Hualien, renowned for its stunning Pacific coastline, lush green mountains, and clear rivers, it offers a perfect escape into nature. In Hualien, you can discover the breathtaking canyons of Taroko, wander the rubble beaches of Seven Star Lake, and admire the vibrant hues of the sea and sky at sunset. Alternatively, you can also explore Hualien City's night markets to savour authentic snacks and delicacies.
Hualien is a vital centre of aboriginal culture, offering insights into the life, traditions, and crafts of local tribes. With its breathtaking natural landscapes, Hualien provides rich cultural experiences and lasting memories, ensuring a journey filled with surprises and satisfaction.
Cheap flights to Hualien: HK Express currently operates flights into and out of Hualien Airport (HUN). Please use our search feature above to find the cheapest flights for your date of travel!
Hualien's city centre features popular attractions like the Dongdamen Night Market and the Hualien Railway Cultural Park. The Dongdamen Night Market offers a variety of gourmet snacks and unique goods, allowing visitors to savour local delicacies while enjoying the vibrant night market atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Hualien Railway Cultural Park highlights the city's rich railway heritage, providing a nostalgic experience in the historic railway station and insights into Hualien's railway culture.
Situated in northeastern Hualien, Xiulin is renowned for its unique topography and abundant natural resources, featuring iconic attractions like Taroko and the Clearwater Cliffs. Taroko is celebrated for its stunning Dali Rock Gorge. Travelling along the Liwu Creek scenic route reveals breathtaking cliffs, gorges, and streams, resembling a natural masterpiece. The Shimizu Cliffs serve as a landmark in Xiulin, offering views where the Pacific Ocean meets the mountains, creating a captivating azure coastline. The area's rich landscapes provide unforgettable experiences, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Located in southeastern Hualien, Xincheng is near the Pacific Ocean and features beautiful beaches and coastlines, with the renowned Seven Star Lake as a highlight. This beach is celebrated as one of Hualien's most beautiful, characterised by its gracefully curved bay, clear blue waters, and striking black rocks, creating a scene reminiscent of a poem. Standing on the shore, with green mountains framing the view, you feel as though you are immersed in a breathtaking landscape painting.
Fengbin, located in southeastern Hualien, features several amazing scenic spots. Shitiping is renowned for its unique geological formations, where rocks extend from land to sea, creating orderly bayous that resemble a staircase, hence its name. Another highlight is the Xinshe Terraces, particularly beautiful in June and July when the ripe rice paddies create golden waves that stretch towards the distant sea. The ‘Qingbuzhizi Ancient Trail’, perched on the cliffs by the sea, offers an exceptional experience. This trail, made of transparent tempered glass, provides visitors with breathtaking views of the rocky cliffs and the azure sea below.
Ruisui, situated in eastern Hualien between Hualien City Centre and Fuli, is surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers, offering picturesque rural scenery and natural landscapes. One of its most popular activities is rafting on the Xiuguluan River, which winds through Ruisui's dramatic mountainous terrain. The river's water levels peak from May to October, making this the ideal season for rafting. Another highlight is Ruisui Pasture, where visitors can sample various milk products and enjoy close interactions with the cows.
Fuli, situated in eastern Hualien near the Central Mountain Range, is home to 'Sixty Stone Mountain', named for the boulders atop it. This area also hosts the Golden Needle flower. Climbing to the summit reveals a vista of lush green grass that evokes relaxation and joy. From June to July, the mountain transforms into a wonderful landscape, blanketed in a sea of golden flowers.
Travelling through Taroko's rugged landscape reveals nature's remarkable formations, particularly at the breathtaking Shimizu Cliff Coast, where the cliffs soar dramatically. You can wander to the Evergreen Shrine, nestled among the cliffs. This blend of classical architecture and perpetual springs creates a serene, almost mystical scene, evoking a tranquil landscape painting amidst the mountains and forests. Taroko is not just a haven of natural beauty; it epitomises stunning landscapes.
Strolling along the shore of Seven Star Lake, with the fresh sea breeze on your cheeks and the gentle sound of waves lapping at the sand, brings a sense of joy. In the early morning, as the sun rises slowly, witnessing the sunrise over the beach is a true delight. The golden sunlight spills across the water, creating a shimmering sea of gold, as if you are immersed in a serene and beautiful painting.
The East Coastline is renowned as one of most beautiful coasts, with breathtaking scenery that merits a visit. Along the route, you can admire the azure sea, unique rocky formations, white sandy beaches, and distant green mountains, all featuring nature's hidden surprises and wonders at every turn.
Hualien boasts several renowned hot spring areas, including Sixty Stone, Chihon, and Tatewu Hot Springs, where you can indulge in the soothing experience of bathing amidst nature's mountains and forests. Immerse yourself in the hot springs while taking in the gorgeous views, and feel the calming and restorative effects of the natural surroundings. The hot spring baths not only alleviate fatigue and tension but also provide a tranquil escape, helping to refresh and rejuvenate after your travels.
Hualien is renowned for its vibrant culinary culture. From traditional Hakka dishes to fresh seafood and inventive local snacks, each bite offers a distinct local flavour and narrative. Be sure to visit the Dongdamen Night Market, where you can enjoy the enticing scents of oyster omelette, stinky tofu, roasted sausage, pork rice, and bean curd. Also, don't miss Hualien's specialities like mochi and ‘flatbread’.
Explore aboriginal tribal villages like Taroko and Binlang to discover their unique lifestyles, traditional cultures, and histories. Participate in cultural activities organised by the tribes, where you can enjoy singing and dancing performances, craft-making, and traditional cooking, gaining insight into their values and way of life. Engaging with the indigenous people will not only enhance your knowledge but also allow you to appreciate their reverence for nature and love of life.
Hualien offers several family-friendly attractions. Farglory Ocean Park features eight themed areas and numerous play facilities, providing children with a fun way to explore the marine world. Additionally, the Whale Watching Eco-tour presents a unique chance to observe dolphins and learn about cetacean habits and ecology. At Ruisui Pasture, families can sample fresh milk products and feed the cows, giving children a hands-on experience of farm life.
Hualien offers a diverse range of accommodation options to meet your preferences, whether you seek a luxury resort, a charming guesthouse, or a comfortable hotel. Along the Pacific coastline, luxury resorts provide stunning sea views, allowing you to fully appreciate the ocean's beauty. For those who enjoy nature, Hualien boasts numerous lovely guesthouses that let you experience the refreshing mountain air. Additionally, many hotels in the city centre offer convenient stays, making it easy to explore Hualien's vibrant charm.
Hualien's excellent transport links facilitate easy travel around the city. The Hualien Airport is approximately 30 kilometres from the city centre, with taxis and public buses providing a convenient 20-minute journey. Additionally, travellers can access trains and buses to other cities. Within Hualien city centre, getting around is simple via taxi, public bus, or car rental. For those wishing to explore further, guided tours or chartered bus services are available, ensuring a relaxed journey.
Average: 15°C - 25°C
Ideal for enjoying hot springs and mountain views. Stay warm, particularly at night when temperatures can drop.
Average: 20°C - 28°C
The flowering season is in full bloom, creating a lovely landscape. However, spring brings considerable rainfall, so it's wise to pack rain gear.
Average: 28°C - 35°C
Hot and humid, so ensure sufficient sun protection and stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke. It's more comfortable to travel early in the morning or late in the evening.
Average: 22°C - 30°C
Great time to go outdoors. Autumn is typically dry, so remember to stay hydrated and keep your skin moisturised.
New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
110V 60Hz
Mandarin
UTC+8
+886
The average direct flight time between Hong Kong (HKG) and Hualien (HUN) is around an hour and 50 minutes.