Day Trips from Hualien. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Several locations, easily accessible from Hualien, make for rewarding day trips.
Taroko Gorge National Park: This marble canyon, carved by the Liwu River, features dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and intricate tunnel systems.
East Rift Valley: The lush valley stretching south of Hualien, between the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range. It presents a tranquil escape with rice paddies, hot springs, and rural scenery.

Time Required:
Taroko Gorge: A full day (8-10 hours) for comprehensive exploration of major trails and viewpoints. A half-day visits highlights if time is short.
East Rift Valley: A full day (8-10 hours) explores attractions like Liyu Lake and Ruisui Hot Spring. The valley spans a considerable distance.

Transportation Options

Taroko Gorge: Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus from Hualien Train Station.
Taroko Gorge: Organized tours include transportation and a guide.
Taroko Gorge: Private taxi/driver for a customized itinerary.
Both: Scooter/car rental for independence.

Natural Escapes

Hualien's surrounding nature has ample opportunities for scenic day trips.

Scenic Landscapes

Qingshui Cliff: A dramatic drop into the Pacific Ocean with unparalleled coastal scenery. Views from Provincial Highway 9 or boat tours.
East Coast Highway (Provincial Highway 11): Continuous ocean views winding along the coast south of Hualien. Access to Shitiping (sea-eroded rock formations) and Niushan Huting (a secluded coastal art space).

Beaches, Mountains, Rural Areas

Qixingtan Beach: Close to Hualien City, great for cycling along the bikeway.
East Rift Valley: Rural landscapes with vast rice paddies, good for leisurely drives or cycling.
Farglory Ocean Park: A marine theme park south of Hualien City.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Liushishi Mountain & Chike Mountain: Famous for their stunning golden daylily fields. Breathtaking views from the mountaintops. Requires private transport or a dedicated tour, public transport is limited.

When to Visit

Daylily Blossoms: Late August to early October on Liushishi and Chike Mountains.
Fireflies: April to May around Liyu Lake and East Rift Valley.
Whale & Dolphin Watching: April to October from Hualien Port.

Cultural Excursions

Rural Communities

Ruisui is known for its dairy farms and hot springs.
No major historical sites outside the main destination for day trips.
Pilgrimage sites are not a main focus for day trips.

Organized Tour vs. Independent Travel

Organized Tour: Convenient, covers highlights, includes transport.
Good for first-time visitors or those uncomfortable with independent navigation.
Organized Tour: Less flexible itinerary.
Independent Travel: Maximum flexibility for own pace.

Multi-Day Extensions

Recommendations for adding 1-3 days:Taitung County (1-2 days) for slow-paced lifestyle.
Green Island or Orchid Island (2-3 days) from Taitung.
Logical next destinations:Taitung (south) and Yilan (north).
Return to Taipei for onward travel.

Transportation Connections:TRA Trains for East Coast and West Coast.
Buses complement train travel regionally.
Car Rental for flexibility along the coast and East Rift Valley.
Suggested Routes:East Coast Loop: Hualien to Taitung to Kenting.

Tip for Extended Travel

Extending your journey beyond Hualien unlocks more of Taiwan's diverse landscapes and cultural experiences. Each day trip or extension delivers an unique perspective, enriching your island exploration.

Day Trip Experiences

These experiences are bookable through GetYourGuide, making it easy to plan your excursions from Hualien. Book Your Hualien Adventures

Taroko Gorge Private Tour

Explore the majestic marble canyons and trails of Taroko National Park with a dedicated guide and private transportation. See Shakadang Trail, Swallow Grotto, and Eternal Spring Shrine.

River Tracing Adventure

Embark on an exciting river tracing activity, navigating pristine waters and waterfalls. A refreshing way to experience Hualien's natural beauty in the summer months.

Whale & Dolphin Watching

Take a boat tour from Hualien Port for a chance to spot whales and dolphins in the Pacific Ocean, especially from April to October.

East Rift Valley Tour

Discover the serene landscapes of the East Rift Valley, with its expansive rice paddies, tea farms, and hot springs.

Highlights

Visit Liyu Lake for scenic views and activities.
Relax at Ruisui Hot Spring.
Cycle through picturesque rice fields.

Qingshui Cliff & Coastal Views

Journey along the scenic East Coast Highway (Provincial Highway 11) to appreciate the stunning coastal scenery.

Stops

Admire Qingshui Cliff's dramatic drop.
Explore Shitiping's unique sea-eroded rock formations.
Visit Niushan Huting, a secluded coastal art space.

Additional Excursion Details

Farglory Ocean Park:Marine theme park with shows and rides.

Liushishi & Chike Mountains:Golden daylily fields in late summer/early autumn.

Accessibility to Daylily Mountains:Private transport or dedicated tour needed.

Hualien City Qixingtan Beach:Ideal for a half-day cycle and coastal views.

Taroko Gorge Trail Conditions:Check official park website for real-time conditions.

Multi-Day Extensions:Consider Taitung or Green/Orchid Islands.

Plan your Eastern Taiwan Discovery

Consider TRA trains for efficient connections.
Car rental delivers flexibility for coastal and valley exploration.
Choose tours for convenience or independent travel for freedom.
Check weather and park conditions before heading out.
Enjoy the varied landscapes and cultural insights of Hualien's surroundings.

Transportation & Getting Around

Navigate Hualien and its surroundings effectively with these transportation options.

Within Hualien City

A

Walking

Many city attractions are walkable, especially around the train station and main commercial areas.

B

Local Buses

Public bus routes connect various points in Hualien City. An EasyCard simplifies fare payment.

C

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are readily available. Ride-sharing apps also operate in the city.

To Taroko Gorge

Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus: Regular departures from Hualien Train Station. Hop-on, hop-off service to major park sites.
Organized Tours: Many local operators offer full-day tours including transport and a guide.
Private Taxi/Driver: Hire for a flexible, customized itinerary.
Scooter/Car Rental: Independent exploration for those with a valid International Driving Permit.
Train + Local Bus: Train to Xincheng Station, then local bus into the gorge.
Cycling: Possible for parts of the gorge, but roads are narrow and busy.

To East Rift Valley & Coast

Scooter/Car Rental: Most flexible for exploring the valley and coastal highway.
TRA Trains: Connects Hualien to towns within the East Rift Valley (e.g., Ruisui, Fenglin).
Local Buses: Some routes service areas within the valley, but can be infrequent.
Organized Tours: Some tours focus on specific highlights of the valley or coast.
Cycling: Extensive cycling routes through the East Rift Valley.
Private Taxi/Driver: For custom coastal or valley trips.

Intercity Travel

TRA Trains

Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) trains connect Hualien to major cities like Taipei, Taitung, and Yilan. Booking in advance, especially for express trains, is wise.

High-Speed Rail HSR

Hualien does not have HSR. Connect to HSR at Taipei Main Station for travel to western Taiwan cities (Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung).

Flights

Hualien Airport (HUN) has domestic flights to Taipei (Songshan) and other major cities. This offers a quicker travel option.

Travel Flexibility

Consider your itinerary, budget, and comfort level.

Day Trips from Hualien