Hualien County Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and much more with this complete travel guide to Hualien County, Taiwan.


Introduction to Hualien County

Hualien County, located on Taiwan’s east coast, is a destination that offers natural wonders, culture, adventure activities, and delicious food. The county is home to some of the most stunning scenery in Taiwan, including the unforgettable Taroko National Park, the East Rift Valley, and the Coastal Range. With its rich cultural heritage, Hualien County is also a great place to explore the history, art, and craft of the area’s indigenous people.

List of Places to Visit in Hualien County

Whether you are looking for cultural experience, natural beauty, or outdoor activities, Hualien County offers something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit in Hualien County:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Dong Hwa University Museum: This museum showcases the cultural and natural history of Taiwan and has a collection of artefacts and specimens from different ethnic groups in Taiwan.
  • Liyu Lake Scenic Area: The scenic area, located on the east side of Hualien County, is famous for the beautiful Liyu Lake, temples, hiking trails, and birdwatching.
  • Chihsing Tan Beach: This volcanic gravel beach is a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise or sunset.
  • Hualien Railway Cultural Area: The railway cultural area presents the history, technology, and charm of the old railway station in Hualien.

Natural Attractions of Hualien County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Taroko National Park: The impressive Taroko National Park is a must-see in Hualien. The park features steep cliffs, gorges, springs, waterfalls, and trails that offer endless exciting opportunities for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and river tracing.
  • Qingshui Cliff: The cliff is a sheer wall rising high above the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of the ocean and mountains.
  • Shakadang Trail: This trail in Taroko National Park follows the river to the valley, surrounded by steep cliffs and lush forests.
  • East Rift Valley Scenic Area: The scenic area is known for its fertile farming lands, hot springs, and unique ecology.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hualien County

For the adventure seekers, Hualien County has some of the best hiking and biking routes in Taiwan. Here are some of the popular routes:

  • Zhuilu Old Trail: This challenging trail in Taroko National Park is not for the faint-hearted. The trail leads hikers on narrow pathways carved into the cliff-face with stunning views of the gorge.
  • Qixingtan Coastal Trail: This path is a beautiful walk along the coast with plenty of opportunities for nature photographers.
  • Hualien County Bike Route: This bike path runs for 155 km from Hualien City to Taitung City.

Best Things to Do in Hualien County: Activities and Tours

There are many activities and tours available in Hualien County. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • River tracing: A thrilling activity for everyone looking for a bit of adventure.
  • Whitewater rafting: Experience the rush of the whitewater rapids while enjoying the scenic beauty of the area.
  • Hot springs: Hualien County is famous for its hot springs. Some of the famous hot springs include Jhihben Hot Springs and Antong Hot Springs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hualien County

Here is a suggested week-long itinerary for Hualien County:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival in Hualien - Visit Hualien Railway Cultural Area
Day 2 Taroko National Park: Hike Shakadang Trail and visit the Eternal Spring Shrine
Day 3 Ji’an Township: Visit the Rainbow Bridge and enjoy the scenic beauty
Day 4 East Rift Valley Scenic Area: Visit Ruisui Hot Springs
Day 5 Liyu Lake Scenic Area: Visit Liyu Lake and Guanyin Falls
Day 6 Coastal Range: Qingshui Cliff and Qixingtan
Day 7 Departure from Hualien

Food and Drink Scene of Hualien County

Hualien County has a diverse food and drink scene. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seafood: Hualien country has some of the freshest seafood in Taiwan.
  • Tianxiang BBQ Stick: A popular dish in the night market of Hualien, made with grilled pork ribs served on a stick.
  • Liyu Lake Bento: A famous lunch box made by the indigenous people of Hualien, featuring local crops such as millet and mountain vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Sun Moon Lake Black Tea: As one of the agriculture counties of Taiwan, Hualien has many high-quality tea plantations. Sun Moon Lake black tea is a local specialty and makes a perfect gift to bring home.
  • Tainan Siraya Black Sugar: This famous drink is made from locally grown sugar cane and has a unique taste.

Where to Stay in Hualien County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hualien County offers a variety of accommodation options for travellers. Here are some of the best places to stay in Hualien County:

  • Silks Place Taroko: A luxury hotel located in Taroko National Park, with a stunning view of the gorge.
  • MUJI Hotel: A trendy hotel with a Japanese minimalist design, located in Hualien City.
  • Backpackers Inn: A welcoming hostel in the center of Hualien City.
  • Ji’an Homestay: a homestay near the scenic area of Ji’an Township, providing the comfort of home with a local twist.

What to Buy in Hualien County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Hualien County offers a variety of unique souvenirs and local products. Here are some of the best things to buy:

  • Aboriginal Handicrafts: Aboriginal handcrafted products are a great way to support the local community, including baskets, pottery, and jewelry.
  • Taiwanese Tea: Hualien County is famous for its tea, which makes for a perfect gift to bring home.
  • Hualien Sugar: Another local specialty, Hualien sugar is ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Local Culture and Customs of Hualien County

Hualien County is home to many indigenous groups in Taiwan, including the Amis and Truku. Visitors can explore their culture and customs by visiting indigenous villages, experiencing their music, dance, and handicrafts.

Best Time to Visit Hualien County

The best time to visit Hualien County is from September to November and from April to June when the weather is mild and comfortable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hualien County

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts for a comfortable and pleasant trip to Hualien County:

Do:

  • Try the local food and drink.
  • Respect the indigenous people and their customs.
  • Bring insect repellent if you are planning for outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public areas.
  • Take anything from the national park, including plants and rocks.
  • Use drones without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hualien County

Hualien County is a safe destination. However, visitors should take standard precautions, like they would while traveling anywhere else.

Health in Hualien County

The tap water is drinkable in Hualien County. However, it is advisable to drink bottled water, and visitors should take standard health precautions.

Getting to Hualien County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some of the transportation options to Hualien County:

Airports Near Hualien County

Hualien Airport is the nearest airport to Hualien County, located 6km southwest of the city. It provides flights to and from Taipei, Kaohsiung, and other major cities in Taiwan.

Bus Stations Near Hualien County

The bus station in Hualien connects the city to other major cities in Taiwan, including Taipei, Taichung, and Tainan.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Hualien County via the train. The train station in Hualien is on the Taipei-Hualien-Taitung line.

How to Get Around in Hualien County

The most convenient ways to get around Hualien County are by renting a car, taking a taxi, or using public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Hualien County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions from Hualien County:

  • Kenting National Park: Located in southern Taiwan, Kenting National Park is famous for its white-sand beaches and tropical climate.
  • Yilan County: A coastal county known for its hot springs, scenic views, and creative arts scenes.
  • Taitung County: A county with rich natural and cultural resources, including the East Coast Scenic Area, the National Museum of Prehistory, and the local craft villages.

Conclusion

Hualien County is a destination that offers natural beauty, cultural experience, and adventure activities. With its unique charm, friendly locals, and exquisite cuisine, it’s the perfect place for a memorable trip to Taiwan.

Eternal Spring Shrine Eternal Spring Shrine Saoba Monoliths Saoba Monoliths Farglory Ocean Park Farglory Ocean Park


    Taroko Gorge
    Yuli