Park
Qixingtan
The long pebble beach is located between Hualien City and Taroko Gorge on a wide bay with turquoise water. It is perfect for a morning stroll and is a regular stop on many tours heading to Taroko.
Taiwan
Hualien
CityNatureBeach
Hualien on the east coast is the gateway to Taroko National Park and the Pacific coast, where the Central Mountain Range drops almost vertically into the sea.
Hualien on the east coast is the gateway to Taroko National Park and the Pacific coast, where the Central Mountain Range drops almost vertically into the sea. The city itself is relaxed and manageable; its appeal lies in its surroundings: pebble beaches, steep cliffs, and the famous Marble Gorge.The earthquake on April 3, 2024, severely impacted Taroko Gorge. Many well-known trails, such as the Shakadang Trail, Swallow Grotto, and Zhuilu Old Trail, remain closed even in 2026. Open areas include the visitor center at the park entrance with the Dekalun Trail and parts of the Tianxiang area. Before any excursion, check the latest information from the National Park Administration. Between the city and the gorge lies Qixingtan pebble beach.
Hualien is the most important city on the east coast and a starting point for Taroko Gorge, the sea cliffs, and the East Rift Valley towards Taitung. The city itself is manageable, with a cultural park in old warehouses, the Dongdamen Night Market on the former train station grounds, and Qixingtan pebble beach on the outskirts. Many Amis and Truku live in the region. Due to damage from the 2024 earthquake, many paths in Taroko are closed, so plan your gorge visit with up-to-date information and combine it with the coast and city.
More districts in Hualien
Taroko Gorge, north of Hualien, is Taiwan's most famous natural landscape: The Liwu River has carved its way through marble cliffs, with walls rising steeply. The area is home to the Truku people.The earthquake on April 3, 2024, severely impacted the park. Well-known trails like the Shakadang Trail, Swallow Grotto, and Zhuilu Old Trail remain closed. Accessible areas include the Visitor Center at the park entrance with the Dekalun Trail, and parts of Tianxiang. Before any visit, check the latest advisories from the National Park Administration.
Sights in Hualien
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Attraction
Qingshui Cliffs
North of the Taroko Estuary, the mountains plunge almost vertically into the Pacific; the road runs high above the water along the cliff face. Viewpoint openings have frequently changed due to earthquakes and severe weather, so check before you go.
Attraction
Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park
Downtown, old warehouses have been converted into shops, restaurants, cafes, and exhibition spaces. A relaxed spot for an afternoon in the city, when you're not in the mountains.
Attraction
Tianxiang
Taroko Gorge's recreation area is among the National Park sections reopened after the 2024 earthquake, including the Visitor Center, Tabido Trail, and Xiangde Temple. The road through the gorge is only open at specific times; check park advisories beforehand.
Videos & Travel Reports
Hualien und der Taroko-Nationalpark
Reisevideo von TravelTom über Hualien und die Taroko-Schlucht, auf Deutsch. Hinweis: Viele gezeigte Wege sind seit dem Erdbeben von 2024 gesperrt.
Jetset Times video guide to Taroko National Park.
Restaurants in Hualien
Wonton soup is a Hualien specialty, and this eatery on Xinyi Street has served it for over 70 years. It opens mornings and closes once sold out.
Hualien's most famous souvenir is Mochi. The Amis call the rice cake Dulun, once reserved for festivals. At Tzen's, you'll find individual Mochi and gift boxes in many varieties.
Food and Drink in Hualien
Hualien is known for Wonton soup, Mochi, and Amis cuisine. Pay cash in small eateries and at the night market.
Wonton Soup
Several traditional establishments in the city specialize in dumplings in broth.
Mochi
The rice cakes, called Dulun by the Amis, were once exclusive to festivals; now they are the most popular souvenir.
Dongdamen Night Market
The East Coast's largest night market, with hundreds of stalls, is on the old train station site, plus an alley for indigenous cuisine.
Bamboo Rice
Rice cooked in bamboo is a classic of indigenous cuisine and available at dedicated stalls at the night market.
Amis and Truku
Around Hualien live mainly Amis, and in the mountains around Taroko, the Truku, both among the 16 recognized indigenous peoples. The Amis celebrate their harvest festival in summer with dances and music. Their villages are located along the coast south of the city, and many make a living from fishing and handicrafts.The Japanese established the area around Taroko Gorge as a national park in 1937; the current Taroko National Park was re-established in 1986. At the Dongdamen Night Market, a dedicated lane for indigenous vendors offers live music and dance on weekends.
Nightlife
Café and cocktail bar with live music in Hualien City, with almost 3,500 reviews and a 4.9 rating on Google, one of the most popular addresses for an evening out.
A highly popular seafood grill bar in Hualien City, boasting over 5,600 Google reviews and a 4.9 rating. Perfect for winding down the day with grilled food and a beer.
On the go in Hualien
Most travelers arrive by train from Taipei: Taroko and Puyuma Express trains take about two hours, regional trains three to four. Express trains have reserved seats only and quickly sell out on weekends and holidays, so book early. Alternatively, you can fly in about 50 minutes from Songshan City Airport.Taroko: Bus routes to the gorge have been operating with restrictions since the earthquake; check the current timetable. Xincheng station is closer to the park entrance.Scooters and Rental Cars: Scooters and cars can be rented at Hualien and Xincheng stations; you'll need an International Driving Permit.Further South: You can reach Taitung via Highway 11 along the coast or Highway 9 through the East Rift Valley; the train takes two to three hours.
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