Nature Lovers, Don’t Miss These Hualien attractions! If you want to witness magnificent natural scenery in Taiwan, make sure to visit Hualien!
Hualien is located in eastern Taiwan, right next to the Pacific Ocean, and is renowned for its endless coastline. With its proximity to the Pacific, Hualien’s coastal areas feature unique geological formations and distinct ecosystems, making it perfect for a family-friendly geological and ecological tour.
In addition to the expansive sea views, Hualien also offers breathtaking mountain scenery waiting to be explored. Taroko National Park in Hualien is known for its dramatic cliffs and gorges, as well as its professional-grade hiking trails, making it a paradise for mountain enthusiasts. Let’s check out these top tourist attractions in Hualien!
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Table of Contents
Hualien Attractions-Taroko National Park
Taroko National Park is renowned for its majestic gorges, waterfalls, and marble cliffs. It covers a vast area, and the Qingshui Cliff, which will be introduced separately, is also part of Taroko Park. This section highlights the gorge area of Taroko National Park.
There are many famous spots here, such as Swallow Grotto, Nine Turns Tunnel, and Changchun Shrine. Unfortunately, some attractions and trails are temporarily closed due to the earthquake on April 3, 2024, which caused unstable mountain conditions, rockfalls, and landslide risks. Many popular sites are currently closed, so check the official website for the latest updates on which areas are open. Check the website here.
For self-drivers, note that the main road from Taroko Archway to Tianxiang, about 19 kilometers, is a critical route to Hehuan Mountain in the eastern part of Taiwan. Although it has been repaired, it remains highly unstable and should be avoided if possible.
The gorge features several hiking trails. If you’re not into intense hiking, this is the best way for casual visitors to experience the park. A more relaxed option is to take a day tour bus, which stops at major attractions and allows you to hop on and off, making it less tiring. Since Taroko has many attractions, bus routes vary, so be sure to check the schedule and route before purchasing your ticket.
For in-depth exploration, note that Taroko National Park is a protected area, and not all places are freely accessible. While the Taroko Gorge section does not require a permit and is open for visitors, if you plan to visit ecological conservation areas (such as Nanhu Mountain, Qilai Mountain, or Bilu Mountain), you need to apply for a permit in advance. Apply permit here.
Permits Required For:
- For Qilai (Qilai Main Peak and Qilai North Peak, Mt. Qilai Range, Qilai East Ridge, Qilai South Peak), Nanhu (Mt. Nanhu, Mt. Nanhu – Mt. Zhongyangjian/North Section 1 of Central Mt. Range), North Section 1.~2. North of Central Mt. Range, North Section 2 of Central Mt. Range/Guimenguan Cliff, Mt. Shuan – Mt. Lingming, Mt. Shuan Single Day Ascent, Mt. Bilu – Mt. Yangtou, Mt. Qingshui, and non-traditional (“Other”) routes:
- For Mt. Yangtou Single Day Ascent, Mt. Bilu Single Day Ascent routes:
- For Zhuilu Old Road:
- Advance Application for Zhuilu Old Road (Foreigners Only):
For more information: Taroko National Park Official Website
Hualien Attractions-Qixingtan
Qixingtan is a beautiful crescent-shaped bay known for its clear blue waters and unique pebble beach. It’s an excellent spot for watching the sunrise and taking photographs. Unlike traditional sandy beaches, Qixingtan’s shore is covered with pebbles, and the water is deep, so swimming and wading are not allowed. The best way to enjoy the area is by walking along the coastal promenade or renting a bike to ride along the shore.
For a better view of Qixingtan, you can head to the Siba Highland (also known as Qilai Nose). From here, you can overlook the entire bay and see the crescent shape of Qixingtan, which explains why it’s called Crescent Bay. However, the geology of Siba Highland is unstable, and the edges are prone to collapse, so avoid getting too close to the edge. The safest viewpoint is the Siba Highland Observation Deck, which offers excellent views. Additionally, there is a military base near Siba Highland, so red signs indicate restricted areas.
Siba Highland Address: Intersection of Highway 193 Coastal Road and Huadong Road, Hualien City, Hualien County
Hualien Attractions-Qing Shui Cliff
Qing Shui Cliff is one of the most spectacular landscapes on Taiwan’s eastern coast. The cliff rises over 1,000 meters, with the mountains plunging directly into the Pacific Ocean, making it the most beautiful spot along the Suhua Highway. What sets it apart is the dramatic juxtaposition of high mountains and the vast ocean, with sheer cliffs on one side and the boundless sea on the other, creating a breathtaking and awe-inspiring view.
The entire Qing Shui Cliff observation platform is not very large; typically, you can take in the view in about 15 to 20 minutes. Tour groups usually only stop at this viewpoint, although some itineraries may also include a visit to the nearby Chongde Station for a distant view of the cliff. If you’re driving yourself, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the ocean and sky along the Suhua Highway.
For independent travelers, the nearby Chongde Station offers activities such as water sports and beach off-road vehicles. If time permits, you can also camp here overnight; local businesses provide camping equipment rentals, so you don’t need to bring your own gear.
- ATV Adventure: Qing Shui Cliff ATV Adventure
- Canoe&SUP: Qing Shui Cliff Canoe&SUP
- SUP Paddling: Qing Shui SUP Paddling
- Camping: Qing Shui Cliff Camping
Hualien Attractions-Liyu Lake
Liyu Lake is the largest inland lake in Hualien, surrounded by clear waters and scenic mountains. Although it may seem less spectacular compared to the grandeur of Qixingtan and Qing Shui Cliff, Liyu Lake’s charm lies in its tranquility rather than its scale. The calm waters make it a safe spot for water activities. You can enjoy rowing, cycling, and walking, or take a ride on a swan boat or yacht to appreciate the serene lake views.
From April to May each year, Liyu Lake hosts a firefly watching season, ideal for an ecological adventure. Another special event is the Dragon Boat Festival, where you can experience the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture through dragon boat races. Note that the Dragon Boat Festival is based on the lunar calendar, so the date varies each year. Be sure to confirm the event dates if you’re interested.
Nearby, there is also a food district. After exploring Liyu Lake, you can visit the Liyu Lake Food District across the dock to sample local specialties such as taro, sweet potato crisps, shrimp crackers, and live shrimp.
- Kayak/SUP: Liyu Lake Canoe & SUP
For more information: Official Website
Hualien Attractions-Fugang Geopark (Xiao Yeliu)
Located in Fengbin Township, Hualien County, Xiao Yeliu is a renowned geological park along Taiwan’s East Coast, famous for its striking rock formations. Shaped by years of seawater erosion and weathering, the coastal landscape features unique formations such as tofu rock, honeycomb rock, and mushroom rock, resembling nature’s own sculpted masterpieces. Because of its similarities to Yehliu in New Taipei City—though on a smaller scale—it earned the name “Xiao Yeliu” (Little Yehliu). This scenic spot is perfect for geology enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, offering breathtaking coastal views and a glimpse into the forces of nature.
Beyond its impressive rock formations, Xiao Yeliu is home to a diverse intertidal ecosystem. If you take a closer look at the tide pools, you might spot crabs, small fish, sea urchins, and other marine creatures. While daytime visits offer a great opportunity for families to explore, many marine species are more active at night. From April to October, official night tours are available for those interested in a more immersive experience. The park also features different ecological zones, including areas with banyan trees, orange jessamine (Seven Mile Fragrance), and coconut palms, adding to its rich natural diversity.
To see the tide pools at their best, check the Central Weather Administration’s tide chart before visiting. The best time to explore is around the days before and after the new moon and full moon, when the tide recedes the most. Be mindful of rising tides, as the water can come in quickly—leave the area promptly if you notice the tide returning. Also, avoid touching marine life, as some creatures are poisonous, and human contact can disrupt the delicate ecosystem.
Visitors can also follow the scenic trail to the viewing platform, where they can take in panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean while listening to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the rocks. If you have extra time, consider camping overnight in the park’s designated area—this way, you can wake up to a stunning sunrise over the ocean, with golden light illuminating the sea.
☀️ There’s little shade at Xiao Yeliu, and the coastal sun can be intense, so bring sun protection to avoid heat exhaustion.
Address: No. 500, Section 1, Songjiang Road, Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan
Conclusion
There’s a Chinese proverb ”欺山莫欺水” that says, “You might underestimate the mountain but never underestimate the water”, meaning you should always pay attention to safety near water and never underestimate nature’s forces. While enjoying the natural beauty of Hualien and its landscapes, especially when engaging in water activities at the coast or lakes, please remember to stay safe.
Additionally, Taiwan is an earthquake-prone region, and a significant earthquake of magnitude 7.2 occurred in April 2024. Therefore, those interested can read this Taiwan Travel Safety Guide: Emergency Precautions – Medical Emergencies, Lost Passports, Earthquakes before traveling to understand how to handle emergency situations in Taiwan.
Want to know more about attractions in Taroko National Park? Check this out:
Taroko National Park Travel Guide 2025: Best Hikes, Top Attractions & Tips
