My views do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.
I went on a tour in Hualien and took way too many pictures – I accidently posted what I did first – here’s the port talk!
Hualien, Taiwan
Welcome to Hualien, a laid-back coastal city on Taiwan’s rugged east coast, home to around 100,000 residents (population of Hualien County ~300,000). Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the soaring Central Mountain Range, Hualien is the gateway to Taroko Gorge National Park, a world-famous natural wonder of marble canyons, turquoise rivers, and lush cliffs. The city itself has a relaxed vibe with night markets, oceanfront parks, and cultural spots that showcase Taiwan’s indigenous heritage. With its unique blend of natural splendor, vibrant local culture, and easygoing charm, Hualien is one of Taiwan’s most rewarding ports of call.
History:
Hualien has long been shaped by its geography and indigenous peoples. The region has been home to Taiwan’s aboriginal groups, notably the Amis and Truku tribes, for thousands of years. In the late 19th century, Qing dynasty settlers began cultivating the land, followed by Japanese colonization in 1895, when Hualien was developed as a key administrative and transport hub. The Japanese influence can still be seen in architecture, old rail lines, and shrines. After World War II, Hualien became part of the Republic of China, growing into today’s modest but vibrant city, renowned as Taiwan’s outdoor adventure capital.
Itinerary:
Arrival: Saturday September 13, 9:00am (please allow time for port clearance)
Departure: Sunday September 14, All aboard: 6:00pm Sail away: 7:00pm
Weather
Average Temps: Highs around 86°F (30°C); lows around 77°F (25°C)
Climate: Humid subtropical; warm, humid days with a chance of rain showers
What to Wear: Light, breathable clothing; hat and sunscreen for sun protection; umbrella or light rain jacket for sudden downpours; comfortable walking shoes.
Near the Pier:
Cruise Ship Dock: Hualien Port – Berth #23
Address: No. 68 Hai An Road, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan ROC
Address in Mandarin Chinese: 花蓮港 第23號碼頭, 花蓮市海岸路68號, 花蓮縣, 台灣
- Distance to Terminal Building: ~200m (~3 min walk)
- Distance to Port Gate: ~1km (~10 min walk)
- To City Center: ~10km (~30 min taxi, ~NT$200–250)
Nearby Essentials
Tourist information and bank services will be available in the terminal.
- Pharmacy: Watsons (屈臣氏) – Hualien City Center (~15 min taxi, ~NT$200–250)
- ATM: Available at 7-Eleven and FamilyMart convenience stores, ~10 min taxi from port
- Grocery/Snacks: 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are common; easiest stop near Hualien Train Station (~15 min taxi)
- Nearest Church: Hualien Catholic Church (天主教花蓮教堂), ~15 min taxi
- Nearest Golf: Hualien Golf Club (花蓮高爾夫俱樂部), ~20 min taxi (~NT$400–500)
- Shopping: Far Eastern Department Store or Carrefour in Hualien City (~15 min taxi)
Getting Around:
Getting into the city from the cruise port is easiest by taxi, with rides costing ~NT$200–250 to downtown.
- 🚶 Walking: Not practical from port to city center (too far).
- 🚌 Public Transit: Buses operate from Hualien Station to Taroko Gorge and local attractions; infrequent from the pier itself.
- 🚖 Taxis: Reliable and plentiful on cruise days; best for short visits.
- 🚴 Bike Rentals: Available in Hualien City; great for riding along the oceanfront promenade.
- 🚗 Car Rentals: At Hualien Station or airport; recommended for exploring Taroko independently (international license required).
- 🚌 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Shuttle services often run to Taroko Gorge from Hualien Station.
Witnessing:
Taroko Gorge National Park (UNESCO Tentative List)
One of Taiwan’s greatest natural treasures, Taroko Gorge dazzles with soaring marble cliffs, turquoise rivers, and scenic hiking trails. Highlights include Swallow Grotto, Eternal Spring Shrine, and the Tunnel of Nine Turns.
- Admission: Free
- Visit Time: Half-day to full-day depending on itinerary
- Access: ~40 min by taxi from Hualien Port (~NT$800 one way); tours and shuttles available
Pine Garden
A preserved Japanese-era military office turned cultural center, set on a hill with sweeping Pacific views. Exhibits highlight Hualien’s wartime history and local art.
- Admission: ~NT$60 (USD $2)
- Visit Time: ~1 hour
- Access: 15 min taxi from port (~NT$250)
Qixingtan Beach A beautiful crescent-shaped pebble beach with mountain and ocean views, popular for cycling and photography. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents.
Admission: Free
- Visit Time: ~1 hour
- Access: 20 min taxi from port (~NT$300)
✨ Tip: Rent a bike nearby for a scenic ride along the oceanfront cycle path.
Learning:
Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park (花蓮文化創意產業園區)
A former Japanese-era sake distillery transformed into a hub for art, culture, and local crafts. The park hosts artisan workshops, rotating exhibits, and cafés serving local specialties.
- Admission: Free (some workshops charge a small fee)
- Visit Time: 1–2 hours
- Access: ~15 min taxi from port (~NT$250)
- ✨ Tip: Great place to shop for handmade souvenirs like pottery, textiles, and woodcraft.
Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum (花蓮石雕博物館)
Showcasing Hualien’s heritage as Taiwan’s stone-carving capital, with exhibitions of marble and jade sculptures by local and international artists.
- Admission: NT$50 (~USD $1.50)
- Visit Time: ~1 hour
- Access: ~20 min taxi (~NT$300)
- ✨ Fact: Hualien hosts an International Stone Sculpture Festival every few years, attracting artists worldwide.
Indigenous Song & Dance Shows
Tribal music and dance performances are highly valued cultural experiences in Hualien, though they are not scheduled at Dongdamen Night Market on September 13–14. For a guaranteed performance, consider visiting the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Center, where the Alefis Cultural Arts Troupe performs daily from 4 PM to 5 PM.
- Admission: Check current pricing at the center
- Visit Time: ~1 hour
- Access: Central Hualien, about 15–20 minutes by taxi from port (~NT$250–300)
- Tip: Arrive early to catch the full show and maybe speak with the performers after they conclude.
Discovery:
Liyu Lake (鯉魚潭), A serene freshwater lake ringed by forested hills, Liyu Lake is Hualien’s classic easy escape for pedal-boats, SUP, and a flat bike loop. Expect calm water, cafés by the shore, and broad views—great for a half-day from the port. The lakeside bike path is ~5 km and mostly level, perfect for casual riders and walkers.
Hours: ~08:30–17:30 (center); lake area is open 24/7.
- Cycle or stroll the lake loop (scenic, family-friendly). Rentals widely available near the visitor center; typical rates about NT$100–150 per hour. Allow 60–90 min with photo stops.
- On the water: Options include pedal boats (standard and electric pedal boats ~NT$1,000/hr per boat) and short sightseeing boat rides ~NT$150/person. SUP sessions are also offered by outfitters.
- Cafés & snacks: Small eateries dot the north and south shores; good for coffee/ice cream between laps.
Hiking
Shakadang Trail (砂卡噹步道) A flat riverside path in Taroko Gorge, following clear turquoise waters and dramatic marble cliffs. Easy, family-friendly.
- Access: ~40 min taxi from port to Taroko (~NT$800)
- Difficulty: Easy
✨ Tip: Look for indigenous food stalls at the trailhead selling wild boar sausage and mountain greens.
Baiyang Trail (白楊步道) A moderately easy trail leading through tunnels to a spectacular waterfall curtain. Bring a flashlight for the tunnels.
- Access: ~50 min taxi from port (~NT$900)
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
✨ Tip: Wear non-slip shoes; the waterfall spray makes paths slippery.
Zhuilu Old Trail (錐麓古道) One of Taiwan’s most thrilling hikes, along a cliffside path overlooking Taroko Gorge. Permits required in advance.
- Access: Start near Taroko National Park HQ (~45 min taxi from port)
- Difficulty: Challenging; not recommended for those afraid of heights
✨ Tip: Only 96 permits are issued daily—book early if you want the adventure.
Shopping
Dongdamen Night Market
Beyond food, some stalls sell indigenous crafts, clothing, and trinkets. Great for an evening stroll and souvenirs.
- Access: ~15 min taxi (~NT$250)
- ✨ Tip: Prices are negotiable for crafts, but not for food.
Far Eastern Department Store (遠東百貨)
Hualien’s main shopping mall, with international brands, cosmetics, and a supermarket.
- Access: ~15 min taxi (~NT$250)
- ✨ Tip: Good for air-conditioned shopping and practical needs (pharmacy, groceries).
Carrefour Hypermarket (家樂福)
Large supermarket selling everything from snacks and souvenirs to electronics.
- Access: ~20 min taxi (~NT$300)
- ✨ Tip: Stock up on Taiwanese pineapple cakes, mochi, or packaged teas at lower prices than tourist shops.
Exploring:
East Rift Valley (花東縱谷) A ribbon of farms, tea hills, hot springs, and Indigenous (Amis/Truku) communities stretching south from Hualien along Provincial Hwy 9. Classic, relaxed Taiwan countryside with easy stops for short walks, bikes, and soaks. Key towns: Guangfu, Ruisui, Yuli (≈45–75 min from Hualien, depending on stop). Best explored by car rental or tour (~NT$4,000–6,000 for private driver). TRA local trains run the valley if you don’t want to drive.
Hidden Gems:
Lintianshan Forestry Culture Park 林田山林業文化園區 (Fenglin) — Japanese-era logging village of cedar dorms, rails, and museum pieces; calm forest vibe. ~55–65 min by car/train + short taxi. Free.
Guangfu Sugar Factory 花蓮觀光糖廠 / 光復糖廠 (Guangfu) — Vintage sugar mill turned ice-cream stop with ponds and old staff houses. ~60–70 min by train to Guangfu + 10–15 min walk.
Railway Culture Park 花蓮鐵道文化園區 (Hualien City) — Open-air relics of the narrow-gauge depot; easy central stroll.
Cultural & Creative Industries Park 花蓮文創園區 (Old Sake Brewery) — 1913 warehouses now design shops, pop-ups, markets. 5–10 min taxi from station.
Qilaibi Lighthouse 奇萊鼻燈塔 + Qixingtan Beach 七星潭 — White lighthouse over a polished-stone crescent beach; big-sky views. 15–20 min taxi.
Matai’an (Fata’an) Wetland 馬太鞍濕地 (Guangfu) — Amis community wetland with boardwalks; occasional demos of palakaw ecological fishing. Train + short taxi.
Yunshanshui Dream Lake 雲山水（壽豐） — Mirror-calm private garden lake; boardwalks, seasonal bald cypress. ~35–45 min by car; train to Zhixue/Shoufeng + taxi works.
Mr. Sam’s Café 山姆先生咖啡館（壽豐） — Storybook, tree-house-style café near Yunshanshui; very photogenic. ~35–45 min by car.
Qinbuzhizi Cliff Walk 親不知子海上古道（Fengbin） — Glass-bottom cliff path above the Pacific; check current opening status. ~70–90 min south by car.
Tasting:
- Mochi (麻糬): Hualien’s most famous sweet; soft rice cakes filled with red bean, peanut, or sesame.
- Aboriginal BBQ: Amis-style skewers of mountain boar or venison at Dongdamen Night Market.
- Scallion Pancakes: Crispy and savory, a Taiwanese street food staple.
- Milkfish Soup: Coastal specialty, rich in flavor.
- Bubble Tea: Widely available across night markets and cafés.
Mexican Restaurants:
Dos Tacos (墨西哥餐廳) — No. 92, Fuxing St, Hualien City 970
中文地址：花蓮市復興街92號｜Tel: 03-831-1733. Popular for burritos, tacos, margaritas. Closed some weekdays; check hours.
Luna Mexican Cuisine & Bar (Luna墨式異國料理) — No. 176, Rongzheng St, Hualien City 970 中文地址：花蓮市榮正街176號。 Listings remain active; call ahead to confirm current hours/service.
Nightlife:
Hualien is more laid-back than big cities. Dongdamen Night Market is the hub of evening life, with food, games, and music. For a drink, small bars and izakayas cluster near the train station.
Dongdamen Night Market (東大門夜市)
Hualien’s largest night market with 400+ stalls serving mochi, BBQ skewers, oyster omelets, and indigenous foods. Lively atmosphere with music and games.
- Admission: Free entry; food prices NT$50–150 per dish
- Visit Time: 1–2 hours (evening only)
- Access: ~15 min taxi (~NT$250)
- ✨ Tip: Look for the Amis food section for authentic indigenous cuisine.
Travel Tips:
- Carry cash (NT$) for night markets and taxis—many places don’t accept cards.
- English is not widely spoken; download Google Translate or LINE for communication.
- Buses in Taroko are infrequent; taxis or tours are the easiest way to explore.
- Swimming in Hualien’s beaches is discouraged due to strong undertow. Stick to walking, cycling, or picnicking.