Hualien is one of eastern Taiw

Hualien is one of eastern Taiwan's most captivating cities 🌄. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range, it's a haven for nature lovers, slow travelers, and cultural explorers. From canyons to coastlines, from indigenous culture to hipster markets, Hualien's charm is truly worth savoring.

📸 Photos have been sent. Come experience Hualien's mountain and sea scenery and local life!

---

🗺️ Recommended Must-Visit Attractions

Attractions Highlights
Taroko National Park: World-class canyon scenery, including the magnificent Shakadang Trail, Swallow's Mouth, and Nine-Curve Cave. 🏞️
Qixingtan Coast: Pebble beach and Pacific sunrise, incredibly relaxing, perfect for cycling or stargazing. 🌊
Hualien Cultural and Creative Industry Park: A converted old winery, home to a cultural and creative market, exhibitions, and cafes. 🎨
Pine Garden Villa: Military quarters from the Japanese colonial era, offering panoramic views of the ocean and city, a must-see for hipsters. 🏯
Lichuan Fishery: Golden Clam Theme Park, where you can experience clam catching and clam soup, a great choice for family trips. 🐚
Liyutan Scenic Area: Lake and mountain scenery, perfect for boating, cycling, picnics, and the cherry blossoms are stunning in spring. 🌸

---

🍜 Must-Try Foods in Hualien

• Fried Egg Scallion Pancakes: A popular spot with long lines, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. I recommend the one at the intersection of Fuxing Street.
• Gongzheng Baozi & Zhoujia Steamed Dumplings: A local breakfast classic, affordable and delicious.
• Indigenous Cuisine: Wild boar meat, Magao sausage, and bamboo rice. We recommend "Shanhai Feast" or "Dakili Tribe."
• Dumplings (Wontons): Hualien dumplings have thin skins and generous fillings. We recommend the Yexiang Dumplings.
• Ice Cream Desserts: Wuba Caramel-Covered Flour Balls, Fengchun Ice Cream Parlor's Wood-Burned Brown Sugar Ice Cream.

---

🚇 Transportation

• Train: Take the Taiwan Railway to Hualien Station, about 2-3 hours from Taipei.
• Driving: Hualien's attractions are scattered, making driving the most convenient. It's even safer now that the Suhua Expressway is open.
• Airport: Hualien Airport has flights from Taipei and Kaohsiung, making it a quick commute.
• City Transportation: You can rent a scooter, bicycle, or take the bus. Shuttle buses are available at some attractions.

---

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations

• City Hotels: For convenient transportation, we recommend the Hanoi Hotel and the Baiyue Hotel.
• Ocean View B&Bs: Dreamy accommodations like the Haiyin B&B and Wanghai B&B near Qixingtan.
• Mountain B&Bs: Near Taroko, accommodations like Liwu Mountain Resort and Buluowan Mountain Moon Village are ideal for immersive nature experiences.
• Hipster B&Bs: Downtown B&Bs like Huilanwo and Houshan Town offer unique style.

---

💡 Tips

• Hualien's weather is changeable, with fog and afternoon thunderstorms common in the mountains. Please bring rain gear and sunscreen.
• Some trails in Taroko require park entrance or a pass, so check in advance.
• Indigenous cultural activities such as the Harvest Festival and market performances are welcome, but please respect cultural etiquette.
• Hualien experiences frequent earthquakes, but they are mostly minor, so many accommodations are earthquake-resistant.
• We recommend planning a 3-5-day exploration, with a visit to Taitung or Yilan as a convenient stop.

---

Post by Happy tomorrow | Aug 27, 2025

Related Travel Moments

Most Popular Travel Moments