24.0°C | Today, 04 May
See All Photos

Hualien

Asia

/

Taiwan

/

Hualien

Hualien City is located on the east coast of Taiwan, where the sun rises in the country. Its location, surrounded by oceans and mountains, makes the city's natural charm even more beautiful. Its culture and history are equally interesting to visit.

The city is also known as the gateway to Taroko Gorge, a national park with towering peaks, deep canyons, and lush forested hiking trails. Nanbin Park, located on the Pacific Ocean coast, is the center of the city's nightlife and is crowded every day. You can try traditional Hualien food such as mochi, Hualien Yam & Taro, Rakoto Record Cracker, and Daylily. 

On the other hand, Hualien City is also still occupied by many Taiwanese indigenous tribes, making its aboriginal culture still strong. You can learn about Hualien City's culture by visiting the County Indigenous Museum. There is also the Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum, which presents a variety of contemporary and traditional stone sculptures.

Travel Tips for Hualien

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Hualien

A guide to Hualien's local transportation

Train
Ferry
Bus
Taxi
Car Rental

Train is a convenient way to explore Hualien. Local and long-distance trains are available, taking travelers to various destinations, including Taroko Gorge. Train tickets cost between 50-300 TWD, depending on distance and class.

Practical Tips for Hualien

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What is Hualien city known for?

Hualien City has a large tea plantation, covering more than 200 hectares. There are various types of tea grown, such as Jin Xuan Tea, Large Leaf Oolong Tea, Honey Scented Black Tea, Ruby Black Tea, and High Mountain Tea. When visiting, you must try the Hegang Black Tea with its light and refreshing flavor.

Hualien is also rich in natural resources such as minerals and stones, you can visit the Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum to learn and see the beauty of these stones while bringing home some souvenirs to display in your home.

For a unique culinary experience, you can try Daylily. The stems of the Daylily flowers, which have golden needles, are edible and tend to be sweet. Not only that, but Hualien is also famous for its stunning Taroko Cave, stunning natural scenery, and bustling night market.

What to buy in Hualien?

When you visit Hualien, don't forget to pick up some of the city's specialties or interesting items. One must-try is mochi, a type of sticky rice cake that is soft and sweet. Mochi in Hualien is known for using high-quality local ingredients, such as red beans, sesame, or fresh fruits.

You can also get unique handicrafts from the Amis tribe in the city. One of their signature handicrafts is ceramics. There are various beautiful and unique ceramic products in local souvenir shops.

It is also recommended that you try Jieneng Cake, a type of traditional cake that has a soft and sweet texture. In addition, Sun Cake, or sun cake, is also a favorite among tourists as it is delicious and the cake is made with the addition of sunflower seeds, making the taste even more unique.

How long is the train from Hualien to Taipei?

Traveling from Hualien to Taipei by train takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Train ticket prices from Hualien to Taipei vary depending on the type of service and seat class. For economy class trains, ticket prices range from 400 to 700 TWD, while business or executive class can reach 1,000 TWD or more.

How many days do I need in Hualien?

A 3-4 day trip around Hualien City is recommended. During this time, you can visit natural destinations such as Taroko Gorge, visit the Hualien night market, and sample delicious local cuisine. On the last day, you can visit Qixingtan Beach, a place to see the sunrise on the coast of Hualien. There is also Chishingtan Beach, which has calm waves.

Many travelers also visit Pine Garden or Cihu, which is a historic garden located near the beach. Pine Garden was originally the official residence of General Chiang Kai-shek during World War II. Today, it is a peaceful place with sturdy pine trees, beautiful flower gardens, and trails that are fun to explore.

How do you get around Hualien?

Getting around Hualien can be done by train, bus or taxi. However, renting a bicycle is also a popular and eco-friendly option. For more flexibility and freedom, you can choose to rent a car for a few days here.

See All Practical Tips for Hualien

In This Guide

Travel Tips for Hualien