Hualien: Latest 2025 Travel Guide
🌊 Hualien Travel Guide | Attractions, Food, and Transportation in One Place
Hualien, located in eastern Taiwan, nestled between mountains and the ocean, boasts breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range, making it a haven for many travelers seeking a leisurely lifestyle. Not only is the scenery stunning, but the food is so plentiful you won't want to leave! We've compiled a list of the most popular Hualien attractions , must-try foods , and transportation tips to help you plan your trip.
📍 Must-see attractions in Hualien
1. Taroko National Park
- Features : World-class canyon landscape, magnificent Liwuxi Canyon, Swallow Pass, and marble mountain walls.
- Must-see attractions : Shakalang Trail, Jiuqu Cave, and Changchun Temple.
- A friendly reminder from the editor : The weather in the mountains is changeable, so remember to bring rain gear and non-slip shoes.
2. Qixingtan
- Features : Azure bay + round stone beach, a great place for taking photos of sunrise and starry sky.
- The editor recommends : take a walk in the evening and ride a bicycle along the coastline to enjoy the sea breeze.
3. Qingshui Cliff
- Features : One of Taiwan's most spectacular coastal cliffs, the road hugs the cliffs and the sea.
- Best viewing spots : Heren Observation Deck and Chongde Observation Deck.
4. Hualien Dongdamen Night Market
- Features : Combination of "Fuding Night Market", "One Street for Each Province", and "One Street for Indigenous Peoples".
- Must-do : Enjoy Hualien's vibrant nightlife while dining and strolling.
5. Liyu Lake
- Features : Quiet lake, suitable for cycling or boating.
- Editor’s tip : It’s most beautiful in the morning when there are fewer people and it’s cooler.
🍜 Must-try food in Hualien
| Shop/Food | Reasons for recommendation |
|---|---|
| Gongzheng Baozi Shop | The skin is thin and juicy, and only a few dollars per piece, which is a great price! |
| Liquid Fragrant Dumplings | This century-old restaurant has a sweet soup and thin wonton wrappers with plenty of fillings. |
| Hualien Scallion Pancake (Blue Cart) | The half-boiled egg with lava and crispy crust is worth the queue. |
| Zeng Ji Mochi | A must-buy Hualien souvenir, with a variety of flavors. |
| Aboriginal style meal (Magao barbecue, wild vegetables) | Taste the authentic Amis flavor. |
| Fengchun Ice Fruit Shop | Traditional sugarcane ice is a must-have for cooling off in the summer. |
🚆 Hualien Transportation Guide
1. How to get to Hualien
- Train : Taipei → Hualien, take the Taiwan Railways Puyuma Express or Taroko Express, about 2 hours.
- Bus : There is a Kuo-Kuang bus service that goes directly to Hualien from Taipei Bus Station (the journey is longer).
- Self-driving : Take the Suhuagai Highway and enjoy the coastal scenery along the way.
2. Transportation to the city and tourist attractions
- Motorcycle : It is most convenient to rent a motorcycle in the city, which costs about NT$400 a day.
- Bicycle : Suitable for the areas around Qixingtan and Liyutan.
- Charter/shared ride : Suitable for groups of people or those who want to visit distant scenic spots (such as Taroko and Qingshui Cliff).
💡 My personal itinerary suggestion (2 days and 1 night)
Day 1
Hualien Station → Qixingtan → Qingshui Cliff → Taroko National Park → Dongdamen Night Market
Day 2
Liyu Lake → City Food Tour (Gongzheng Baozi, Bomb Scallion Pancake) → Souvenir (Zengji Mochi) → Return
💬Editor 's Thoughts <br>Hualien's charm lies in its slow pace. Don't rush your itinerary; take some time to sit by the beach, listen to the waves, or chat with the locals. You'll discover that the beauty of this place lies not only in the scenery but also in the warmth of its people.
