Hualien

Understand

Located on a strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range, Hualien is considered one of the most pleasant cities in Taiwan. Many tourists visit the city to enjoy the scenery and fresh air and also to tour the famous Taroko Gorge, which is a few kilometers north of the city. It has a large population (12,500 in 2022) of indigenous people. Due to this large indigenous population, Hualien has traditionally been a KMT stronghold, though the DPP has made inroads among the younger generation.

1 Visitor Information Center (in front of Hualien Station (right side)), ☏ +886 38360634. It is hosted by Taiwan Hospitality and Tourism College, that has been authorized, by the Hualien County Government to operate and manage the Visitor Information Center (VIC) at Hualien Airport and the Hualien Railway Station. These two centers provide general services such as tourism guide and tour bus information, home-stay information, bi-lingual traveling brochure, travel inquiry, emergency handling and so on. (updated Nov 2017)

Getting there

By train 1 Hualien Station (花蓮車站), 100 Guolian 1st Rd, ☏ +886-3-8355941. 06:00-00:00. There are frequent trains from Taipei, and depending on the type of train, the journey can take from two to three and a half hours. Express trains (Puyuma Express or Tze Chiang Limited Express) take 2 to 3 hours and cost NT$583 adult fare or NT$292 for child or senior discounts. The trains follow the coast for part of the journey, through Yilan and Luodong, and the left side of the train offers the best views. There are also frequent trains to Kaohsiung (about 2 hours and NT$859) and then to Tainan, and less frequently to Tainan (about 3 hours and NT$962) on Tze Chiang Limited.During peak travel season, train tickets are sometimes are hard to get. It is recommended to book your trip early to ensure your seat. There is also the option to take a bus to Luodong and switch to the local train to Hualien. Combined tickets for bus and train can be bought at the Kamalan counter at Taipei bus station and the Capital bus counter at City Hall Station. To continue to additional townships would be to transfer to a local train at Hualien Station or take the fast local train from Taipei and get off at an intermediate stop between Ludong and Hualien which may or may not require a transfer to a local train, bus or taxi to reach your final destination. The following are additional train stations nearest to Hualien City that may be closer to where you are staying: (updated Apr 2020) 2 Ji'an Station 吉安 Served only by Tze Cheng Limited from Taipei via Hualien Station and by local trains from Hualien Station. Closest Township next to Hualien City serving as a suburb and rural township adjacent to Hualien City. 3 Beipu Station 北埔 Next station north of Hualien City in Xecheng Township a northern suburb to Hualien City. It is closer to the airport and to some of the hotels in the "Splurge" category. It is served only by local trains from Hualien Station. 4 Jingmei 景美 Served only by local trains from Hualien Station 5 Xingfeng Township 新城 Nearest station to Taroko Gorge in Xingfeng Township. Travelers would transfer to Hualien Bus Co #1133, Taroko Bus #302 or UBus 310 bus to Taroko Gorge Visitor's Center. This station is served Tze Chiang Limited (once daily), Puyuma Express (once daily), and the more frequent local trains.

By car Traveling by (or renting) a car or scooter is recommended to get around locally and to surrounding townships and rural areas as public transportation is limited. In the surrounding township and rural areas taxis are further apart which will require calling and w

Getting around

The city center is small and easy to navigate on foot, although scooters are available for rent several places around town for about NT$400 a day. Pony rental near chin yen hotel (across from the train station) is the only rental agency that will rent scooters to foreigners. Getting around by scooter is the best way to see the gorge. Hualien is a small city without an extensive public transport system, and so it is worth considering taking taxis to areas outside the city center. Hualien station is at least a 30-minute walk from the center of town.

See

History and culture

1 Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park (花蓮文創產業園區), No.144, Jhonghua Rd, ☏ +886 3 831 3777. 10:00–18:00, closed M. A pedestrian area made up of 26 old factory warehouses which hosts a number of cultural establishments, mostly showcasing local arts and crafts. (updated Apr 2026) 2 Hualien Martyrs' Shrine (花蓮忠烈祠). 09:00–17:00. Built on the site of the Karenkō Shrine, this is a memorial to those who have lost their lives in service of Taiwan. (updated Apr 2020) 3 Pine Garden (松園別館), No.65, Songyuan St (Zhongmei), ☏ +886 3 835 6510. 09:00–18:00. A peaceful garden with 63 pine trees built around a historic building originally constructed to house the Japanese military. 4 The Former Residence of Kuo Tzu-Chiu (郭子究音樂文化館), No.10, Ln. 1, Mincyuan 7th St, ☏ +886 3 8235466. 09:00–15:00, closed M Tu. The former residence of Kuo Tzu-Chiu, a famous musician and teacher from the area. (updated Apr 2026) 5 Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum (七星柴魚博物館), No. 148, Qixing Street, Xincheng Township, ☏ +886 3 823 6100. 08:30-17:30. A museum in Xincheng Township dedicated to dried bonito fish. The museum is accessible east from Beipu Station. (updated Oct 2019)

Temples 6 The Abode of Still Thoughts (花蓮靜思堂), No.703, Sec. 3, Jhongyang Rd, ☏ +886 3 8560260. 09:00–17:00. This small Buddhist temple at the foot of Mount North Jialiwan is the original facility of the world-famous Tzu-zhi Buddhist foundation. In keeping with the foundation's ideals, the temple is very simple, and incorporates a Japanese-style garden. Information on Tzu-chi's international activities is also available at the temple. (updated Apr 2026) 7 Yenpin Prefectural Temple (延平王廟) (near Zhongyang Rd, sec 4.), ☏ +886 3 8560110. 05:30–20:30. Established in the Qing Dynasty, this is the oldest temple in Hualien. (updated Apr 2026) 8 Hualien Al-Falah Mosque (花蓮清真寺), No. 78, Fuji Road (walk northwest from TRA Hualien Station). The 9th mosque built in Taiwan. (updated Feb 2021)

Museums 9 Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum (花蓮縣石雕博物館) (At the Hualien County Cultural Center). Daily 09:00-17:00. Displays traditional and contemporary stone sculptures. NT$20. 10 Hualien Railway Culture Park (花蓮鐵道文化園區). An open-air museum to Taiwan's narrow gauge railway. (updated Apr 2020)

Do

The activities in and around Hualien include mountain hiking, beaches, hot springs, river tracing, whale and dolphin watching and a lot of other wild places. Ask around with the local travel companies.

Events International Stone Sculpture Festival (國際石雕藝術季). An annual event featuring stone carving skills from around the world. (updated Apr 2020) 1 Pacific Ocean International Festival Of Rock Balancing And Arts (太平洋國際疊石藝術季), Cising St. (updated Apr 2026)

Sports

2 Hualien Baseball Stadium (花蓮縣立德興棒球場), ☏ +886 3 858 0686. A 5,500-seat stadium that regularly features professional baseball games. (updated Apr 2020)

Amusement parks 3 Farglory Ocean Park. M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa Su 08:30-17:00. Hualien's biggest man-made tourist attraction. As well as Ferris wheel and cable car, the park contains eight zones showing different aspects of marine life. Children, in particular, will have an enjoyable time but for the more adventurous or those wanting a more local experience, there are many places that are much cheaper and provide a better experience of Taiwan. Adults NT$890, children NT$790.

Parks and nature 4 Qixingtan Beach (七星潭) (north of Hualien City; follow the bike path from Nanbin Seashore Park), ☏ +886 3 8221592. One of the most popular attractions of Taiwan, although maybe not the most spectacular one. Crescent bay and clear blue waters with a beach full of colorful agates. This used to be a small fishing village but has now multiple scenic trails, pagodas, beach pavilions, and a star-gazing square. Excellent vistas of the ocean, delicious seafood, friendly people. The beach is not popular for swimming as the tides and currents are quite dangerous, the bottom drops off steeply, and doesn't have much sand (mostly pebbles). It is important to stay near the coast. (updated Apr 2026) 5 Rareseed Ranch (瑞穗牧場). A tourist attraction ranch in Wuhe Village, Ruisui Township. (updated Oct 2019) Beibin Seashore Park, Nanbin Seashore Park and Meilun Seashore Park. A scenic area of palm trees and landscaped greenery that runs the full length of the city's foreshore. The views over the Pacific Ocean are especially spectacular at sunrise.

Buy

Woven cloth. Hualien is a good place to pick up hand woven cloth in traditional aboriginal designs. Stone Hualien's stone market is near the old bus station on Mingyi Road, and they sell everything from jewelery to tea-pots all carved out of stone. The Hualien region was the main source of jade for the Maritime jade route (circa 2000 BCE to circa 500 CE), the stone is still mined there, and many shops in the city sell jade products.

Eat

Dishes Zhu tung fan (竹筒飯) — rice steamed in a bamboo tube is a specialty of the locals. Muaji (麻薯) — in Japan also known as Mochi, are glutinous rice filled (or sometimes covered) with various flavors, such as peanut, sweet red and green bean paste, sweet sesame paste, coconut or fruit. Wonton (餛飩) — Hualien's wontons are very famous throughout Taiwan

Night markets 1 Dongdamen Night Market (東大門夜市), Chongcing Rd. 18:00–00:00. Not quite as spectacular as other larger cities night markets, the Dongdamen Night Market still exudes a fun and frenetic vibe and offers a huge number of activities and culinary treats. The back lane is dedicated to indigenous aboriginal vendors and features live music and dance performances on weekends. (updated Mar 2026)

Budget 2 Rui Ying Chinese Omelet (睿縈手工粉漿蛋餅), No.82, Guolian 2nd Rd, ☏ +886 955377822. 06:30–11:30. (updated Mar 2026)

Mid-range 3 Tosca Pasta (托斯卡義式廚房), No.95-7, Jhongmei Rd, ☏ +886 928078127. 11:30–13:30 17:00–20:30, closed M. European restaurant with European prices. (updated Mar 2026) 4 Irrawaddy Myanmar Restaurant (伊江滇緬料理), No.11-1, Mincyuan Rd, ☏ +886 3 8310077. W–Sa 11:00–14:00 17:00–21:00. Popular with many foreigners in Hualien. (updated Mar 2026)

Drink & nightlife

Hualien has an abundance of tea houses, cafes and bars, and also many stores specializing in locally produced tea.

1 Cafe Jade (璞石咖啡), No.8, Mingli Rd, ☏ +886 3 834-5968. 13:00–17:00, closed Sa Su. A spacious and very pleasant art cafe offering regular live music and art exhibitions. (updated Mar 2026) 2 Wang's Tea Lounge (王記茶舖), No.565, Jhongshan Rd, ☏ +886 3 8339388. 10:30–22:30. (updated Mar 2026) 3 Bon Appétit Cafe & Dining (邦娜比堤), No.29, Minde 4th St, [email protected]. 11:30–14:00 17:00–20:00. Serves espresso, spaghetti, handmade waffles and other brunch items. (updated Mar 2026) 4 Hualien Distillery (花蓮觀光酒廠), No.6, Meigong Rd, ☏ +886 3 8227151. 09:00–17:00. The distillery has a shop where you can buy locally made drinks. (updated Mar 2026)

Sleep

Budget 1 Romantic Time (時光.漫旅民宿), No.68, Guolian 2nd Rd, ☏ +886 3 8362-756. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Double room: NT$900,Double room, Quadruple room:NT$1400. (updated Mar 2026) 2 Chan Tai Hotel (仟台大飯店), No.83-1, Guolian 1st Rd (east of the train station, on the first corner past the Visitors Centre), ☏ +886 3 8330 121. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 11:30. The more expensive rooms have a/c, TV, refrigerator ADSL and are double, with en-suite. They are very clean. Advertises with "as cheap as nearby hostel", which of course it is not, so do not fall for that. 24-hr reception. Double room:NT$1,300, Quadruple room:NT$2000. (updated Mar 2026) 3 Formosa Backpackers Apartmant & Hostel (青年民宿), No.206, Jianguo Rd, ☏ +886 928690029, [email protected]. Check-in: 13:30, check-out: 11:30. The first-floor common area of the B&B has a high-quality sound system where you can watch movies and sing karaoke. Double room:NT$1500. (updated Mar 2026) Hualien Student Hostel, 40-11 Kungyuan Road, ☏ +886 3 832-4124. Offers dorms and twin rooms. 4 Mini Voyage Hostel (小旅行迷你公寓), No.103, Guolian 1st Rd (out of the railway station, take the main road to the right for about 80 m), ☏ +886 3 8321150, +886 987238150, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Overall great ratings and even if they have a 16-bed dorm, it is far less scary than you think. New interior and great common area. One of the cheapest options in the city. Near the railway station. Bunk bed:NT$890, Family Suite:NT$1480. (updated Mar 2026) 5 Police Hostel (花蓮警光會館), 15 Shuren Street (behind the main police station), ☏ +886 3 834-9433. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Opened to accommodate for officers of the law, this clean and pleasant hotel is also open to the public. Double room: NT$1400, Quadruple room:NT$1900. (updated Mar 2026) 6 Sleeping Boot Hostel, No.73, Jinfeng St (about 10 min walk from the train station; watch out for the house number 73, the hostel is not obviously visible), ☏ +886-978-093-273, [email protected]. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 11:00. This hostel offers free Wi-Fi, internet PC, kitchen, lobby with TV plus a very helpful and friendly owner who knows his way around the city. Single room:NT$650, Two beds drom room:NT$950, Quadruple room NT$1200. (updated Mar 2026) 7 Hualien Wow Youth Hostel (洄瀾窩國際青年旅舍), No.83, Guolian 1st Rd, ☏ +886 3 8330186, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. (updated Mar 2026) 8 Hua Tong Hotel (花東客棧), No.165, Minguo Rd, ☏ +886 3 834-7568, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A pleasant a

Go next

Taroko Gorge – An impressive 19-km-long canyon, and the name, Taroko, means the "magnificent and splendid" in the language of Truku, the aboriginal tribe residing in the area. Ruisui – Famous for its Hot Springs and the Siouguluan River Basin. Hehuan Mountain – A fantastic journey through the wonders of Taroko Gorge and past, ending in a treeless, absolutely different ecosystem. River Valleys – The might of typhoons and heavy rains have, over millions of years, carved out of the soft bedrock magnificent river valleys. If you find a river valley (Mugua RIver, for example) and follow it and hike along some tributaries, you are in for a wonderful adventure. No gift shops or 7-Elevens here, just the wonders of Taiwan. Tongmen – South of Hualien City, between Jian and Liyu Lake, lies Taroko's little brother. Highway 11 – Rent a scooter and hit the road. The beauty of the coastline in Hualien can be enjoyed from this gorgeous stretch of highway. Although many buses and cars are also drawn here and many cite this as a cause for safety concerns, this is by most accounts false. Take care, drive responsibly, and always be careful when around traffic, but do not let anyone deter you from this drive. Pack a lunch and picnic on the coast with the turquoise ocean lapping at the coastline below. Buses and taxis will take you along this road also. Taxis are more personable (they will stop when you say 'stop') but buses are much cheaper. However, both pale in comparison to the experience of driving yourself.