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Liyu Lake – Hualien County’s largest inland lake

Liyu Lake Digital Art

Written by

Yoshiaki Kosaki

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Are you dreaming of a tranquil escape surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty? Look no further than Liyu Lake in Hualien, Taiwan! This comprehensive guide will unveil everything you need to know for an unforgettable journey, from hidden gems to practical travel tips. Get ready to discover your next favorite travel destination, and perhaps even inspire some digital arts along the way!

Liyu Lake: Hualien’s Serene Gem

Nestled at the foot of Liyu Mountain, Liyu Lake (鯉魚潭) is Hualien County’s largest inland lake, renowned for its calm waters and picturesque scenery. Its name, meaning “carp lake,” comes from the surrounding mountains resembling a carp fish. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking relaxation and outdoor activities.

Activities and Attractions at Liyu Lake

  • Water Activities: Glide across the serene waters on a pedal boat, swan boat, kayak, or try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Motorboat hires are also available for a quicker tour.
  • Cycling and Walking: A picturesque 5km circular bike trail surrounds the lake, offering stunning views of the lake and mountains. Bicycle rentals are readily available near the visitor center. For those who prefer a leisurely pace, a well-maintained lakeside trail, approximately 4 kilometers long, allows for a comfortable stroll.
  • Hiking: Liyu Mountain (601m altitude) offers several forest trails for hiking, providing magnificent panoramic views of the Central Mountain Range, Qilai Mountain, and Huadong Valley from its summit lookout.
  • Firefly Watching: During April and May, Liyu Lake transforms into a magical wonderland with thousands of fireflies illuminating the night, making it a perfect spot for an ecological tour.
  • Local Delicacies: Don’t miss the chance to try local specialties like “live shrimps” and refreshing papaya milk from food stalls along the lake.
  • Sculpture Park: Near the north visitor center, explore the Liyu Lake Sculpture Park, featuring various stone sculptures amidst the natural landscape.
  • Dragon Boat Festival: If you visit in late May, you might catch the exciting dragon boat races held annually on the lake.

Best Times to Visit Liyu Lake

Liyu Lake is enjoyable year-round, but certain seasons offer unique experiences:

  • Spring (March-May): This is an excellent time, especially for firefly watching in April and May. The weather is generally pleasant for biking and hiking.
  • Summer (June-August): Perfect for enjoying a wide range of water activities. Keep an eye out for the annual “Hualien Fun Summer Vacation at Liyu Lake” event, which often offers free water sports. Be mindful of potential typhoons during this season and check forecasts.
  • Autumn (September-November): Typically offers sunny and dry days, making it ideal for outdoor activities around the lake.
  • Winter (December-February): While cooler, the lake remains beautiful and less crowded.

Hualien: The Gateway to Eastern Taiwan’s Wonders

Hualien City serves as the primary gateway to Liyu Lake and the stunning East Rift Valley National Scenic Area. It’s a vibrant city with its own attractions and amenities, making it a convenient base for exploring the region. Hualien boasts towering peaks, azure skies, vast seas, and a rich cultural diversity, making it a top travel destination in Taiwan. Beyond Liyu Lake, Hualien offers access to the majestic Taroko Gorge National Park, scenic East Coast National Scenic Area, and various indigenous cultural experiences.

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How to Get to Liyu Lake from Taipei

Traveling from Taipei to Liyu Lake is straightforward with several convenient options:

  • By Train (Recommended):
    • Take a Taiwan Railways (TRA) train from Taipei Main Station to Hualien Station. The journey typically takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the train type (Puyuma and Taroko Express are fastest).
    • From Hualien Station, you can:
      • Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Line 303B or 303C (Rift Valley Hualien Route, low-floor bus) and get off at the Liyu Lake Visitor Center Station.
      • Take Hualien Bus Line 1139 (bound for Shoufeng) and get off at the Liyu Lake Station.
      • Take a taxi directly to Liyu Lake (approx. 20-30 minutes).
  • By Bus:
    • Regular bus services are available from Banqiao Bus Station in Taipei to TRA Hualien Station, taking around 3.5 hours.
    • From Hualien, transfer to a local bus or taxi to Liyu Lake.
  • By Car/Motorcycle:
    • The driving distance from Taipei to Liyu Lake is approximately 172-211 km.
    • The journey takes about 2 hours and 55 minutes to 3 hours and 10 minutes, offering flexibility to explore at your own pace.
    • Follow Provincial Highway 9 south to Shoufeng Township, then follow the signs directing you to Liyu Lake.

Accommodation Near Liyu Lake and Hualien

Whether you prefer lakeside tranquility or city convenience, Hualien offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to cozy B&Bs.

Featured B&Bs Near Liyu Lake:

Other Highly-Rated Accommodations:

  • Promisedland Resort & Lagoon: A highly-rated resort in Shoufeng Township, offering a luxurious experience. (Check major booking platforms for URL and current cost).
  • Hualien Farglory Hotel: Excellent reviews with sea views, about 4.5 km to Liyu Lake. (Check major booking platforms for URL and current cost).
  • Monet Garden B&B: A centrally-located option directly near Liyu Lake. (Check popular B&B or hotel booking sites for availability).
  • General Accommodation Search: For more options, you can use platforms like Trivago or Booking.com to find hotels or B&Bs near Liyu Lake or in Hualien City.

Your Hualien Adventure Awaits

Liyu Lake offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and tranquil escapes. From paddling on the calm waters to cycling through scenic trails and witnessing the magic of fireflies, it’s a destination that caters to every traveler. Its proximity to Hualien City, the vibrant gateway to eastern Taiwan, makes it an accessible and enriching addition to any itinerary. Pack your bags and prepare to be captivated by this stunning travel destination and its myriad attractions.

Unleash Your Creativity with Digital Arts

The breathtaking landscapes of Liyu Lake and the rich cultural tapestry of Hualien provide endless inspiration. Imagine capturing the serene reflections on the water or the vibrant hues of a sunset over the mountains. These moments are perfect for digital artists to translate into stunning visuals, be it through photography, digital painting, or multimedia projects. Let the beauty of Liyu Lake spark your next creative masterpiece!

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Digital Art – Liyu Lake picturesque scenery

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Official Tourism Information Centers

For the most up-to-date information, local insights, and assistance, refer to these official tourism resources:

  • East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area: Provides detailed information on Liyu Lake and other attractions in the East Rift Valley.
    • Website: https://www.erv-nsa.gov.tw/en/
    • Liyu Lake Visitor Center:
      • Address: No. 100, Huantan N. Rd., Chinan Village, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County.
      • Telephone: 03-8641691
      • Business Hours: 08:30-17:30
  • Hualien County Government Tourism Department (Hualien Tourism Service Network): The official tourism website for Hualien County.
  • Taiwan Tourism Administration: The official tourism bureau of Taiwan.

Note: While Hualien has largely recovered, it’s always advisable to check the latest travel advisories and local news before your trip, especially concerning seismic activity, as was the case with the 2024 Hualien earthquake.

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