Things to Do in Hualien

About Hualien

Hualien sits where the Pacific slams into Taiwan's marble cliffs and ancient mountains. This coastal city moves at its own pace—unhurried but alive, with morning fog spilling from Taroko Gorge while street vendors set up shop. The ocean pounds the shoreline. Hot springs push up from deep underground, and Aboriginal culture runs through everything from night market food to art galleries showing indigenous work. Every sunrise lights up the Central Mountain Range. The mountains hold wisdom passed down through generations, and you'll find it if you spend time here. Sunsets stretch across the water—worth the wait.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Take Taroko Express trains from Taipei (2.5 hours, NT$440-563/$14.18-$18.14). Local buses to Taroko Gorge cost NT$15 ($0.48) but run infrequently. Rent scooters for NT$300-500 ($9.67-$16.13) daily but bring international license.

Money: Exchange US dollars at banks like First Bank for rates around NT$31 per dollar. ATMs accept international cards but charge NT$100-150 ($3.23-$4.84) fees. Budget NT$800-1,500 ($25.81-$48.39) daily for meals and activities.

Cultural Respect: Bow slightly when greeting and use both hands when giving business cards. Remove shoes when entering homes. Learn basic Mandarin: 'ni hao' (hello) and 'xie xie' (thank you).

Food: Try aboriginal cuisine at Dongdamen Night Market—wild boar sausages cost NT$50-80 ($1.61-$2.58) per piece. Sample mochi from local shops for NT$20-40 ($0.65-$1.29) each. Fresh fruit juices cost NT$30-60 ($0.97-$1.94) per cup.

When to Visit

Hualien's subtropical climate offers year-round appeal, but timing significantly impacts your experience.Spring (March-May)brings perfect weather with temperatures of 20-26°C and minimal rainfall (80-120mm monthly), making it ideal for hiking Taroko Gorge. Hotel prices rise 20-30% during this peak season.Summer (June-August)sees hot, humid conditions (26-32°C) and heavy rainfall (150-400mm), plus typhoon risk, but offers 15-20% lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.Autumn (September-November)delivers exceptional conditions—clear skies, comfortable temperatures (22-28°C), and reduced precipitation (100-180mm)—though expect peak pricing again.Winter (December-February)brings cooler weather (16-22°C) and occasional rain (80-150mm), with the lowest prices (25-35% off peak rates) but some mountain trails may close. Major events include the Hualien Indigenous Harvest Festival (July-August), Stone Sculpture Festival (typically August), and Taroko Gorge Music Festival (October-November). Photography ensoiasts should visit during autumn's clear conditions, while budget travelers benefit from winter's lower costs. Families prefer spring's stable weather, avoiding summer's intense heat and storms.