Hualien, located on Taiwan’s scenic east coast, is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich indigenous culture, and laid-back atmosphere. It serves as the gateway to Taroko National Park and offers visitors a diverse range of attractions and outdoor adventures.
Sponsored Popular Items
Quick take: Trip.com offers a worldwide selection of tours and attractions and hotels
Hualien whale watching – Doloman Ocean Whale Watching Tour Experience – Guided Tour Hualien whale watching | Doloman Ocean Whale Watching Tour Experience places landscapes, habitats or wildlife at the centre of the experience. Hualien whale watching | Doloman Ocean Whale Watching Tour Experience: experience overview Hualien is home to over 20 species of whales and dolphins. Boarding the Turumoan Whale Watching Experience boat offers the chance to observe various marine creatures, with a whale and dolphin sighting rate exceeding 90%.;Eco-tour with professional guided commentary by Kuroshio Ocean Education Foundation volunteers, exploring stories of mountains, seas, and whales;Each trip includes a beautifully designed whale and dolphin postcard, letting you "mail" home with these…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Taroko Gorge: Taiwan’s most famous natural attraction, featuring dramatic marble cliffs, crystal-clear rivers, suspension bridges, and hiking trails. Though some areas remain affected by the 2024 earthquake, many sections and alternative trails are open for exploration.
Qingshui Cliffs: Spectacular coastal cliffs plunging into the Pacific Ocean, offering dramatic views and excellent photo opportunities.
Chishingtan Beach: A long pebble beach backed by rolling green mountains, ideal for leisurely walks, cycling, and enjoying seaside scenery.
Liyu Lake: The largest inland lake in Hualien perfect for paddle boating, kayaking, and cycling around the lake.
Dongdamen Night Market: One of the largest night markets in Taiwan, famous for its local and indigenous foods, games, and crafts.
Waves, Whale & Dolphin Watching: Hualien offers tours for spotting dolphins frequently, and occasional whale sightings.
Indigenous Culture: The region has a high concentration of indigenous tribes with opportunities to learn about their history, cuisine, and crafts .
Getting There
Hualien is accessible by high-speed train or regular train from Taipei (about 2 to 3 hours).
Domestic flights are available from Taipei to Hualien Airport.
Once in Hualien, buses, taxis, and rental scooters offer good transport options for exploring the area.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Hualien is during Taiwan’s cooler, drier seasons in autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May) when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.
Avoid the summer months (June to August) due to high humidity and potential typhoons.
Suggested Activities
Hike trails like Shakadang Trail or Zhuilu Old Trail in Taroko National Park.
Relax at Qixingtan Beach or rent a kayak on Liyu Lake.
Explore local markets and enjoy indigenous cuisine like muaji (sticky rice cakes).
Experience cultural tours and whale/dolphin watching excursions .
Hualien perfectly combines natural wonders, cultural richness, and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking beauty beyond Taiwan’s bustling cities
Sponsored Popular Items
Quick take: Trip.com offers a worldwide selection of tours and attractions and hotels
Hualien whale watching – Doloman Ocean Whale Watching Tour Experience – Guided Tour Hualien whale watching | Doloman Ocean Whale Watching Tour Experience places landscapes, habitats or wildlife at the centre of the experience. Hualien whale watching | Doloman Ocean Whale Watching Tour Experience: experience overview Hualien is home to over 20 species of whales and dolphins. Boarding the Turumoan Whale Watching Experience boat offers the chance to observe various marine creatures, with a whale and dolphin sighting rate exceeding 90%.;Eco-tour with professional guided commentary by Kuroshio Ocean Education Foundation volunteers, exploring stories of mountains, seas, and whales;Each trip includes a beautifully designed whale and dolphin postcard, letting you "mail" home with these…
5-Hour Kayaking on Hsiukuluan River – Hualien – Outdoor Adventure 5-Hour Kayaking on Hsiukuluan River [Hualien | Hsiukuluan River Rafting Experience | Hsiangsun Rafting] adds movement, scenery and a more active element to the itinerary. 5-Hour Kayaking on Hsiukuluan River [Hualien | Hsiukuluan River Rafting Experience | Hsiangsun Rafting]: experience overview Experience the scenic views along the Hsiukuluan River, where gentle plains meet thrilling rapids—perfect even for beginners with no prior experience.;Boat type upgrade (Auto Drain Boat/Upward Star/Rapid Star) with more convenient operation;Equipped with advanced and complete gear, professional coaches provide guidance and instruction, ensuring safety. Available from trip.com. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in…
TC HOTEL HUALIEN – Accommodation TC HOTEL HUALIEN adds structure, local context and purposeful sightseeing to the itinerary. TC HOTEL HUALIEN: experience overview TC HOTEL HUALIEN offers an organised way to experience the named sights, activity or destination. This makes the experience a useful option when planning time in the destination. The exact duration can depend on the selected date, option or operating schedule. Routes, start times, inclusions and meeting arrangements may vary, so the current booking page should be treated as the final source of operational information. At a glance Experience type: Guided sightseeing experience Destination: the destination Duration: Confirm the selected option Booking…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
