Hualien, Taiwan: travel guide
Gateway to Taroko Gorge where mountains meet the Pacific
The gateway to Taroko Gorge — one of the world's most spectacular marble canyons — Hualien sits where the Central Mountain Range meets the Pacific Ocean.
About Hualien
Hualien sits on Taiwan's east coast where the Central Mountain Range meets the Pacific, and it is the base for Taroko Gorge. The marble canyon, with its tunnels, bridges and walking trails, is the reason most people come.
Things to do in Hualien also include a stroll along the coast, marble and stone workshops, an indigenous night market and surfing or paragliding when conditions allow. The coastal highway to Taitung offers sea views for much of the way.
Hualien suits hikers, nature lovers and anyone drawn to the quieter east side of the island. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, although typhoon season can bring heavy rain in late summer.
- Country
- Taiwan
- Currency
- TWD
- Time zone
- Asia/Taipei
- Nearest airport
- HUN
Last updated
Top places to visit in Hualien
Taroko Gorge
Nature · 4.8 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Marble-walled gorge carved by the Liwu River. Key stops: Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns. Free entry to the national park.
Things to do
- Taroko Gorge Full-Day Guided Hike Adventure · 8 h · from TWD 1,300 per person
Day trips and tours
- Taroko Gorge Guided Tour from Hualien 9 h · from TWD 1,300
Where to stay in Hualien
- Hualien City Centre about TWD 2,000 per night
Base for Taroko Gorge day trips; walkable to Dongdamen Night Market.
Hotels
- Farglory Hotel Hualien 5-star · TWD 4,500 to TWD 18,000 per night
- Hualien Marshal Hotel 4-star · TWD 2,500 to TWD 6,000 per night
Where to eat
- Gong Zheng Indigenous Cuisine taiwanese · about TWD 540 per person
Getting to Hualien
Airport: Hualien (HUN)
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Scooter Rental
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Unofficial Taroko Gorge "Guide" Upcharge
Taroko National Park entrance road (Buluowan, Swallow Grotto)
Unofficial "guides" approach independent travellers at popular trail stops, offering local knowledge. They accompany visitors for an hour then demand payment of TWD 2,000–5,000, threatening to report permit violations if refused.
How to avoid it: Taroko gorge trails do not require a guide for Swallow Grotto or Eternal Spring. Only the Zhuilu Old Trail requires a National Park permit. Book licensed guides in advance through the NP website or accredited operators.
More in Taiwan
Frequently asked questions about Hualien
- Where should I stay in Hualien?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Hualien: Hualien City Centre.
- How do I get around Hualien?
- Ways to get around Hualien covered in our guide: Bicycle, Scooter rental, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Hualien?
- Scams reported to us for Hualien include Unofficial Taroko Gorge "Guide" Upcharge. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Hualien?
- The nearest airport to Hualien has the code HUN.