Hualien County

The Basics

You have many options for exploring Hualien County, including day trips from Taipei that cover must-see sights such as the Taroko Gorge—generally explored via the dramatic Lushui trail—and Qingshui Cliff. Transport by car or round-trip train tickets are typically included. Car tours let you soak up the scenery of Highway 11 in the East Coastal National Scenic Area, while Hualien-focused tours take you off-the-beaten-path to the Morisaka village, Guangfu Sugar Factory, and the Xinshe rice paddies.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Hualien County is home to diverse natural landscapes that encompass beaches, gorges, forests, and rivers, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventurers.

• The epicenter of the county is Hualien City, where you can find the highest concentration of accommodations and restaurants.

• Hualien County has a domestic airport, from which flights depart to Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung.

How to Get There

There are frequent trains from Taipei to Hualien County, with the journey taking anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the type of train. For the fast train, hop on the Taroko Express and sit on the left-hand side of the carriage for the best views of the coast along the way. On arrival in Hualien, head to the Visitor Information Center, located in front of Hualien Station.

When to Get There

The rainiest months in Hualien are June, August, and September when the scenery is at its greenest but some natural attractions are off-limits. In the shoulder season of October, the weather is generally fine and prices are lower.

Hualien Highlights

In addition to natural wonders, Hualien County also boasts plenty of cultural and historical attractions. Take a walk through Hualien Railway Culture Park, home to old steam trains and railway structures from the 20th century, or check out Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum, where you can admire sculptures in an outdoor space.