# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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七星潭海岸風景特定區
971花蓮縣新城鄉七星街79巷5號
03 822 1592
https://goo.gl/maps/7kd4WizxB43z7zxw8

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昭和58
970花蓮縣花蓮市成功街306號
https://goo.gl/maps/brnnKns1bcbNKX7Z7

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（2020.02）花蓮甜點店「昭和58」從裝潢到點心都充滿日本懷舊氛圍，這間洋菓子喫茶店是老闆到日本學藝後回家鄉創業的夢想實踐，因為特色獨具且餐點美味，成為IG、網美打卡熱點。

「昭和58」洋菓子喫茶店環境

位於花蓮市區成功街及南京街口附近的「昭和58」，隱身巷弄內沒有顯眼招牌。

店外獨特復古的門面、店內泛黃燈光及車廂座椅，會讓人忍不住駐足多看幾眼。

因老闆日本學藝期間對於昭和時代的咖啡廳情有獨鍾，故以自己出生年份昭和58年（民國72年）命名。

咖啡廳裝潢以昭和時代為考究，深褐色車廂配上昏黃燈光，彷彿乘坐在舊時代火車中。

螺旋及花型吊燈，搭配酒紅色絨毛沙發、大理石桌椅，呈現當時崇洋文化。

門口的黑膠唱片機，播放著早期日本流行音樂，全店在各個細節都很講究。

老闆退伍後前往日本學習近四年，就讀當地餐飲學校並鑽研洋菓子，兩年多前回台創業，從半開放式廚房設計可以看到老闆認真工作的身影與乾淨衛生的廚房。

「昭和58」洋菓子喫茶店菜單

咖啡廳連菜單都很有歷史感，第一頁是三個招牌點心＄150。

再來是冷熱蛋糕類甜點＄60~與咖啡凍＄130。

冰淇淋與日式刨冰類＄140~。

最後是搭配下午茶的各式飲品＄130~。

「昭和58」洋菓子喫茶店甜點

先來介紹冬季限定的『馬斯卡彭草莓蛋糕捲』＄170，咖啡廳的甜點全都是當天現做、限量供應，話說當天送草莓的遲到了，我們殷殷期待了好一會才有得吃。

老闆首重食材，選用法國產鮮奶油加入馬斯卡彭及上白糖，並以法國干邑區白蘭地及德國櫻桃酒提升香氣，壓折則以台灣新鮮草莓展現季節特色。

「昭和58」的『馬斯卡彭草莓蛋糕捲』的戚風蛋糕鬆軟細緻，甜而不膩的鮮奶油搭配微酸甜的草莓，一整個恰到好處。

服務生推薦的店招牌『金時蒙布朗』＄150，保留栗子風味並增加萊姆酒與蜂蜜增添香氣。

泡芙底殼內餡為地瓜卡士達，Alice很喜歡「昭和58」把法國無糖栗子泥與在地金時地瓜結合的創意。

色彩繽紛的『抹茶聖代』＄220上方為抹茶霜淇淋、金時地瓜點心、紅豆、白玉，中間為布列塔尼酥餅及少量依思尼鮮奶油，底層為抹茶寒天。

「昭和58」的食材不僅都有明確來源，而且都是一時之選，如使用小山園抹茶系列中適合做烘焙甜點的中等級若竹及綠樹，製成鮮味和澀味平衡雅致的雙淇淋與寒天，搭配高雄九號紅豆與手工小湯圓，口感層次豐富，令人意猶未盡。

「昭和58」的甜點不只賣相、口味俱佳，更嚴選食材且堅持烘焙、冰品、飲品全部獨自熬製研發，純天然、沒有人工加味、化學調配，並將蛋奶素作為烘焙主軸（不使用動物膠質吉利丁等素材）。雖然客人不一定感受得到差別，但主廚願意花費更多心力及較高成本的用心值得讚賞。

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【花蓮美食】「昭和58」環境與甜點滿滿日式懷舊氛圍且選料用心的洋菓子喫茶店

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（2020.02）花蓮甜點店「昭和58」從裝潢到點心都充滿日本懷舊氛圍，這間洋菓子喫茶店是老闆到日本學藝後回家鄉創業的夢想實踐，因為特色獨具且餐點美味，成為IG、網美打卡熱點。 「昭和58」洋菓子喫茶店環境 位於花蓮市區成功街及南京街口附近的「昭和58」，隱身巷弄內沒有顯眼招牌。 店外獨特復古的門面、店內泛黃燈光及車廂座椅，會讓人忍不住駐足多看幾眼。 ...

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花蓮廟口紅茶有限公司
970花蓮縣花蓮市成功街216號
03 832 3846
https://goo.gl/maps/SduKNbVYfNdLznHD6

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在台灣感覺店只要開在廟前都會紅，說到花蓮市區人氣美食，這間「 廟口紅茶」會出現在美食名單裡，好不好吃見仁見智，但非常有名氣是真的。而且它雖然叫做「廟口紅茶」但除了招牌的之外， 廟口紅茶菜單上也賣很多 火腿蛋土司、蘿蔔糕、蛋餅、肉粽、西點 ⋯等，總的來說就是價格經濟實惠的傳統餐飲店。

★花蓮可能用到的旅遊攻略

【花蓮攻略】 2022花蓮景點懶人包
【花蓮美食】 花蓮Top15好吃大集合
【花蓮住宿】 12家超夯花蓮飯店筆記
【花蓮民宿】 12家網友激推花蓮民宿
★花蓮精選熱門旅遊票券
【門票】 花蓮海洋公園門票
【門票】 山度空間門票
【體驗】 花蓮賞鯨半日遊
【體驗】 花蓮最新鯉魚潭立槳SUP
【行程】 花蓮太魯閣包車一日遊
【租車】 花蓮租機車｜ 租汽車

➤ 即時更新！KKDAY最新折扣優惠碼
➤ 馬上索取！KLOOK最新折扣折扣碼

我們這次來花蓮親子旅遊，入住市區的「 捷絲旅花蓮中正館」， 廟口紅茶就在飯店後面而已，走路五分鐘就到了，衝著它響亮名氣縱使有訂飯店早餐，還是決定要來朝聖。而且 廟口紅茶營業時間06:00~23:00 ，可以從早餐吃到宵夜 😆

廟口紅茶已有超過50年歷史，是花蓮市區裡的傳統老店，其實花蓮市有三家販售傳統紅茶的店家，分別是 廟口紅茶、鋼管紅茶和黎明紅茶 ，都是當地人氣店，也擁有各自的粉絲，不知道大家比較愛哪家呢？

這天一大早廟口紅茶就已經滿滿人潮，因為是採自由入座，所以邊排隊點餐邊注意有沒有空位。

廟口紅茶菜單MENU

最新的 花蓮廟口紅茶菜單給大家參考，冷飲看起來就是主力，選擇性很多，除了，還有 杏仁、酸梅汁、奶茶、綠豆薏仁 ⋯等，竟然還有 青草茶 也太妙。都有分成大杯/中杯/瓶裝，價格從25元起跳。

翻到背面， 廟口紅茶菜單上還有各種 熱食、蛋餅、吐司、點心 等選項，搭配各種口味看要鹹甜都有，倒也是能輕鬆找到想吃的東西。是說飲料好像比餐點貴啊哈哈哈。

櫥櫃裡還看到好幾款西點，有三明治、台式馬卡龍、麻糬等古早味，其中台式馬卡龍有原味/草莓/咖啡口味，吃起來酥軟香甜，台南的台式馬卡龍都是圓圓的，而廟口紅茶這裏則是做成長條形的，吃起來差不多。

隨意點了些當早餐，老公說突然想吃北部粽所以就加點了一個，還有我想要的原味酥餅西點、火腿蛋肉鬆吐司，當然也別忘記來杯冰涼的廟口紅茶囉！

廟口紅茶的紅茶喝起來香濃清甜帶著微微中藥味，冰冰涼涼在花蓮大熱天喝超過癮。

北部粽 ，我個人是沒有很愛啦！而且覺得料很少，但一顆30元就別強求惹～

香香甜甜的，一個16元，配著紅茶也還蠻好吃，我看現場還有遊客直接買很多塊外帶，說要當成他們當天要玩 花蓮海線景點 的下午茶來吃。

最後來的 火腿肉鬆蛋土司 ，我個人是還蠻喜歡這樣從小吃到大都不會膩的組合。裡面塗了很多奶油，香氣十足，肉鬆也給的很大方，邊咬邊掉，吃起來就是很傳統的味道，而且蠻有飽足感的呢！

以上就把花蓮必吃的廟口紅茶簡單紀錄，紅茶好喝，早餐餐點我是覺得中規中矩沒有說很驚艷啦！不過看到這麼多人排隊似乎就會覺得無形中也變好吃一些哈哈，而且價格便宜實惠，不用花太多錢就能來吃頓花蓮味的早餐，也是很棒的旅遊回憶，記得放進妳的花蓮旅遊景點美食名單中唷～
★花蓮精選熱門旅遊票券

➤ 即時更新！KKDAY最新折扣優惠碼
➤ 馬上索取！KLOOK最新折扣折扣碼

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【花蓮美食】廟口紅茶(附菜單)：開賣50年古早味鋼管紅茶，從早餐到宵夜的傳統好味道 - Mimi韓の旅遊生活

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在台灣感覺店只要開在廟前都會紅，說到花蓮市區人氣美食，這間「 廟口紅茶」會出現在美食名單裡，好不好吃見仁見智，但非常有名氣是真的。而且它雖然叫做「廟口紅茶」但除了招牌的之外， 廟口紅茶菜單上也賣很多 火腿蛋土司、蘿蔔糕、蛋餅、肉粽、西點 ⋯等，總的來說就是價格經濟實惠的傳統餐飲店。 ★花蓮可能用到的旅遊攻略 【花蓮攻略】 2022花蓮景點懶人包 【花蓮美食】 花蓮Top15好吃大集合 【花蓮住宿】 12家超夯花蓮飯店筆記 【花蓮民宿】 12家網友激推花蓮民宿 ★花蓮精選熱門旅遊票券 【門票】 花蓮海洋公園門票 【門票】 山度空間門票 【體驗】 花蓮賞鯨半日遊 【體驗】 花蓮最新鯉魚潭立槳SUP 【行程】 花蓮太魯閣包車一日遊 【租車】 花蓮租機車｜ 租汽車 ➤ 即時更新！KKDAY最新折扣優惠碼 ➤ 馬上索取！KLOOK最新折扣折扣碼 我們這次來花蓮親子旅遊，入住市區的「 捷絲旅花蓮中正館」， 廟口紅茶就在飯店後面而已，走路五分鐘就到了，衝著它響亮名氣縱使有訂飯店早餐，還是決定要來朝聖。而且 廟口紅茶營業時間06:00~23:00 ，可以從早餐吃到宵夜 😆 廟口紅茶已有超過50年歷史，是花蓮市區裡的傳統老店，其實花蓮市有三家販售傳統紅茶的店家，分別是 廟口紅茶、鋼管紅茶和黎明紅茶 ，都是當地人氣店，也擁有各自的粉絲，不知道大家比較愛哪家呢？ 這天一大早廟口紅茶就已經滿滿人潮，因為是採自由入座，所以邊排隊點餐邊注意有沒有空位。 最新的 花蓮廟口紅茶菜單給大家參考，冷飲看起來就是主力，選擇性很多，除了，還有 杏仁、酸梅汁、奶茶、綠豆薏仁 ⋯等，竟然還有 青草茶 也太妙。都有分成大杯/中杯/瓶裝，價格從25元起跳。 翻到背面， 廟口紅茶菜單上還有各種 熱食、蛋餅、吐司、點心 等選項，搭配各種口味看要鹹甜都有，倒也是能輕鬆找到想吃的東西。是說飲料好像比餐點貴啊哈哈哈。 櫥櫃裡還看到好幾款西點，有三明治、台式馬卡龍、麻糬等古早味，其中台式馬卡龍有原味/草莓/咖啡口味，吃起來酥軟香甜，台南的台式馬卡龍都是圓圓的，而廟口紅茶這裏則是做成長條形的，吃起來差不多。 隨意點了些當早餐，老公說突然想吃北部粽所以就加點了一個，還有我想要的原味酥餅西點、火腿蛋肉鬆吐司，當然也別忘記來杯冰涼的廟口紅茶囉！ 廟口紅茶的紅茶喝起來香濃清甜帶著微微中藥味，冰冰涼涼在花蓮大熱天喝超過癮。 北部粽 ，我個人是沒有很愛啦！而且覺得料很少，但一顆30元就別強求惹～ 香香甜甜的，一個16元，配著紅茶也還蠻好吃，我看現場還有遊客直接買很多塊外帶，說要當成他們當天要玩 花蓮海線景點 的下午茶來吃。 最後來的 火腿肉鬆蛋土司 ，我個人是還蠻喜歡這樣從小吃到大都不會膩的組合。裡面塗了很多奶油，香氣十足，肉鬆也給的很大方，邊咬邊掉，吃起來就是很傳統的味道，而且蠻有飽足感的呢！ 以上就把花蓮必吃的廟口紅茶簡單紀錄，紅茶好喝，早餐餐點我是覺得中規中矩沒有說很驚艷啦！不過看到這麼多人排隊似乎就會覺得無形中也變好吃一些哈哈，而且價格便宜實惠，不用花太多錢就能來吃頓花蓮味的早餐，也是很棒的旅遊回憶，記得放進妳的花蓮旅遊景點美食名單中唷～ ★花蓮精選熱門旅遊票券 ➤ 即時更新！KKDAY最新折扣優惠碼 ➤ 馬上索取！KLOOK最新折扣折扣碼

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玉里橋頭臭豆腐
玉里橋頭臭豆腐-花蓮店
97046花蓮縣花蓮市和平路55號
03 842 0109
https://goo.gl/maps/MyhYUQHdEkCmLyEF7

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【花蓮美食】玉里橋頭臭豆腐 號稱花東最強豆腐料理！在地人瘋狂推薦排隊也要吃 @周花花，甲飽沒

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如果說一樣美食，能不約而同被在地人推薦，我想肯定很厲害《玉里橋頭臭豆腐》是我們這趟花蓮台東行，推薦頻率最高的花蓮美食台北的朋友推薦，在地人無論餐廳老闆、民宿主人都說《玉里橋頭臭豆腐》真的超好吃，彷彿已經是花蓮之光一樣三道程序、不同油溫油炸，搭配超強泡菜、蘿蔔絲，我吃過以後也非常喜歡，瞬間空降心中臭豆腐排行榜第一名！玉里

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Tofu pudding (豆花）

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雪王冰淇淋

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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https://goo.gl/maps/FZemxR2bEj5yJN9s9

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Sihai Soy Milk · No. 29, Chang'an W Rd, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103

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Sihai Soy Milk · No. 29, Chang’an W Rd, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ay-Chung+Flour-Rice+Noodle/@25.0430622,121.5103588,15.29z/data=!3m1!5s0x3442a9096edd8a4b:0xacbe4d78e86811f6!4m15!1m8!3m7!1s0x3442ac6b61dbbd8b:0xbcd1baad5c06a482!2sTaipei+City,+Taiwan!3b1!8m2!3d25.0329636!4d121.5654268!16zL20vMGZ0a3g!3m5!1s0x3442a90968b57c41:0xb19c4276746146ed!8m2!3d25.0432921!4d121.5077098!16s%2Fg%2F11bwhb3mmk

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Planning a trip to Taiwan's gorgeous East Coast and looking for things to do in Hualien?

Hualien is a beautiful city nestled on Taiwan's East Coast that rivals some of the best cities in Taiwan. While the city of Hualien is best known as the main gateway to Taiwan's incredible Taroko Gorge, the town itself and its surrounding areas are equally stunning.

With glistening lakes, beautiful beaches, epic hiking trails, rice terraces, bustling night markets, and so much more, Hualien has plenty to entice travelers and definitely deserves a spot on any Taiwan itinerary.

In this guide, I will share the very best things to do in Hualien, Taiwan. I've also included tons of tips (gathered from years and years of living in Taiwan) so that you can plan the perfect Hualien trip.

Read along to find the best things to do in Hualien and discover the best attractions to add to your Hualien travel itinerary.

Hiking in Taroko Gorge is one of the best things to do in Hualien.
Photo © Duncan Longden via Canva.com

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Before you go to Hualien

Before we dive into what to do in Hualien, here are a few Hualien travel tips to help you plan the perfect trip.

Hualien is one of the busiest travel destinations in Taiwan. Make sure to book accommodation and train tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Check the weather before your trip, as the East Coast is prone to typhoons and landslides.

Read my detailed Taiwan packing list for tips on what to wear and what to bring along on your trip.

Download the Uber app, Google Translate, and Google Maps on your phone for a stress-free trip.

Don't forget your Easy Card if you're planning on using the bus or local train while in Hualien.

Taiwan's East Coast is famous for its incredible cycling routes. If that's on your list of things to do in Hualien this guide on Taiwan bike rental shops will come in handy.

When to visit Hualien

Hualien is a great city to visit year-round. And if you want to get acquainted with Hualien's best bits, plan to spend at least a couple of days here. With 3-4 full days in Hualien, you'll be able to get a real feel of the city and experience all of the city's best attractions.

So when is the best time to visit Hualien?

Well, that's somewhat of a tricky question. You see, Taiwan's east coast is prone to unpredictable weather patterns, and typhoons and earthquakes are quite common in this part of the island. With that said, the best time to visit Hualien is during spring or winter (IMO).

Spring (Mar -May), especially the month of March, is a great time to visit Hualien. During the season of spring, you're likely to experience good weather with average temperatures in the mid-twenties (°C).

Winter (Dec-Feb) is another great season to go to Hualien as there's less rain and less humidity. During these months, you can expect average temperatures between 20-25 °C.

If you must visit in autumn (Sept - Nov), try to avoid the month of October. It is the wettest month with roughly 367mm of rainfall.

Summer (Jun-Aug) is not a bad time to visit Hualien, but you should Hualien is hot and muggy during this season. July is the hottest month, and temperatures easily go above 30°C. Typhoon season also runs through summer in Taiwan, so remember to check the weather forecast before your trip.

How to get to Hualien

Hualien is one of the most popular travel destinations in Taiwan. And as a result, it's quite easy to access the city. I've written a complete guide on how to get from Taipei to Hualien, but if you're in a rush, here are the basics:

By train: Many trains go to Hualien daily, but book a seat on either the Taroko Express or Puyuma Express trains for the fastest and most convenient journey. Tickets cost NTD 440, and the ride takes about 2.5 hours. Make sure to book a ticket 14 days in advance when traveling during peak season, special events, or weekends.

Photo © Sean3810 via Canva.com

By direct bus: Thanks to the recent improvements on Taiwan's Suhua Highway, it is now possible to bus directly from Taipei to Hualien. Both Taipei Bus and Ubus offer direct routes between Nangang Station in Taipei and Hualien Station. The ride takes roughly 200 minutes and costs NTD 320.

By bus & train combo: If you've missed the direct bus or are too late for one of the fast trains, it is possible to take a local bus from Taipei to Loudong and then catch a local train to Hualien. But just a heads up, this option isn't much cheaper, and travel times are often much longer.

By air: If you want to maximize your time in Hualien, flying there is your best bet. Several flights depart to Hualien from Songshan Airport in Taipei and Kaohsiung Airport each week. Tickets start at around NTD 3000 for a return trip.

By shuttle bus: If your Taiwan itinerary is flexible, you could also join this shared sightseeing carpool. The shuttle runs from Taipei to Hualien via Jiufen - an iconic small mountain village and one of the best day trips from Taipei.

Join a tour: If you only have one day in Hualien, this Taroko Gorge Day Tour with Round-trip Flight from Taipei will allow you to drop by some of the stunning trails in Taroko, visit Qingshui cliff, and snack your way through the night market - all in less than 15 hours.

Getting around Hualien

Hualien City has a wealth of transport methods to transport you to all corners of the city. However, the best way to experience all of Hualien's amazing attractions is at your own pace. And the easiest way to do so is by car or scooter.

If you have a valid driver's license (international or local), renting a scooter or a car in Hualien is pretty easy. You can rent a scooter right in front of the train station, where you'll find several scooter rental shops. Prices generally start at NTD 500 a day. However, it is often possible to get a cheaper rate through your hotel. If you're traveling in a group or just not comfortable navigating Hualien by scooter, another option is to rent a car. Book a car rental for pick up near the train station here.

If none of the options above are for you, then you'll be glad to learn that it's relatively easy to get around Hualien City by taxi, Uber or by public bus.

Like elsewhere in Taiwan, you can flag down a cab on the street, ask your hotel to call one for you, or book one through an Ibon machine in any 7-Eleven. Just make sure always to have your destination's address written down (or screenshot thereof) in Chinese.

Getting around Hualien is pretty easy if you are relying on public transport too. There is no subway (MRT) in Hualien like in , or Taichung, but Hualien City has an extensive bus network that can easily transport you around the city and surrounding areas. It's a good idea to download Google Maps before your trip to access info on the go and invest in an Easy Card so that you can tap and go on the bus. If you're planning on making good use of the bus in Hualien, it's wise to buy a bus pass. You can buy a 1-day or 2-day Tourist Pass at the Hualien Bus Station (the orange building near the train station).

Where to stay in Hualien

There are oodles of accommodation options in Hualien catering to all types of budgets and traveling styles.

With that said, the best place to stay in Hualien is near the train station. From here, you'll have easy access to buses and trains, as well as loads of shops and restaurants around you.

Here are my top recommendations on where to stay in Hualien.

Budget

Hualien Wow Hostel practically sits opposite the train station and is a great option for backpackers or those traveling on a tight budget. The hostel offers everything from dorm-style rooms to private rooms for those who value their privacy.

Another great budget option is Bayhouse Comfortel Hualien Hostel. The same owners as Bayhouse Hostel in Penghu run this hostel, so expect an awesome atmosphere, helpful staff, and clean rooms.

Mid-range

is only 500m from the train station and ideal for mid-range travelers. Although the building looks a bit outdated from the outside, the interior is beautiful! In the lobby, you'll find loads of maps and info, as well as free snacks and drinks. The rooms are clean and comfy, and the staff speaks English.

Luxury

The Lakeshore Hotel is a 4-star hotel with beautiful clean rooms and ocean views. It is a bit further away from the train station, but it's a great option if you're looking for an upscale stay at surprisingly affordable rates.

Best Things to do in Hualien, Taiwan

Hualien is one of Taiwan's most scenic areas to explore and a huge must while in Taiwan. Below you'll find the best things to do in Hualien and lots of tips to help you plan the perfect Hualien trip.

Hike Taroko Gorge

Photo © Denis Aksenov via Canva.com

If there is one thing you must do in Hualien it is visit Taroko Gorge.

Taroko Gorge is one of the nine National Parks in Taiwan and a must on Taiwan travel itinerary . Here, you'll be able to trek through beautiful trails following along marble walls, spot unique fauna and flora, see some of Taiwan's best waterfalls, and pop into cute temples.

Hiking is one of the main draws of this park, with the Eternal Spring Shrine trail, Shakadang trail, and the Swallow Grotto trail being among the most popular. If you want to attempt something a bit more challenging, the Zhuilu Old Hiking Trail is the toughest trek in Taroko. The hike requires a permit and since only 96 permits are issued a day, make sure to plan well ahead. You can apply for permits online or book this Zhuilu Old Road Trail hike to make things a bit easier.

Be sure also to read my super detailed Taroko Gorge guide, which highlights the best trails (plus tons of tips) to help you plan your trip. Taroko can easily be visited independently, but this Taroko day trip from Hualien is a great option if you prefer to join a guided tour. Alternatively, book a private car charter to explore the area at your own pace.

Visit Qingshui Cliffs

Photo © superjoseph via Canva.com

The Qingshui Cliffs are one of Taiwan's most iconic sights and arguably one of the top Hualien attractions!

If you are driving, be careful not to miss the parking lot. The sign is often obscured by large tour buses, and since the parking lot lies on a bend (just after a tunnel exit), it is quite easy to drive by. Make sure to download Google Maps beforehand so that you can find it easily.

Once you've parked, it's a short 5 - minute walk to the viewing platforms. From here, you can take a stroll around, snap some pics or simply admire the magnificent views.

More adventurous travelers won't be disappointed visiting here either. With activities such as sea kayaking nearby, you can enjoy the natural beauty and get your adrenaline fix in one go!

Relax at Qixingtan Beach

One of the best things to do in Hualien is to visit Qixingtan Beach. In fact, no visit to Hualien would be complete without visiting this spectacular Taiwan beach!

Unlike the white sandy beaches that you'll find in , Qixingtan is not your typical beach. Here instead of sand, you'll find pebbles - in all shapes, sizes, and colors imaginable! It's also one of the best spots on the island to catch the sunrise (besides and Hehuanshan, near Cingjing) or do some stargazing.

Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed here due to the strong currents on this side of the island, but it's still a great place to hang out. If you're visiting in summer, pop into the tiny ice cream store (near the visitors center) where you can enjoy a refreshing (and cheap) treat.

Spend at least a few hours here hunting for pebbles, building zen towers, strolling on the beach or simply enjoying the stunning scenery.

Wander around Liyu Lake

Liyu Lake is only a 20-minute scooter drive from downtown Hualien and a huge must on your list of things to do in Hualien.

While Liyu Lake is not nearly as impressive as Sun Moon Lake, it is Taiwan's second - largest natural lake and a great place to immerse yourself in nature while visiting Hualien.

Be sure to pop by the visitors' center, where you can wander along the wooden skywalk and admire the natural beauty. You can also do all kinds of water sports here, like canoeing, boat paddling, and standup paddleboarding.

Drop by Pine Garden

Built in the early 1940s, Pine Garden played an important role in Taiwan's history and was the Japanese Navy Administration Office for multiple years.

It's excellent vantage point was the perfect location to spot ships nearing the city. Although Pine Garden has changed many hands since then, it is one of Taiwan's 100 Historical Buildings today.

Even if you aren't into history, Pine Garden is a lovely spot to enjoy a walkabout or relax under the towering pine trees.

Stroll around Manor House

Near the city's hub, you'll find Manor House - a former Japanese military residence and yet another historical landmark in Hualien.

Today the area is home to quirky art pieces and colorful murals. It's also the only Japanese community library on the east coast.

Manor House is a great place to stroll around and a cool add-on to your Hualien things to do list!

Snack your way through Hualien

Dongdaemun is the biggest night market in Hualien and a popular go-to spot for foodies. Although it's a nice place to have a walkabout, there isn't that much food on offer here. But it's still a fun place to browse, sample street food or enjoy the game stalls.

Unlike other Taiwanese night markets, Dongdamen has nice broad walkways so it never feels overcrowded. If you're still feeling peckish, opt for browsing the streets where you're likely to find tons of local favorites.

Oh, and if you have a sweet tooth, definitely try the taro or sweet potato cakes. They are divine!

Visit Farglory Ocean Park

Photo © Jingchen Lin via Canva.com

If visiting Hualien with kids, don't miss the Farglory Ocean Park. The park is home to an aquarium, loads of water rides, and even a cable car that offers a panoramic views over the coastline.

You can also book a room in the onsite hotel to really enjoy all of the park's attractions. But if you simply want to visit for the day, make sure to come early. That way, you can browse the aquarium and try some of the rides without the crowds.

Duck into temples

Like other cities in Taiwan, the city of Hualien is jam-packed with beautiful temples and religious sites.

The Hualien Martyr's Shrine, Hualien Ji-an Shrine, and Tzu Chi Buddhist Grounds are just a few of the temples to visit during your Hualien itinerary. If you only have time to visit one, I highly recommend visiting Ji-an Shrine - a small Japanese Shinto Shrine.

Soak in a hot spring

If you're looking for one of the most relaxing things to do in Hualien, then don't miss Hualien's hot springs!

There are three large hot springs near Hualien; Ruisui Hot Springs, Hongye Hot Springs, and Antong Hot Springs.

While they all offer beautiful scenery and steamy thermal pools, Ruisui Hot Springs is one of the most popular resorts in the greater Hualien area. The resort dates back to the early 1900s and features beautiful traditional Japanese wooden architecture.

Paragliding: The paragliding experience is only 15 minutes long, but the breathtaking views from above over the rolling hills and epic coastline will be more than enough reward.

Photo © sambarphoto via Canva.com

River rafting: Experience one of Taiwan's best rafting spots on this river rafting tour as you navigate the rapids of the Hsiukuluan River while being fully surrounded by lush jungle scenery.

River tracing: Ever wanted to trek, climb and swim your way through the gorgeous forests of Taiwan? Check out this fun river tracing experience.

Ziplining: Hualien County is blessed with an abundance of beautiful subtropical forests. if you want to get a close-up look at the area's natural gems join this treetop adventure!

The resort has a stunning open-air pool with the most incredible mountain views. But you can also book a private tub if crowds aren't for you.

What really makes Ruisui hot spring so special is that it's also Taiwan's only carbonate hot spring. The water (which reaches up to 48°C) is rich in minerals such as iron. When the iron comes into contact with air it oxidizes giving the water a slightly yellowish tint. It's also not uncommon to see a layer of salt crystals (aka hot spring flowers) float on its surface.

Get your adrenaline fix

There are loads of fun things to do in Hualien for thrill seekers - from hiking and paragliding to river tracing, rafting, SUP, and even ATV tours! If you have a bit of free time to spare on your Hualien to do list, why not squeeze in a few heart-thumping activities?

Photo © ins joy via Canva.com

Here are some of the most adventurous things to do in Hualien:

Join a cooking class

Taiwanese aboriginal food is one of the most unique cuisines in the world. And what better way to get acquainted with Hualien's local specialties than by joining an aboriginal cooking class.

The cooking class lasts about 3 hours, and it's a great add-on to any list of things to do in Hualien. Not only will you learn how to prepare some incredibly delicious dishes, but you'll also learn a little more about the unique cooking methods used in aboriginal cuisine.

Enjoy a Cuppa at the Starbucks Shipping Container Store

If you love coffee and taking Instagrammable photos, you have to add the Starbucks Shipping Container Store (see map) to your list of things to do in Hualien!

Whale Watching - If you want to catch a glimpse of dolphins or whales, Taiwan's east coast is the best spot to do so! Especially since these waters are home to 29 of the world's 60 species of whales and dolphins. Apart from spotting whales or dolphins frolicking in the water, you'll also be rewarded with beautiful views.

East Rift Valley Day Tour - A scenic drive through Taiwan's East Rift Valley should be high on your list of things to do in Hualien, Taiwan. On this day trip, you'll drop by Lintian Mountain (an old logging village), Butterfly Valley, and the Hualien Sugar Factory.

Orange Day-Lily Day Tour - Take in the magnificent views from the top of Sixty Stone Mountain, also known as Lioushidan. Sitting at an elevation of about 800 meters, Sixty Stone Mountain is an incredibly scenic mountain area best known for its vast fields of daylilies. Every year from August to September, a sea of golden lily fields blanket the mountain slopes, making it one of the prettiest places to visit in Taiwan. If you're an adventurous foodie, don't miss the deep-fried daylilies that many vendors sell her along the road.

The store is only about 15 minutes drive south of downtown and is hands-down one of the coolest Starbucks stores in Taiwan.

Even if you're not a coffee drinker, it's still a great place to take photos. The architecture is really impressive The 2-story tall store consists of a whopping 29 recycled containers and offers stunning views over the Pacific Ocean. It is also the first store in the Asia Pacific region built from recycled shipping containers.

Admire the views at Baqi Observatory

Roughly 45 minutes drive south of Hualien is one of the most beautiful coastal views of Taiwan, the Baqi Observatory (see map). The lookout point sits along Provincial Highway 11 and offers sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean and mountains covered in lush vegetation.

While the observation deck is not very big, it's still a cool pitstop to snap some pictures. You'll also find a couple of vendors here selling drinks and local favorites like luwei (braised snacks) and sticky rice bamboo tubes.

Take a day tour

Still wondering what to do in Hualien? Well, then you're in luck because Taiwan's east coast is a mecca for nature lovers!

And one of the easiest ways to get a close-up look at Hualien's attractions is with a day tour. Here are some of the most popular day tours to add to your Hualien itinerary:

What's your favorite thing to do in Hualien?

There you have it - the absolute best things to do in Hualien! Did your favorite Hualien activities make the list? If not, let me know in the comments below so that I can check them out when I visit Hualien again.

Liked these Hualien Attractions? Maybe your friends will too. Share The Best Things to do in Hualien, Taiwan with them here.

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15 Incredible Things to do in Hualien Taiwan * Hoponworld

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Planning a trip to Taiwan's gorgeous East Coast and looking for things to do in Hualien? Hualien is a beautiful city nestled on Taiwan's East Coast that rivals some of the best cities in Taiwan. While the city of Hualien is best known as the main gateway to Taiwan's incredible Taroko Gorge, the town itself and its surrounding areas are equally stunning.

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Eternal Spring Shrine Trail (Changchun Trail)

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