2025 Hualien Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

When it comes to leisure resorts in the East Rift Valley, 'Ruisui Tianhe International Tourist Hotel' is undoubtedly a top choice for many! With its vast area and abundant facilities, it is an all-inclusive family resort where you can enjoy your stay without needing to go outside until checkout. The resort is divided into four main areas: Castle, Manor, Grand Villa, and Family Villa. The prices are not as high as you might think. A 50-square-meter deluxe double room in the Castle area, including breakfast and dinner, costs around 10,000 TWD for two people on weekdays, similar to Japanese hot spring resorts. Moreover, if there are fewer guests on weekdays, you might even get a free upgrade! The resort is located in Ruisui Township, Hualien, which is known for its hot springs. The spring water here is similar to the ancient Arima Onsen in Japan, rich in iron and slightly yellowish, hence the name 'Golden Soup.' Even better, each room has its own hot spring bath! The facilities are also very comprehensive, including an e-sports room, board game room, brick house, KTV rooms, souvenir shop, gym, business center, Golden Water Park, theme park, and more. There are so many activities that you can't experience them all in just a three-day, two-night stay!

When you come to Hualien, you don't have to rush your itinerary. Just taking a slow walk in the city can let you feel the unique leisurely atmosphere of this place. Start your taste journey at the Dongdamen Night Market with grilled corn, fried egg scallion pancakes, and local specialty mochi, each bite full of Hualien flavor. Turn a corner and decide to rent a bicycle, casually riding along the coastline without a destination, just enjoying the breeze on your face. At a corner coffee shop in an old house, pick any one to sit down, order a cup of coffee, and quietly daydream. This kind of time is particularly comfortable. Whether it's leisurely cycling, searching for hidden shops, or walking along the Pacific Ocean, Hualien's streets and alleys always have surprises. The beauty here is not just in the scenery, but also in the atmosphere that makes you slow down and truly enjoy life. Eastern Taiwan is really charming.

Explore the hidden forest gem in Hualien Valley, Lintienshan, which was once Taiwan's fourth largest logging site, following Basianshan, Alishan, and Taipingshan. It was once known as 'Little Shanghai' and remains the most well-preserved logging base. Although logging has been banned, Lintienshan has transformed into a cultural park that combines community and cultural preservation. It is an ideal spot for family visitors to enjoy nature while learning and having fun. The elevated railway boardwalk and the small logging train are popular photo spots for tourists. The park is rich in various logging tools, traditional firefighting equipment, and other cultural artifacts. It also features the grand Zhongshan Hall, a cluster of Japanese cypress buildings, and a cypress-scented café, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Hualien has historical sites too? Located in Jian Township, Hualien County, 'Qingxiu Temple' is not only a third-class historical site designated by Hualien County but also the most well-preserved Japanese temple in Taiwan. Built during the Japanese colonial period to comfort immigrants, it is known as the Yoshino Missionary Office and is quite solemn and dignified. There are many things to see at Jian Qingxiu Temple, including the eighty-eight stone Buddhas from Shikoku Island in Japan, the purification pavilion for cleansing the mouth and body, the rustic Buddha hall built with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, and the Zen-inspired dry landscape garden. It feels like being in an ancient Buddhist temple from the Edo period in Japan, serene and peaceful. Don't miss this simple Japanese-style Buddhist temple located in the countryside when you visit Hualien. The entrance fee is not expensive, only 30 NTD for adults, and you can instantly feel the atmosphere of a Japanese temple. It's worth it.

After several twists and turns, we finally stayed at Guanyun Mountain Villa. The double rooms at Guanyun Mountain Villa are divided into those with windows and those without. The staff strongly recommend staying in a room with windows, as the space is also larger. The overall space is clean, and shampoo and body wash are provided. However, you need to bring your own toiletries and towels. It gets very cold at night, so you need to bring a sleeping bag and an extra blanket to barely get some sleep. China Youth Corps Guanyun Mountain Villa No. 22, Xiulin Township, Hualien County

This time I took the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle in Hualien. I recommend going on weekdays, the coastline is very beautiful. The Rift Valley Line attractions are very ordinary (last time I brought my DSLR, I didn't even want to press the shutter). On weekends, it's so crowded that you have to stand. This time, on a weekday, I saw that the bus was empty, and the driver just drove off. (Online reviews say Yuchang and Fengbin are the best, but I haven't been to either on these two trips.) Hualien city is also quite lively. Outside the city, the overall pace is slower. Weekday travel quality is good, the scenery is beautiful, and it makes you feel relaxed and happy. I recommend everyone to go to Hualien to relax.

It's really convenient to get to Hualien now! I want to go 100 times! I found my treasure B&B by the beach in Hualien 🥹 Super chill and healed by this beautiful scenery every day 🫧 I love the room style, it feels like being in Europe The B&B is not far from the bustling city center, very convenient Even with just a few days off, I come here to feel like I'm traveling abroad 💕 Next time, I want to bring my family!!

The most famous natural attraction in Taiwan! This is the Taroko Gorge located in Hualien, Taiwan! Many people visit this place as part of a tour. You can walk along the marble cliffs and enjoy the beautiful scenery! There are both short and long hiking trails available, allowing you to trek and enjoy the stunning views of the gorge. It was truly wonderful. If you visit Taiwan, I highly recommend taking a tour of Taroko Gorge in Hualien, near Taipei.

Dongdaemun Night Market is one of the largest night markets in Hualien City. It is divided into four major theme areas: Ziqiang Night Market, Fuding Night Market, Mainland Provinces Street, and Aboriginal Street. Each area has its own special food. There are more than 400 stalls here, offering a wide variety of Taiwanese snacks and specialty products, attracting a large number of tourists and local residents. At Dongdaemun Night Market, visitors can taste many classic Taiwanese delicacies, such as fried chicken, oyster omelette, coffin board and bubble milk tea. In particular, the stalls on the "Aboriginal Street" provide unique Aboriginal snacks, allowing people to experience different cultural flavors. In addition, the barbecue stalls in the night market are also very popular. The aroma of freshly grilled meat is mouth-watering. Dongdaemun Night Market is also a place for cultural exchange. Various performances are often held here, including traditional music and dance, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. There are also many handicrafts on display at the stalls, showcasing Aboriginal art and crafts, allowing people to purchase unique souvenirs. Dongdamen Night Market is located in the center of Hualien City, with very convenient transportation and easy access for tourists. The night market is large, has ample space, is well planned, and is comfortable to walk around in. The overall experience is very good. Don't miss the Dongdaemun Night Market when traveling to Hualien. #Night Market

Taiwan's Top Ten Scenic Spots - Qingshui Cliff. Not only is it the most spectacular scenery along the Hualien-Taitung coastline, but it is also an excellent place to watch the sunrise and sunset. As a famous sightseeing spot in Taiwan, Qingshui Cliff was formed about 250 million years ago by fault structures. Due to the gradual accumulation of coral, shellfish, algae, and other biological remains on the seabed, limestone was formed through diagenesis. The limestone then metamorphosed into marble due to deep burial by overlying rocks. Around 9 million years ago, the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Plate began to collide, causing the sea cliff to gradually uplift. Erosion and weathering from rainwater further shaped the magnificent marble cliff we see today. It's a popular spot, and finding a parking space depends on luck, especially on holidays when Hualien is crowded with cars and people. There is free parking and clean restrooms available. Most people take photos with the sea and the Qingshui Cliff monument as a memento of their visit. Address: No. 30, Taiwan Provincial Highway 9, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan

Hualien Beibin Park and Pacific Park are famous for their unique driftwood beaches, which have become local beauty spots. After the typhoon, the power of nature brought driftwood to the beach, adding a natural artistic atmosphere to this Pacific coast. The driftwood exudes a light wood fragrance, which blends with the sea breeze, filling the entire beach with a fresh natural scent. Walking on the beach, you can see all kinds of driftwood in various shapes, like natural sculptures. The beach here has a unique primitive beauty, which is very suitable for photography enthusiasts to capture natural scenery, and also attracts many travelers to take photos and check in. **Recommendation reason**: Driftwood Beach presents the uncanny beauty of nature, and the background of the sea and sky is even more refreshing. Whether it is the warm sunshine in the morning or the beautiful sunset in the evening, this coast is full of poetry. 📍 **Check-in location**: Hualien Beibin Park, Pacific Park #Hualien #Driftwood Beach #Beibin Park #Pacific Coast #Natural Beauty #Outing

Hualien, do you think there's nowhere to go after the earthquake? Qixingtan is definitely a great spot you must visit in your lifetime. Whether the weather is sunny or cloudy, just sit quietly by the seaside and close your eyes. You can hear the sound of the waves crashing. Listen quietly and let the sound of the waves and the wind wash away your unhappiness of the day or even the whole year. Escaping the hustle and bustle is as simple and pure as this in Hualien.

#solotravel #100waysoftravel #cycling #fun Embarking on a solo cycling adventure in Hualien was an exhilarating experience. As I hopped on my bike, I felt the rush of excitement coursing through me. My route took me along the stunning South Coast and North Coast Parks, where the beauty of the coastline unfolded with every pedal stroke. The fresh sea breeze and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean were invigorating, making it a perfect backdrop for my journey. I made my way to New Paradise, a serene spot known for its picturesque landscapes and tranquility. Here, I paused to soak in the natural beauty surrounding me, capturing a few photos to remember this peaceful moment. The feeling of being one with nature while cycling through lush greenery was truly liberating. As evening approached, I headed to Dongdamen Night Market, one of Hualien’s most vibrant spots. The market was alive with the sounds of sizzling food and the chatter of locals and tourists alike. I savored the mouthwatering street food, from succulent grilled meats to sweet Taiwanese desserts. The lively atmosphere was contagious, making it the perfect end to my cycling day. Cycling solo in Hualien allowed me to connect with both nature and the local culture, providing a fulfilling sense of adventure. I left the night market with a satisfied stomach and a heart full of memories, eager to explore more of this beautiful region.

💞Recommended Reason: Hualien Yanbo Hua Time Taroko Pavilion, which just opened last year, is a high-value youth hostel. The overall design is stylish and youthful, with modern facilities and abundant meals. It's more like an affordable boutique hotel than a youth hostel. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Taroko to stay here😍😍 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: 💎Lounge: The 1F lobby has a spacious and comfortable sofa area, free unlimited internet access, and charging stations. It's perfect for chatting, working, or just relaxing for an entire afternoon👍👍 💎Self-Service Kitchen: Equipped with a spacious sink, refrigerator, utensils, and cookware, it's perfect for buying ingredients and cooking your own meals. 💎Shared Bathroom: If you're on a budget and staying in a youth hostel room type, there are no private bathrooms, but shared bathrooms are available and very spacious🥰🥰 💎The main building features an infinity pool, spa facilities, and a sauna. 💎Brunch Box: Includes both Japanese and Western options, with generous portions and delicious taste, exceeding expectations in value. 📍Address: 971 Taiwan, Xincheng Township, Yanbo Hua Time, Hualien 💰Average Cost: $1000-$1500 (TWD)

The landmark of Hualien, Qixingtan, is a must-visit to witness the breathtaking beauty of the sea! The name Qixingtan comes from a legend that there were once seven star-shaped ponds here! The most distinctive feature of this place is its long pebble beach. These smooth stones create unique sounds when washed by the waves, and many tourists stack these stones for photos. When visiting Hualien, I highly recommend renting an electric scooter. You don't even need a driver's license to rent one! The shop where I rented my scooter is no longer in business, but there are still many places in Hualien where you can rent an electric scooter. These electric scooters are different from electric bicycles. The one I rented in Hualien looked just like a motorcycle. The reason you don't need a license for these scooters is that their top speed is only 40 km/hr. Plus, they are lightweight and easy to control. As long as you can ride a bicycle, you should have no problem. The only difference is the speed, but you can freely go wherever you want, which is super convenient. 📍Qixingtan

This year's Hualien Fuli Straw Art Festival features giant gorillas! Each gorilla is enormous and their expressions are just too adorable, making both adults and children take endless photos. Coupled with the blue sky, green fields, and mountain scenery, it feels like a painting. The refreshing and relaxing atmosphere is truly comfortable. If you pass by, you must stop to take a look and snap some photos.

#citydaytours Taroko National Park is one of Taiwan's top scenic attractions. Located in Hualien county, so you will need to take train about 3 hours away from Taipei City. You could either stay a night in Hualien or get there directly after train ride. And then you will need to take bus which will take about 1 hour trip to its first stop Taroko Terrace Trail. The moment you just step in the first stop, you will be blown away by its magnificent and natural beauty! Taroko is magical! I highly recommend you to go to Shakadang Trail because you will see its beauty as it has a river with crystal clear water. Stunning view! It actually has some grade of trail which you can just follow the bus used for Taroko route only. If you need reference for the grade of trail, you may visit the government official site. As I have not much time there, I didn't finish the trip to the very top destination because i think that was the last bus stop. So I just enjoy the view of clear water, fresh air and stunning view of temple with a cup of coffee in my hand. I am sure that was my best coffee time my entire life 🤩 So, if you happened to visit Taiwan, put Hualien a your priority destination among all your list! #hualien #taiwan #tarokonationalpark #tarokogorge

#summerdestinations During your visit at Taroko National Park, catch the best spot at its very top spot. You can take bus to get here and feel enjoyment and relaxing vibes surrounded by birds voices. You will also have this stunning view while having your coffee and have a rest after the exploration. I honestly said that this is one of my best destination ever during my trip in Taiwan. I love it very much 😍 Taroko National Park is one of the best destination in Taiwan so please put this as your priority visit . #hualien #taiwan #tarokonationalpark

#summerdestinations Hualien has the most attractive destination in Taiwan. Speaking of Taiwan, if you are into glamorous and shining life style, you can go to Taipei. But if you want to vibing with nature and outdoor activities, you should come and visit Hualien. Hualien can serve you a peaceful feel and relaxing time. By visiting Taroko National Park, as the best destination in Hualien, you can feel joy, peace, calm and warm vibes here. You can see crystal clear river and also iconic waterfall during your trip in Taroko. If you happen to visit Taiwan, put Hualien as your most wishlist destination 🤩 #taiwan #hualien

# BathtubHotel #100 Ways to Travel Located on the Yuchang Highway leading to the sea from Yuli, Hualien, the #Kagaya Hot Spring Hotel in the Antong Hot Spring District has a friendly and enthusiastic owner. I have stayed here twice before the epidemic. It is a resort-like hotel with a unique style. The wooden house building has an independent hot spring bath. The large rooms also have their own indoor hot spring bath. It is quite refreshing to take a bath in the hot spring. The layout of the double room is quite unique, a bit like a raised tatami, and it is quite comfortable to sleep on. The Antong Hot Spring Village is particularly peaceful at night, and there are chirping insects and birds to accompany you to sleep. The four-person room comes with an oversized indoor hot spring, which is big enough to fit four people at once. The water is soft and slightly acidic carbonated spring, and your skin will be smooth after soaking in it. Basically, every stay comes with breakfast, simple light porridge and side dishes. Along with the beautiful mountains and rivers of Huadong, slow living is also an attitude towards life. #花东自行 #Antong Hot Spring #Yuchang Highway # BathtubHotel #100 Ways to Travel

#travelanywhere Nestled along the picturesque coast of Hualien, Le Méridien Hualien Resort offers an idyllic retreat with luxurious accommodations and breathtaking ocean views. The resort exudes tranquility and sophistication, featuring spacious rooms and suites adorned with contemporary furnishings and Balinese-inspired touches. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options highlighting local and international cuisine, relax by the infinity pool overlooking the Pacific, or rejuvenate at the spa with a range of pampering treatments. With its impeccable service and serene surroundings, Le Méridien Hualien Resort provides a perfect blend of comfort and coastal charm, ideal for a memorable getaway in Taiwan's scenic east coast.

#chinatrip Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Hualien, Le Méridien Hualien Resort offers a tranquil escape with luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The resort features spacious rooms and suites, elegantly designed with modern amenities and Balinese-inspired decor. Guests can indulge in a range of dining options showcasing local flavors and international cuisine, or unwind at the expansive outdoor pool and spa facilities. With its serene ambiance and attentive service, Le Méridien Hualien Resort is perfect for both relaxation and exploration of Hualien's natural wonders, making it an unforgettable destination for discerning travelers.

A Thai restaurant discovered by chance, with a white exterior full of tropical plants, it's so beautiful to take pictures. The outdoor seating area even offers a view of the sea, adding to the holiday vibe. As you enter, the wooden tables and chairs, along with the plant decorations, create a spacious and relaxing atmosphere. It's time to switch to vacation mode and enjoy. The aroma of the minced pork with basil is strong, but it has a heavier onion flavor, yet it goes well with rice. Am I seeing this right? It's a whole fish, and it's been fried in pieces for convenience. Even the fish body has become part of the presentation. Speaking of Thailand, you can't miss Thai milk tea, especially when eating Thai food, it's a must to order a cup.

As soon as you enter the room, you get a sense of American retro nostalgia. The old house and tiles are very special. There are seats in the front and back, as well as an outdoor garden area. However, I think the spacing between indoor seats is too close, which makes it inconvenient to chat for fear of disturbing others. But the atmosphere is very nice, very comfortable and great for taking photos. No wonder there are so many people and it's fully seated. The rice fragrance and honey-scented black tea milk cap pancakes are of the American style, very solid. The pancake batter itself is very fragrant, and the honey-scented black tea milk cap has a rich tea aroma that fills your mouth with a sweet tea flavor upon tasting.

The early morning in Hualien~ The air is really great~ Although I'm on Sunrise Boulevard, I didn't see the sunrise haha Got up especially early to have a local Hualien breakfast~ Yi Wei This place is famous for its shumai, xiaolongbao, and egg pancakes But when I went that day, the shumai was already sold out (damn it I ordered xiaolongbao and egg pancakes The xiaolongbao was really unique to the extreme?! I really couldn't believe it, I actually found three-colored beans in the xiaolongbao Oh my gosh⊙∀⊙! ((I can't be the only one who hates these things... Do people in Hualien love them? ((If they do, I apologize Anyway, emmm I don't know how to comment haha Can't say it's bad, just that it was surprisingly odd Laughing so hard haha The egg pancake was crispy and quite delicious Hope next time I can try the shumai ((it looks more normal Speaking of shumai, it makes me want to go to Hong Kong ahhh Shumai paradise

The General's Mansion is located next to the riverside walkway by the Meilun River. It is a military officer's residence from the Japanese colonial period that has been renovated and revitalized for use. The restoration took several years, and it officially began operations in April 2024. The park retains a Japanese ambiance, with each cypress wood building being comfortably arranged and filled with the fragrance of wood. It has now earned the nickname 'Little Kyoto of Hualien.' Currently, the entrance is free, and visitors can make reservations via LINE. It is a suitable spot for travelers in Hualien to take a leisurely stroll.

The Qingshui Cliff in Hualien, located between Heping and Chongde, is one of the great wonders on the east coast of Taiwan and also one of Taiwan's top eight scenic spots. The Qingshui Cliff is over a thousand meters high and stands almost at a 90-degree angle next to the Pacific Ocean. The road stretches for more than 20 kilometers, winding and twisting. On one side there are steep cliffs, and on the other, the vast sea. The situation is perilous, and the weather is ever-changing, which is both terrifying and breathtaking. Standing on the platform and watching the sheer rock faces of Qingshui Cliff and the sparkling waves crashing against them, just this scene alone fills the heart with wonder and admiration for nature. In the face of such natural beauty and wonder, one can't help but feel humble and respectful towards nature.

It is really a beautiful scenery, the mountains are clear, the water is very blue, and the sea breeze is super comfortable. We were lucky to have good weather. Pay attention to sun protection😎 It is very suitable to bring your pets here to take a walk, rest and sunbathe. I really recommend spending an hour walking around, the public toilets are very clean. Address: No. 5, Lane 79, Qixing Street, Xincheng Township, Hualien County Atmosphere: Cozy Features: Clear blue water + natural scenery Price per person: Free Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 #Hualien #Qixingtan #Qixingtan Coastal Scenic Area #Stone