Nestled gracefully between the formidable Central Mountain Range and the expansive Pacific Ocean, Hualien City stands as the vibrant heart and administrative capital of Hualien County, Taiwan.
More than just a bustling urban hub, it serves as the essential gateway to the region’s unparalleled natural wonders, most notably the globally renowned Taroko National Park located just a short distance north.
The city itself presents a compelling blend of relaxed local charm, modern conveniences, and a burgeoning arts scene, offering visitors a delightful introduction to the unique culture and unhurried pace of Taiwan’s picturesque east coast.
It’s a place where the rhythmic sounds of the ocean meet the distant majesty of mountains, creating an inviting atmosphere for exploration and relaxation.
Things to Do
Hualien City and its immediate surroundings are replete with activities and attractions catering to diverse interests:
Attractions
Dongdamen Night Market (東大門夜市): A must-visit for foodies, this sprawling night market combines four smaller markets into one, offering an incredible array of Taiwanese street food, indigenous delicacies, and international flavors in a lively atmosphere.
Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園): While not directly in Hualien City, it’s the most significant nearby attraction. A short drive north, this park boasts spectacular marble gorges, turquoise rivers, and numerous hiking trails, making it a natural wonder of the world. (Accessible via tours or self-drive from Hualien City).
Arts, Culture & History
Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park (花蓮文創園區): A revitalized complex of old Japanese sake factories, now housing art galleries, unique shops, cafes, and performance spaces. It’s a hub for local artists and a great place to find distinctive souvenirs.
Pine Garden (松園別館): Perched on a hill overlooking the city and the ocean, this historic former Japanese military office offers panoramic views, beautifully manicured gardens, and a tranquil ambiance. It often hosts art exhibitions and cultural events.
Hualien Railway Culture Park (花蓮鐵道文化園區): Located near the old Hualien train station, this park preserves railway history with old train cars, tracks, and historical buildings, offering a glimpse into Hualien’s past as a railway hub.
Hualien Stone Sculptural Museum (花蓮縣石雕博物館): Showcases an impressive collection of local and international stone sculptures, highlighting Hualien’s rich geological resources.
Guided Tours
Taroko Gorge Tours: Numerous local operators offer half-day or full-day tours to Taroko National Park, often including transport and a guide to explain the park’s geology and history.
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours: During the warmer months (typically April to October), boat tours depart from Hualien Port for opportunities to spot various species of whales and dolphins.
River Tracing and Whitewater Rafting: Adventures on the nearby Xiuguluan River are popular, especially in summer.
Gardens & Parks
Nanbin Park (南濱公園) & Beibin Park (北濱公園): Coastal parks offering walking and cycling paths along the Pacific Ocean, perfect for enjoying the sea breeze and sunrise.
Qixingtan Scenic Area (七星潭風景區): While primarily a beach, its well-maintained surrounding parkland with cycling trails and viewing platforms makes it a great spot for leisurely strolls and picnics.
Whale Watching
Hualien is one of Taiwan’s premier locations for whale and dolphin watching. Tours typically run from April to October, with boats departing from Hualien Port. Species commonly sighted include spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and occasionally larger whales.
Beaches & Lakes
Qixingtan Beach (七星潭風景區): A stunning pebble beach just north of the city, known for its crescent shape, crystal-clear blue waters, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains.
Liyu Lake (鯉魚潭): While technically in Shoufeng Township (just south of Hualien City), it’s Hualien’s largest inland lake, offering paddle boating, cycling paths, and a serene natural setting. Easily accessible from Hualien City.
Sports & Outdoors
Cycling: Hualien City and its surroundings are incredibly bike-friendly, with dedicated cycling paths along the coast (e.g., the Bicycle Path connecting Nanbin and Qixingtan) and through scenic rural areas.
Hiking: Opportunities range from leisurely walks in coastal parks to challenging treks within Taroko National Park.
Surfing: While not as famous as other spots, some smaller beaches north or south of Hualien City offer surfing opportunities, especially during specific seasons.
Spa, Shopping & Services
Massage & Spa: Numerous massage parlors and wellness centers can be found throughout the city for relaxation after a day of exploring.
Shopping Districts: The area around Zhongshan Road and Zhongzheng Road is the main commercial district, offering a mix of chain stores, boutiques, and local shops.
Traditional Markets: Explore local wet markets for an authentic glimpse into daily life and fresh produce.
Eat & Drink
Hualien’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of local Taiwanese flavors, indigenous cuisine, and fresh seafood.
Restaurants & Cafes
Dongdamen Night Market (東大門夜市): Your go-to for an overwhelming variety of street food, from oyster omelets and grilled squid to indigenous barbecues and fresh fruit juices.
Wonton (扁食): Hualien-style wontons are a local specialty. Look for Gongzheng Baozi (also famous for steamed buns) and Ye Jia Xiang Bian Shi for authentic flavors.
Mochi (麻糬): While a souvenir, it’s also a delicious snack. Zhengyi Mochi and A-Zen Mochi are legendary.
Coaxing Cake (鋼管紅茶): Enjoy traditional Taiwanese black tea served from unique steel pipes, often paired with a simple pastry, for a classic Hualien breakfast or snack.
Indigenous Cuisine: Seek out restaurants specializing in aboriginal dishes, featuring wild mountain vegetables, unique pork preparations, and sticky rice.
Seafood: With its coastal location, Hualien offers an abundance of fresh seafood. Head to local seafood restaurants for grilled fish, stir-fried clams, and various shellfish.
Cafes: Hualien has a growing cafe culture, especially around the cultural park and quieter streets, offering specialty coffee and charming atmospheres.
Craft Beer, Cider, Wine & Spirits
While not a major craft beer hub, a few pubs and select restaurants in Hualien City are starting to offer local Taiwanese craft beers. Traditional Taiwanese beers are widely available. Imported wines and spirits can be found at larger supermarkets.
Brunch
Hualien has a good selection of breakfast and brunch spots, ranging from traditional Taiwanese breakfast shops (serving items like danbing or soy milk) to modern cafes offering Western-style brunch menus.
Dine Around and Stay in Town
The areas around Zhongshan Road, Zhongzheng Road, and the vicinity of Dongdamen Night Market offer the densest concentration of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. Exploring these streets on foot is the best way to discover local favorites.
Accommodations
Hualien City offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference.
Sustainable Accommodations
As environmental awareness grows, some hotels and B&Bs are adopting eco-friendly practices. Look for properties that highlight their sustainable initiatives, such as waste reduction programs or energy-efficient systems.
Hotels & Resorts
Luxury: Resorts like the Silks Place Taroko (though located within the gorge, it’s often booked via Hualien City services) or upscale hotels within the city offer amenities like swimming pools, fine dining, and spa services.
Mid-Range: A plethora of comfortable and well-equipped hotels are available, often centrally located with easy access to attractions and transportation.
Budget-Friendly: Many clean and comfortable budget hotels and guesthouses cater to travelers looking for affordable options.
Bed & Breakfasts and Inns
Hualien is famous for its charming and often uniquely designed B&Bs (minshu). These range from cozy family-run inns to elaborate themed accommodations, often providing a more personalized and local experience. Many are located just outside the city center in quieter residential areas or with views of the mountains.
Specialty Lodging
Some accommodations offer unique features like hot spring access (though true hot spring hotels are more common in Ruisui), themed rooms, or properties integrated with local farms for an agritourism experience.
Events
Hualien hosts various events throughout the year, celebrating its culture, nature, and produce.
Events Calendar
Check the official Hualien County Government tourism website or local tourism information centers for an updated calendar of events during your visit. Local temples often have their own traditional festivals.
Signature Festivals & Events
Harvest Festivals: Indigenous tribes, particularly the Amis, hold vibrant harvest festivals (typically July-August) with traditional dances, songs, and feasts. While major celebrations occur in indigenous townships, smaller events or performances might be found in Hualien City.
Hualien International Stone Sculptural Festival: Periodically held, this festival brings artists from around the world to create sculptures from Hualien’s famous marble.
Flower Season in Huatung Valley: While mainly in townships like Fuli and Guangfu, the general region celebrates the blooming of vast flower fields (often rapeseeds or cosmos) during winter and spring.
New Year’s Fireworks & Celebrations: Hualien City hosts public celebrations, often with fireworks over the Pacific Ocean.
Plan Your Trip
About Hualien City
Hualien City is the largest city on Taiwan’s east coast, serving as the cultural, economic, and transportation hub of Hualien County. It offers a laid-back atmosphere compared to Taiwan’s western metropolises, yet provides all necessary amenities for travelers. Its strategic location makes it the ideal base for exploring the dramatic landscapes of Taroko Gorge to the north and the serene beauty of the Huatung Valley to the south.
Getting Here & Transportation
From Taipei
By Train (Recommended): The most popular and efficient way. Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) operates frequent trains from Taipei Main Station directly to Hualien Station.
- Puyuma Express (普悠瑪號) and Taroko Express (太魯閣號): These are the fastest trains, taking approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Booking tickets in advance, especially on weekends and holidays, is highly recommended as they sell out quickly.
- Other TRA trains: Slower trains (Tze-Chiang Limited Express, Chu-Kuang Express) also run, taking 3 to 4 hours. These are easier to get last-minute tickets for.
By Bus: Several bus companies operate routes from Taipei to Hualien, often requiring a transfer at Luodong in Yilan County, and then taking a local train. This option is generally longer (around 3.5 to 5 hours) but can be more budget-friendly.
By Car: Driving offers flexibility and scenic views along the Suhua Highway (Provincial Highway 9), which can be stunning but challenging due to winding roads and potential rockfalls. The journey typically takes 3-4 hours without stops, but can be longer.
From Kaohsiung
By Train: Direct TRA trains connect Kaohsiung (Xinzuoying Station, for High-Speed Rail connections, or Kaohsiung Station for regular trains) to Hualien. This journey typically takes 5-7 hours, often involving transfers in Taitung or a long scenic ride along the east coast.
From Taichung
By Train: From Taichung, you can take a TRA train directly to Hualien, which usually takes 4-6 hours, often requiring a transfer in Changhua or another major station on the west coast. Alternatively, take the High-Speed Rail (HSR) from Taichung HSR Station to Taipei Main Station, then transfer to a TRA train to Hualien.
Hualien City Visitor Center
The Hualien City Visitor Center, located near Hualien Railway Station, is an invaluable resource for travelers. Staff can provide maps, brochures, transportation information, and assistance with planning your itinerary. They can also help with booking tours or accommodations.
Other Information
Weather
Hualien City experiences a subtropical climate, characterized by warm to hot temperatures year-round, with a rainy season.
- Spring (March – May): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20-28°C (68-82°F). Occasional spring drizzles. Ideal for outdoor activities.
- Summer (June – September): Hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This is also typhoon season (July-September), so it’s wise to check forecasts. Thunderstorms are common.
- Autumn (October – November): Generally sunny and comfortable, with temperatures between 22-29°C (72-84°F). Considered one of the best times to visit due to clearer skies and pleasant weather.
- Winter (December – February): Mild, with temperatures ranging from 15-22°C (59-72°F). Occasional cooler fronts can bring temperatures lower, and there can be some rain, but it rarely gets truly cold.
Souvenirs
Don’t leave Hualien without picking up some unique keepsakes:
Creative Park Finds: The Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park is an excellent spot to find unique artisan goods, including pottery, paintings, and handmade accessories by local artists.
Mochi (麻糬): Absolutely essential! You can buy fresh, handmade mochi with red bean, peanut, sesame, or taro fillings. Many shops offer gift boxes.
Marmot Cookies / Biscuits (花蓮薯 / 花蓮芋): Sweet potato or taro paste-filled pastries, a traditional Hualien treat.
Taroko Marble Products: Given the proximity to Taroko Gorge, marble craftsmanship is a local specialty. You can find beautiful marble sculptures, trinkets, and even tableware.
Indigenous Crafts: Look for handcrafted items made by the Amis or Truku tribes, such as woven textiles, wood carvings, and jewelry, often found at cultural parks or specialty shops.
Local Agricultural Products: Depending on the season, you might find local honey, tea, pomelos, or other specialty produce.
Hualien’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of local Taiwanese flavors, indigenous cuisine, and fresh seafood.
Your vibrant gateway to Taiwan’s majestic mountains, serene coast, and unforgettable cultural adventures
Hualien City truly embodies the captivating essence of Taiwan’s east coast.
It’s a vibrant urban center that perfectly complements the raw, majestic beauty of its surrounding natural landscapes, from the awe-inspiring Taroko Gorge to the serene Pacific coastline.
With its delicious local cuisine, rich cultural heritage, convenient access, and a myriad of attractions both within and beyond its city limits, Hualien offers an unforgettable experience for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re seeking adventure in the mountains, relaxation by the sea, or an immersion in unique Taiwanese culture, Hualien City stands as a welcoming gateway to an extraordinary journey.