Hualien - Discovering Taiwan

Travelling to Hualien

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Hualien, a pretty good destination in Taiwan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Hualien and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Hualien, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Taiwan, here's everything to know about Hualien for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Hualien

Hualien is a beautiful coastal county located on the eastern side of Taiwan. It is known for its stunning scenery, including the Taroko Gorge National Park, which features marble canyons, cliffs, and a winding river. Hualien is also home to the Qixingtan Beach, the Hualien night market, and the Meiluen Mountain Park. The county's culture is also fascinating, with influences from Taiwan's indigenous tribes and Japanese colonization. In addition to its natural beauty, Hualien is also a culinary haven, famous for its seafood and local specialties such as mochi and Taiwanese meatballs.

What to visit in Hualien

Sure, here are some popular tourist attractions in Hualien, Taiwan: 1. Taroko Gorge: Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Taroko Gorge is a scenic area filled with marble cliffs, deep canyons, and rushing rivers. Visitors can hike along the trails, visit temples and shrines, and marvel at the natural beauty of the area.
2. Qixingtan Beach: this stunning beach is located on the east coast of Taiwan. It's known for its clear blue waters, black pebble beach, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
3. Liyu Lake: a large, man-made lake surrounded by lush forests and scenic mountains. It's a popular spot for boating, hiking, and picnicking.
4. Farglory Ocean Park: a theme park and aquarium featuring a variety of marine animals, rides, and live shows. It's a great place to spend the day with the family.
5. Pine Garden: a former residence of a Japanese businessman, Pine Garden is a beautiful and historic garden filled with pine trees, blooming flowers, and traditional Japanese architecture.
6. Hualien Night Market: a bustling outdoor market filled with vendors selling everything from street food to clothing and souvenirs. It's a great place to experience local culture and try some delicious Taiwanese cuisine.
7. East Rift Valley Scenic Area: a scenic area stretching between Hualien and Taitung, featuring stunning natural landscapes, hot springs, hiking trails, and more. It's a great place to explore the natural beauty of Taiwan.
These are just a few of the many tourist attractions in Hualien, Taiwan, and each one offers its own unique experience and charm.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Taiwan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Hualien.

When to go on holiday to Hualien

The best time to visit Hualien is during the months of April to June and September to November when the weather is mild and comfortable. During these months, the temperature is not too hot and the rainfall is relatively low. The peak tourist season in Hualien is from July to August when the weather is hot and humid, but it's also when the summer festivals and beach activities are at their peak. However, during this time, prices for accommodations and activities may be higher and there may be more crowds. If you prefer to travel during off-peak seasons, December to March is also a good time as the weather is cool and there's less tourist crowd.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Hualien

There are several ways to get to Hualien, Taiwan: 1. By Train: You can take a train from Taipei Main Station to Hualien Station. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the type of train you take. Train tickets can be purchased online or at the station.
2. By Bus: You can take an express bus from Taipei Bus Station to Hualien Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. Bus tickets can be purchased at the station or online.
3. By Car: You can also rent a car and drive to Hualien. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the traffic.
4. By Plane: You can take a domestic flight from Taipei to Hualien. The flight takes approximately 50 minutes. Flight tickets can be purchased online or at the airport.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Hualien, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Hualien

Here are some typical foods from Hualien, Taiwan along with short descriptions: 1. Ayu - A freshwater fish that is grilled or fried and often served with soy sauce and ginger.
2. Donghe rice noodles - A type of gluten-free noodles made from a mixture of rice and water.
3. Liyu Lake air-dried meat - Dried meat that is marinated with spices such as Sichuan peppercorn and chili, then dried in the air.
4. Hualien baozi - Steamed buns filled with various ingredients such as pork, chicken, and vegetables, often served with soy sauce.
5. Hualien mochi - A dessert made from sticky rice flour filled with sweet red bean paste.
6. Taiwanese sausage - A popular street food that is grilled and served with garlic and chili sauce.
7. Fried oysters - Oysters that are battered and fried, often served with spicy mustard and a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
8. Taroko gorge aboriginal-style grilled fish - Fresh fish grilled and flavored with indigenous herbs and spices. 9. Mountain vegetables - Wild vegetables such as ferns, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms, often stir-fried and served with garlic and ginger.
10. Taiwanese popcorn chicken - Bite-sized pieces of chicken that are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then coated with starch and deep-fried until crispy.
You can find general info about typical foods in Taiwan here.

Is Hualien an expensive destination for tourists?

Hualien is generally not considered to be an expensive destination for tourists compared to other popular destinations in Asia. Prices for accommodation, food, and transportation are often lower than in other major cities in Taiwan, such as Taipei. However, prices may vary depending on the time of year you plan to visit, as well as your preferences for accommodations and activities. Overall, Hualien is a great destination for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore Taiwan's natural beauty.

Where to find accomodation in Hualien

The best areas to find accommodations in Hualien, Taiwan include the city center, near the train station, and along the coast. The city center is ideal for those who want to be near the night market, shopping areas, and cultural attractions. The train station area is convenient for those who want to explore the city and surrounding areas by train as it is a major transportation hub. Along the coast, visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Hualien's beautiful beaches. Additionally, there are also many hot springs resorts in the mountains just outside of the city, offering a more secluded and natural experience.
You can check hotel prices at Hualien here:
Booking.com

Is Hualien a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Hualien in Taiwan is generally considered to be a safe place for tourists. However, like any other destination, it is important to exercise caution when traveling there. Some basic safety tips include being aware of your surroundings, avoiding unlit or deserted areas at night, and keeping your valuables secure. It is also recommended to have travel insurance and to always carry emergency contact information with you.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Taiwan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Hualien.

What type of travelers will enjoy Hualien the most?

Hualien, Taiwan is a versatile destination that offers something for all types of travelers. Below are examples of who may enjoy Hualien the most: 1. Nature lovers: Hualien is a popular base for exploring Taroko National Park, an area known for its impressive marble-walled canyons, rushing rivers and scenic hiking trails. 2. Couples: Hualien is home to several romantic spots, such as Qixingtan Beach, Chishingtan Beach, and Liyu Lake, providing stunning views for couples to enjoy each other's company. 3. Families: Hualien has kid-friendly attractions, such as Zoo North, a wildlife park with a wide variety of animals. Families can also enjoy scenic bike rides along the river.
4. Adventure seekers: Hualien offers numerous adventure activities such as white-water rafting, river tracing, and rock climbing at places like Liyu Lake, Taroko Gorge, and the Coastal Mountain Range.
5. Foodies: Hualien is known for its local dishes, such as Taiwanese meatballs, creamy sesame oil chicken, and crispy fried rice noodles. Hualien's night markets are also a great place to sample local street food.

How to get around Hualien

There are several transportation options to move around Hualien, Taiwan, including taxis, buses, trains, and rental cars. Taxis are convenient but can be expensive. Buses are a popular and affordable option, with several routes covering many landmarks and attractions in the city. Trains are also a great way to get around Hualien, with daily services running to Taipei and other major Taiwanese cities. Rental cars are available but may not be necessary for short trips within the city.

What to see around Hualien

Certainly! Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Hualien (Taiwan): 1. Taroko National Park - one of the most famous national parks in Taiwan, filled with natural beauty including mountains, gorges, waterfalls, and hot springs.
2. Qixingtan Beach - a beautiful and peaceful beach with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
3. Hualien Stone Sculptural Park - a unique park filled with beautiful stone sculptures of various sizes and designs.
4. Farglory Ocean Park - a popular amusement park in Hualien with a variety of rides and marine animal exhibits.
5. Liyu Lake - a tranquil lake surrounded by mountains, with beautiful scenery and many recreational activities available such as boating, hiking, and cycling.
6. Nanbin Park - a scenic park with gorgeous views of the ocean and mountains, a perfect spot for a picnic or a relaxing walk.
7. Pine Garden - an old Japanese-style garden that has become a popular attraction due to its stunning scenery and historic buildings.
8. Mukumugi Valley - a beautiful and serene valley with clear water and impressive rock formations.
I hope this helps!
For every travel information about Taiwan you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel and this page was partly created with the help of AI: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.