The Essential Hualien Travel Guide for First-Timers
Getting to Hualien
If you are not a local, you will most likely be travelling to Hualien from Taoyuan International Airport, located 40 km from Taipei. From the airport, take the Taoyuan Airport express train to Taipei main station for NT$160. Look out for the express train, which takes 40 minutes as compared to 50 minutes on the commuter train. From Taipei main station, take a two to three hour train ride to Hualien station, which costs NT$340 or NT$440 depending on the train type. To reserve a seat, book your tickets in advance at Taiwan Railways Administration’s website and redeem them at the ticketing office before your train ride.
Similarly, if you are travelling to Hualien from other cities in Taiwan, book your train tickets in advance at Taiwan Railways Administration’s website.
For those driving or riding a motorcycle, or bicycle for the adventurous, use Provincial Highways 9 or 11 to get to Hualien. With its prime location location along the east coast, you might even take a few pit stops to marvel in the scenic views.
Getting around Hualien
While there is no metro system in Hualien, you can easily get around Hualien on foot, or on a rented bicycle, scooter or car. Note that most vehicle rental companies require an International Driving License. Taxi services are available as well.
Weather
For most travellers, the ideal period to travel to Hualien is between October to April, when temperature is pleasant and chances of rainfall are minimised. However, it can be more expensive to travel in Taiwan during the Chinese New Year period of January and February.
Must-visits and to-dos
Hualien is a geographically blessed city with its vast land area, numerous nature wonders and beautiful seascapes. Here are some recommended activities and sights to include in your itinerary:
Visit Taroko National Park
The immense Taroko National Park is one of Taiwan’s most majestic nature spots. You can choose to explore one of its many trails, or thoroughly revel in all its beauty with a customisable full-day tour (email here to find out more).
Explore the mountains on a dirt bike
Choose from an all-inclusive bike or ATV tour here.
Kayak and catch the sunrise at Qingshui cliff
The east coast strip boasts some of the best sunrise viewing spots in the country. Instead of catching the sunrise on land, take the experience up a notch by going on a sunrise kayak trip.
Visit Dongdamen night market
Address: №50, Zhongshan Road
Accommodation
Hualien has an array of accommodation options, whether you are on a shoestring budget or ready to splurge on luxury beachside hotels. Here are some affordable yet comfortable and primely-located accommodation options to consider:
Budget options: Hostels and shared rooms
Chesdon Hostel (NT$499)
Lazy House (NT$399)
Phoenix Hostel (NT$299)
Mid-tier options: Private rooms and apartments
123 Cheers Hostel (NT$1299)
№5 Apartment (NT$499)
Phoenix Hotel (NT$499)
Meals
Taiwanese love their food, so a trip here can be likened to a gastronomic odyssey. Beef soup noodles, fried chicklets, oyster vermicelli, pork dumplings, Chinese donuts and soy milk, braised anything… and we haven’t even started on desserts. Take a blind pick at an eatery and chances are it will most definitely satisfy. That being said, a few notable ones include:
La Jiang Hot Pot
Address: №112, Fuqian Road
Dai Ji’s Wonton Soup
Address: №120, Zhonghua Road
Koufu Beef Noodles
Address: №533, Fujian Street
Ba Fang Yun Ji Fried Dumplings
Address: №93, Guolian 3rd Road
Data/Wi-Fi
It’s best to equip yourself with internet data or a portable Wi-Fi router to stay connected and easily get around the city. You can rent Wi-Fi routers or purchase a sim card through booking platforms like KKDay and Klook, and conveniently pick them up at the airport. Alternatively, prepaid data cards can be purchased at 7–11 stores.
