2025 Hualien Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

Taiwan's Top Ten Scenic Spots - Qingshui Cliff. Not only is it the most spectacular scenery along the Hualien-Taitung coastline, but it is also an excellent place to watch the sunrise and sunset. As a famous sightseeing spot in Taiwan, Qingshui Cliff was formed about 250 million years ago by fault structures. Due to the gradual accumulation of coral, shellfish, algae, and other biological remains on the seabed, limestone was formed through diagenesis. The limestone then metamorphosed into marble due to deep burial by overlying rocks. Around 9 million years ago, the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Plate began to collide, causing the sea cliff to gradually uplift. Erosion and weathering from rainwater further shaped the magnificent marble cliff we see today. It's a popular spot, and finding a parking space depends on luck, especially on holidays when Hualien is crowded with cars and people. There is free parking and clean restrooms available. Most people take photos with the sea and the Qingshui Cliff monument as a memento of their visit. Address: No. 30, Taiwan Provincial Highway 9, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan

#solotravel #100waysoftravel #cycling #fun Embarking on a solo cycling adventure in Hualien was an exhilarating experience. As I hopped on my bike, I felt the rush of excitement coursing through me. My route took me along the stunning South Coast and North Coast Parks, where the beauty of the coastline unfolded with every pedal stroke. The fresh sea breeze and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean were invigorating, making it a perfect backdrop for my journey. I made my way to New Paradise, a serene spot known for its picturesque landscapes and tranquility. Here, I paused to soak in the natural beauty surrounding me, capturing a few photos to remember this peaceful moment. The feeling of being one with nature while cycling through lush greenery was truly liberating. As evening approached, I headed to Dongdamen Night Market, one of Hualien’s most vibrant spots. The market was alive with the sounds of sizzling food and the chatter of locals and tourists alike. I savored the mouthwatering street food, from succulent grilled meats to sweet Taiwanese desserts. The lively atmosphere was contagious, making it the perfect end to my cycling day. Cycling solo in Hualien allowed me to connect with both nature and the local culture, providing a fulfilling sense of adventure. I left the night market with a satisfied stomach and a heart full of memories, eager to explore more of this beautiful region.

💞Recommended Reason: Hualien Yanbo Hua Time Taroko Pavilion, which just opened last year, is a high-value youth hostel. The overall design is stylish and youthful, with modern facilities and abundant meals. It's more like an affordable boutique hotel than a youth hostel. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Taroko to stay here😍😍 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: 💎Lounge: The 1F lobby has a spacious and comfortable sofa area, free unlimited internet access, and charging stations. It's perfect for chatting, working, or just relaxing for an entire afternoon👍👍 💎Self-Service Kitchen: Equipped with a spacious sink, refrigerator, utensils, and cookware, it's perfect for buying ingredients and cooking your own meals. 💎Shared Bathroom: If you're on a budget and staying in a youth hostel room type, there are no private bathrooms, but shared bathrooms are available and very spacious🥰🥰 💎The main building features an infinity pool, spa facilities, and a sauna. 💎Brunch Box: Includes both Japanese and Western options, with generous portions and delicious taste, exceeding expectations in value. 📍Address: 971 Taiwan, Xincheng Township, Yanbo Hua Time, Hualien 💰Average Cost: $1000-$1500 (TWD)

#citydaytours Taroko National Park is one of Taiwan's top scenic attractions. Located in Hualien county, so you will need to take train about 3 hours away from Taipei City. You could either stay a night in Hualien or get there directly after train ride. And then you will need to take bus which will take about 1 hour trip to its first stop Taroko Terrace Trail. The moment you just step in the first stop, you will be blown away by its magnificent and natural beauty! Taroko is magical! I highly recommend you to go to Shakadang Trail because you will see its beauty as it has a river with crystal clear water. Stunning view! It actually has some grade of trail which you can just follow the bus used for Taroko route only. If you need reference for the grade of trail, you may visit the government official site. As I have not much time there, I didn't finish the trip to the very top destination because i think that was the last bus stop. So I just enjoy the view of clear water, fresh air and stunning view of temple with a cup of coffee in my hand. I am sure that was my best coffee time my entire life 🤩 So, if you happened to visit Taiwan, put Hualien a your priority destination among all your list! #hualien #taiwan #tarokonationalpark #tarokogorge

#summerdestinations During your visit at Taroko National Park, catch the best spot at its very top spot. You can take bus to get here and feel enjoyment and relaxing vibes surrounded by birds voices. You will also have this stunning view while having your coffee and have a rest after the exploration. I honestly said that this is one of my best destination ever during my trip in Taiwan. I love it very much 😍 Taroko National Park is one of the best destination in Taiwan so please put this as your priority visit . #hualien #taiwan #tarokonationalpark

#summerdestinations Hualien has the most attractive destination in Taiwan. Speaking of Taiwan, if you are into glamorous and shining life style, you can go to Taipei. But if you want to vibing with nature and outdoor activities, you should come and visit Hualien. Hualien can serve you a peaceful feel and relaxing time. By visiting Taroko National Park, as the best destination in Hualien, you can feel joy, peace, calm and warm vibes here. You can see crystal clear river and also iconic waterfall during your trip in Taroko. If you happen to visit Taiwan, put Hualien as your most wishlist destination 🤩 #taiwan #hualien

# BathtubHotel #100 Ways to Travel Located on the Yuchang Highway leading to the sea from Yuli, Hualien, the #Kagaya Hot Spring Hotel in the Antong Hot Spring District has a friendly and enthusiastic owner. I have stayed here twice before the epidemic. It is a resort-like hotel with a unique style. The wooden house building has an independent hot spring bath. The large rooms also have their own indoor hot spring bath. It is quite refreshing to take a bath in the hot spring. The layout of the double room is quite unique, a bit like a raised tatami, and it is quite comfortable to sleep on. The Antong Hot Spring Village is particularly peaceful at night, and there are chirping insects and birds to accompany you to sleep. The four-person room comes with an oversized indoor hot spring, which is big enough to fit four people at once. The water is soft and slightly acidic carbonated spring, and your skin will be smooth after soaking in it. Basically, every stay comes with breakfast, simple light porridge and side dishes. Along with the beautiful mountains and rivers of Huadong, slow living is also an attitude towards life. #花东自行 #Antong Hot Spring #Yuchang Highway # BathtubHotel #100 Ways to Travel

#travelanywhere Nestled along the picturesque coast of Hualien, Le Méridien Hualien Resort offers an idyllic retreat with luxurious accommodations and breathtaking ocean views. The resort exudes tranquility and sophistication, featuring spacious rooms and suites adorned with contemporary furnishings and Balinese-inspired touches. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options highlighting local and international cuisine, relax by the infinity pool overlooking the Pacific, or rejuvenate at the spa with a range of pampering treatments. With its impeccable service and serene surroundings, Le Méridien Hualien Resort provides a perfect blend of comfort and coastal charm, ideal for a memorable getaway in Taiwan's scenic east coast.

#chinatrip Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Hualien, Le Méridien Hualien Resort offers a tranquil escape with luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The resort features spacious rooms and suites, elegantly designed with modern amenities and Balinese-inspired decor. Guests can indulge in a range of dining options showcasing local flavors and international cuisine, or unwind at the expansive outdoor pool and spa facilities. With its serene ambiance and attentive service, Le Méridien Hualien Resort is perfect for both relaxation and exploration of Hualien's natural wonders, making it an unforgettable destination for discerning travelers.

A Thai restaurant discovered by chance, with a white exterior full of tropical plants, it's so beautiful to take pictures. The outdoor seating area even offers a view of the sea, adding to the holiday vibe. As you enter, the wooden tables and chairs, along with the plant decorations, create a spacious and relaxing atmosphere. It's time to switch to vacation mode and enjoy. The aroma of the minced pork with basil is strong, but it has a heavier onion flavor, yet it goes well with rice. Am I seeing this right? It's a whole fish, and it's been fried in pieces for convenience. Even the fish body has become part of the presentation. Speaking of Thailand, you can't miss Thai milk tea, especially when eating Thai food, it's a must to order a cup.

As soon as you enter the room, you get a sense of American retro nostalgia. The old house and tiles are very special. There are seats in the front and back, as well as an outdoor garden area. However, I think the spacing between indoor seats is too close, which makes it inconvenient to chat for fear of disturbing others. But the atmosphere is very nice, very comfortable and great for taking photos. No wonder there are so many people and it's fully seated. The rice fragrance and honey-scented black tea milk cap pancakes are of the American style, very solid. The pancake batter itself is very fragrant, and the honey-scented black tea milk cap has a rich tea aroma that fills your mouth with a sweet tea flavor upon tasting.

The early morning in Hualien~ The air is really great~ Although I'm on Sunrise Boulevard, I didn't see the sunrise haha Got up especially early to have a local Hualien breakfast~ Yi Wei This place is famous for its shumai, xiaolongbao, and egg pancakes But when I went that day, the shumai was already sold out (damn it I ordered xiaolongbao and egg pancakes The xiaolongbao was really unique to the extreme?! I really couldn't believe it, I actually found three-colored beans in the xiaolongbao Oh my gosh⊙∀⊙! ((I can't be the only one who hates these things... Do people in Hualien love them? ((If they do, I apologize Anyway, emmm I don't know how to comment haha Can't say it's bad, just that it was surprisingly odd Laughing so hard haha The egg pancake was crispy and quite delicious Hope next time I can try the shumai ((it looks more normal Speaking of shumai, it makes me want to go to Hong Kong ahhh Shumai paradise

The Qingshui Cliff in Hualien, located between Heping and Chongde, is one of the great wonders on the east coast of Taiwan and also one of Taiwan's top eight scenic spots. The Qingshui Cliff is over a thousand meters high and stands almost at a 90-degree angle next to the Pacific Ocean. The road stretches for more than 20 kilometers, winding and twisting. On one side there are steep cliffs, and on the other, the vast sea. The situation is perilous, and the weather is ever-changing, which is both terrifying and breathtaking. Standing on the platform and watching the sheer rock faces of Qingshui Cliff and the sparkling waves crashing against them, just this scene alone fills the heart with wonder and admiration for nature. In the face of such natural beauty and wonder, one can't help but feel humble and respectful towards nature.

Location: Taroko National Park, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan Admission: FREE When you travel to Taiwan, Taroko is a must-visit destination. This natural masterpiece reveals its mesmerizing beauty at every twist and turn. Enormous marble cliffs, sculpted by time, create a cathedral of stone that leaves you in awe. Crystal-clear rivers flow through the gorge, their harmonious melody accompanying your every step. Exploring Taroko's well-maintained trails and viewpoints was like stepping into a dream. Each stop presented a new perspective, from the awe-inspiring Eternal Spring Shrine to the tranquil Swallow Grotto. It's a place where you can truly connect with the Earth's ancient history. A day in Taroko Gorge is a day wrapped in the embrace of nature, and it's a memory I'll hold dear forever. My Top Recommendations for Enjoying the Magnificent Scenery: 📍Tunnel of Nine Turns 📍Baiyang Trail 📍Buluowan Terrace 📍Qingshui Cliff 📍Changchun Shrine 📍Qixingtan Beach

#exploreasia Buluowan Suspension Bridge is the longest and highest bridge in Taroko National Park. It spans across the Liwu Valley at a length of 196m and 2.5m wide. From the bridge, you will be able to see the twists and turns of Liwu River and also the valley walls that characterized the Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) At the Buluowan Service Center, you can have your meal there. They also have an exhibition hall showing the history of indigenous tribe of Taroko, daily video introduction will be screened at certain times of the day. How to get there? By public bus or recommended to book a day-trip tour to Taroko #awesomepic

#exploreasia One of the must visit when you come visit Taroko National Park. As the name suggest, many swallows forge and play among the rocks that was formed over tens of thousands of years. The marble was sculpted over the years by the Liwu river running across, with many potholes that pockmark the grotto. The unique structure was indeed the magnificent work of mother nature. We were lucky to spot a resting swallow and boy it was cute. According to the guide, the number of swallows have decreased over the years so we were lucky to see a few having fun at the grotto. Safety of the public is of utmost importances so all visitors are required to wear a helmet. Falling stones can be due to animals or rain, hence unpredictable. The trail is suitable for all as it is flat all the way through and relatively short. Nevertheless the view was great! #taroko #awesomepic #couplestrip

#hotelreview Check-in was a breeze and the staffs were very helpful in answering our questions and we arrived post-typhoon and were clueless about the conditions there. Hotel room was spacious and had a nice big tub with great view! I was told the glass can be seen through from the outside. Bummer. Breakfast selection was great but not all was nice. The opening hours were long too so you can slowly enjoy your breakfast till as late as 1.30pm! There are several restaurants and cafe nearby so you can explore by foot or take a taxi to town as well. Hotel can help you get a taxi if you have difficulty getting one so that is a plus! Rating: 4/5

The long-awaited dolphin and sea lion performances were what the children had been looking forward to all the way. Unexpectedly, the show in the theater impressed the children even more, saying it was great and very enjoyable. In comparison, the mermaid's performance was more static, but instead Kids don’t like it😂 In summary, although the tickets are a bit expensive, the memories of the children are priceless❤️ #parent-childDAY #summer vacation #Hualien

If you want Hualien people to recommend one of the most famous ice cream shops, you must not miss [Yixin Bubble Ice]. This old ice cream shop has been operating for decades and still maintains the old taste. In addition to its signature bubble ice, its traditional brown sugar The ice cream is also made with self-cooked raw materials to maintain the taste for decades. In addition, it also introduces a snowflake ice machine, which can make milk snowflake ice. It is also one of the best choices for eating ice in Hualien in summer. The address is No. 66, Zhonghua Road, Hualien City, Hualien County. #热夏好 Place #familytravel #冰 #local游 #Parent-Child Good Place

#beachaholic What is better than a beach day? It is spending a day at the beach at a Taiwanese national park during your summer holiday! This beach is Heren Shingle Beach, which is located in Taroko National Park in the center of Taiwan. It makes an amazing day trip from Taipei or Taichung! The beach scenery is voted as the top 10 most beautiful scenery in all of Taiwan! The rugged cliffs and the blue water left me in awe with the canyon and mountains nearby behind the beach! Worth spending a day here!

🌟Address: No. 30 Renai Street, Hualien City, Hualien County 97046 🌟Tel: 03-8362858 🌟Business hours: 11:00-19:00 (Closed on Thursday) As a rice roll addict, my first meal in Hualien was the "Changchangkan Cantonese Style Rice Roll" which just opened this year. 2 large and 1 small order: two rice rolls, a plate of cold noodles (large), a bowl of miso soup and a set meal (a cup of black tea + two side dishes). The rice rolls are a really big plate with a lot of vegetables🥬. The cold noodles are super delicious, my kids and I both love them. The miso soup is also delicious (satisfying). For those who like spicy food, you can add special hot sauce. We were so satisfied with this meal😊 #hualiencopperplatefood

The views of Liyu Lake really surprised us 🤩 The surroundings were all mountains, with the clear blue sky and the calm waters! We didn't expect that a lake can be so beautiful until we actually reached the place and witness how magnificent the view is! You can easily spend half a day here because Liyu Lake don't only has good scenery! You can rent a boat by the lake, have a picnic, and take a stroll around the area too. There is also a bicycle trail for cyclists as well! Address: Shoufeng Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 974 #scenicspot #taiwantour

Located in the Railway Cultural Park Pavilion in Hualien City, near the Dongda Night Market, it is the preserved site of the old railway station in Hualien City. The entire park has a great atmosphere. It has a cinema and periodic film festivals. There is only one hall that is not big but the equipment is very comfortable. The open area is fully equipped and the circulation planning and seating admission process are smooth. If you want to take a walk or watch a movie in the surrounding area, A great place to spend an afternoon with a good movie. It is suitable for the whole family who loves slow pace and artistic activities. #park #localtour #parent-child good place #familytravel #railway #Hualien

#taipei hualien train station is the pit stop where we started our Taroko Gorge adventure. there are accommodations located in both the front and back station. if you want to stay away from the crowd, accommodation at the back station will e quieter. A self-sufficient station, there are shops selling souvenirs, food and also train bento. the stop selling the train bento opens at 9am but the bento do not arrive on the dot. so if you wish to grab a bento for your outbound journey, do cater in this factor.

This lovely outlet is located in No.505, Section 1, Nanbin Road, Ji'an Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 973. I reached here by taking bus number 301 from Hualien train station, alight at stop New Paradise. This container Starbucks store is designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.This cargo containers that align with and stack on top one and another in three layers. as the interior of the cafe keep the original features of shipping containers, with only parts of the walls being decorated with wooden panels, and brightly colored wall mural represents the deep heritage of the aboriginal Amis people. From one end of the container, customers can enjoy the view of the mountain range. There are more tea options on the menu than any other Starbucks store in the World. The store is open daily from 0900-2100.

#taipei Qixingtan Beach (七星潭) is one of the most beautiful beaches in Taiwan, which is in between Hualien and the eastern entrance of Taroko Gorge National Park. the view from the beach was amazing - imagine the blue sky meeting an endless Pacific Ocean. The shore is bespeckled with white and black gravel that is smooth to the touch. it is really nice to spend an hour or so at the beach, to enjoy rhe view and relax!

#taipei The Yanzikou (Swallow Grotto) trail is about a half kilometre long, starting from the entrance to Swallow Grotto to the Jinheng Bridge. We enjoyed walking along the Liwu River which forms its own trail below us. The river carved some high cliffs and there are many natural holes in the cliff walls that were used by swallows as the sites of their nests. We saw some flying creatures but could not confirm if they were swallows or not. indeed a very beautiful scenery with the river below, steep cliffs and caves. do visit if you are visiting Taroko Gorge.

Here are some recaps for one of the most iconic tourist destination in Taiwan, Taroko Gorge. Situated in Xiulin Township, East Coast of Taiwan, Taroko Gorge is so damned beautiful. Look at those blue clear water surrounded with eyepleasing scenery, how can I forget that? There are also a lot of things to do in Taroko. The national park has lots of amazing hiking trail. It was so much fun when i visit there last time✨ How to get there 🚎 🚎 If you are in Taipei the quickest way to go there is via Hualien by train. A lot of trains run daily from Taipei. It takes 2,5 hours from Taipei to Hualien and costs approx. 450 NTD. After that you still have to ride for almost 40 minutes. Tips⚡️⚡️ - Don’t forget to bring bug spray, sunscreen, umbrella and a hat. It could be really hot in summer. Also wear comfortable shoes👟 👟 Price 💰💰 Entrance to the park is free Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #wecreate

#taipei #taiwan #roadtrip #picturesque #view Road tripping in Taiwan is fun thing to do, be in a self drive or a hired chauffeur where people normally called it bao che. There is this place where you have to travel from wuling towards hualien called the tunnel of nine turns. This is a unique tunnel where its build inside of the mountains of Taiwan, where you can do hikes and also on elevated walkways where the view below you is an amazing Gorge with clear views of the water. There is also a stores on geological studies written along these walls. It's not a very long walk but it's wheelchair friendly for sure.

When I came to Hualien for a business trip, I especially recommended this breakfast restaurant: Zhang Wei BBQ Egg Toast. I have tried their original BBQ Egg Toast before and found the meat to be very soft, tender and delicious, and not too salty like ordinary barbecue. I used it this time. The mashed potato eggs and corn omelet are also delicious. The sauce for the corn omelet is garlic soy sauce, which is quite delicious~😋Love Hualien I don’t know which breakfast restaurant to choose from #breakfast #foodie