamed or roasted mountain vegetables — try at indigenous-run restaurants or cultural centers.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Hualien’s largest night market with stalls offering seafood, skewers, bubble tea, mochi and indigenous snacks — a must-visit for street-food sampling.
Small eatery and bento stalls near the station sell fresh boxed meals and snacks ideal for travelers catching early trains to Taroko.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a nod or smile; saying “xièxie” (謝謝 / thank you) is appreciated. Avoid loud conversations in public transport and be patient in queues.
Address elders with respect, accept and offer items with both hands when appropriate, and ask permission before photographing people or sacred indigenous sites.
Remove shoes when entering traditional homes or some small eateries/guesthouses if requested. Look for cues or shoe racks at the door.
Follow park rules in Taroko and other natural areas: don’t leave trash, avoid picking plants, and stay on marked trails for safety and conservation.
Safety
Tipping in Hualien
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; most service workers do not expect tips, though rounding up or leaving small change at cafes is appreciated. High-end hotels may accept tips for exceptional service but are not required.
Cash (New Taiwan Dollar, NTD) is king at markets and small vendors. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and shops; mobile payments and EasyCard/IC cards are handy for buses and some stores. ATMs are common in the city; bring a card with international withdrawal enabled.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with occasional rain; wildflowers and new greenery appear in the valleys. Good time for hiking before peak heat, but bring a light rain jacket for showers.
Hot, humid and prone to heavy rains and typhoons (especially July–September). Great for sea activities and whale-watching on calm days, but monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to change plans during storm seasons.
Generally the most pleasant season — warm days, cooler nights and less rain. Clear skies often make for excellent hiking and photography conditions.
Mild to cool with more rain and occasional strong wind; temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Hiking is still possible but trails can be slippery; warm layers recommended for evening coastal breezes.
Hualien at Night
Hiking in Hualien
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A relatively flat, scenic trail following a clear turquoise river through marble gorges — family-friendly and accessible from Taroko.
Moderate hike with tunnels and waterfalls culminating in the Baiyang Waterfall and water curtain cave viewpoints.
Historic cliff-side trail with dramatic, exposed viewpoint over the Taroko Gorge; permits and limited daily access make this a prized hike for experienced hikers.
Short boardwalks and lookouts offering close-up views of soaring cliffs and river-carved marble walls — easily accessible and highly photogenic.
Gentle lakeside trail suitable for walking, running or cycling with mountain reflections and birdlife — good for families and relaxed afternoons.
Airports
How to reach Hualien by plane.
Small regional airport serving domestic routes; convenient for quick connections to Taipei on some schedules. Limited international service.
Main international gateway (near Taipei) about 3–4 hours by rail/bus from Hualien depending on connections; fastest international entry point for most travelers.
Taipei Songshan handles some domestic flights and a few regional international routes; a useful option if connecting from Taipei city via domestic flight to Hualien when available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population; culturally similar to other Taiwanese cities with local dialects and cuisine.
Significant presence of indigenous communities with distinct languages, culture, crafts and festivals; many cultural centers and restaurants showcase their heritage.
Small expat community and domestic travelers who visit for nature and outdoor activities; tourism peaks on holidays and weekends.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is extremely popular across Taiwan, and you’ll find local leagues and enthusiastic local fans; community fields host games and events.
Cycling is a major recreational sport with scenic routes around Liyu Lake and along the East Rift Valley attracting casual riders and touring cyclists.
East coast waves support surfing at seasonal breaks, while kayaking, paddleboarding and whale-watching are common ocean activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hualien.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are less common in smaller eateries; larger restaurants and night-market stalls may offer vegetable noodles, tofu dishes and stir-fried greens. Use the phrase “wǒ chīsù” (我吃素) to indicate you’re vegetarian and point to ingredients. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants (齋) are sometimes available in town.
Vegan and strictly gluten-free choices are limited — communicate restrictions clearly in Mandarin or show a translation card. Pack snacks if you have strict allergies.
Seafood is common — explicitly state allergies and consider eating at vegetarian or specialized restaurants to avoid cross-contact.