Hualien Beautiful Liyu Lake and Taroko Gorge

Hualien City (花蓮市) is the capital city of Hualien County in Taiwan. Located on a strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range, Hualien is considered one of the most pleasant cities in Taiwan. Many tourists visit the city to enjoy the scenery and fresh air and also to tour the famous Taroko Gorge, which is located a few miles north of the city.

Hualien County neighbors the Pacific Ocean, and is also next to the grand Central Mountain Range of Taiwan. The county is not a very populated region with about 350,000 citizens, due to the mountainous topography.

The mountains, white water rapids, cliffs, waterfalls, and precipices in Taroko National Park represent the splendid landscape in Hualien. The Liyu Lake also has gorgeous scenery and provides fishing and boating fun. In addition, East Coast National Scenic Area, East Rift Valley Scenic Area, and Yushan National Park make Hualien County the most beautiful county in Taiwan.

How to access Hualien :
Hualien is accessible by rail from the Taipei Main Station and other main station in Taiwan to Hualien Station by taking Taroko Express and Tzu-Chiang Train service which provided by the Taiwan Railway Administration.

Hualien has a recently renovated commercial airport that serves domestic flights and international charters. Hualien Airport is a popular transit hub for visitors going to nearby Taroko National Park.

For driving from Taipei, you can use National Highway No. 5 (Chiang Wei-shui Memorial Freeway) from Taipei to Su-ao, Yilan, and connect to Provincial Highway No. 9 (Su-hua Provincial Highway) from Su-ao to Hualien.

Hualien Must See and Main Attractions :
1. Beibin Seashore Park, Nanbin Seashore Park and Meilun Seashore Park.
A scenic area of palm trees and landscaped greenery that runs the full length of the city's foreshore. The views over the Pacific Ocean are especially spectacular at sunrise.
2. The Abode of Still Thoughts.
This small Buddhist temple at the foot of Mount North Jialiwan is the original facility of the world-famous Tzu-zhi Buddhist foundation. In keeping with the foundation's ideals, the temple is very simple, and incorporates a Japanese style garden. Information on Tzu-chi's international activities is also available at the temple.
3. Yenpin Prefectural Temple, near Zhongyang Road, sec 4. Established in the Qing Dynasty, this is the oldest temple in Hualien.
4. Pine Garden, Zhongmei Road (near the river). A peaceful garden with 63 pine trees.
5. Chishingtan (七星灘), north of Hualien City (follow the bike path from Nanbin Seashore Park). Excellent vistas of the ocean, delicious seafood, friendly people, and a special goat restaurant specializing in goat milk coffee. The beach isn't popular for swimming, though, as the tides and currents are quite dangerous, the bottom drops off steeply, and doesn't have much sand (mostly pebbles). It is important to stay near the coast.
6. Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum at the Hualien County Cultural Center displays both traditional and contemporary stone sculptures. Open daily 9am-5pm. Admission fee: NT$20.

Things to do in Hualien :
1. Wen Shan Hot Springs
"The Wen Shan Hot Springs are the only hot springs I've ever been to in Taiwan that are still almost completely natural! There are three different temperature pools (hot, really hot, and scalding hot)

2. One day Taroko Gorge tour from Grand Formosa
The Grand Formosa Hotel offers this full day tour. It includes four major stops, driving through scenic areas with stops along the way, and a filling, delicious lunch.
3. Taroko Gorge
4. Eternal Spring Shrine
5. Aboriginal Cultural Village

Some of Hualien Beautiful scenes photos and Pictures including the city, Liyu Lake, and Taroko Gorge

Hualien is accessible by rail from the Taipei Main Station and other main station in Taiwan to Hualien Station.

Martyrs' shrine in Hualien

Hualien Bellevista Resort at No 18 Shangling Yanliau Tseun, Hualien, Taiwan 970. Phone: 886 38-123999

Hualien is the largest city on the east coast of Taiwan and the best jumping point for the famous Taroko Gorge and beautiful coast.

Located about 10 km southeast of Hualien, Liyu Lake is an excellent picnic/weekend destination.

One of the more popular activities in the Hualien area is a trip down south to Juisui for white water rafting on the Hsiukuluan River.

Taroko National Park at Hualien

From Hualien it's easy to get to Taroko Gorge, an impressive marbel gorge. The best way as a tourist to see it is to book a tour. At Marshal Hotel we could book one through the hotel.

Watch Hualien view by train video here