Must-Visit Hualien Attractions｜Discover Its Iconic Mountain and Coastal Scenery
Hualien is a place embraced by mountains and sea.
To the east lies the vast Pacific Ocean, while the Central Mountain Range stretches endlessly to the west. Surrounded by nature, Hualien is home to an abundance of world-class landscapes.
From the waves of Qixingtan Beach and the dramatic meeting of mountains and sea at Qingshui Cliff, to the magnificent Taroko Gorge and the small-town charm of Xincheng Old Street, every stop reveals a different side of Hualien.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the most iconic attractions along Hualien’s northern route. Join us as we slow down and discover the region’s classic mountain and coastal scenery.
Travel Times from Finders Hotel Hualien Station to Popular Attractions
If you’re starting from downtown Hualien, getting to Qixingtan Beach, Qingshui Cliff, Taroko Gorge, and Xincheng Old Street is quite convenient. Whether you choose to drive, rent a scooter, or take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, these classic Hualien attractions are all within easy reach.
Attraction | By Car or Scooter | By Bicycle |
Qixingtan Beach | Approx. 10 minutes | Approx. 20 minutes |
Xincheng Old Street | Approx. 25 minutes | Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes |
Taroko Gorge | Approx. 30 minutes | Approx. 1 hour 25 minutes |
Qingshui Cliff | Approx. 40 minutes | Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes |
(Travel times are estimated based on Google Maps and may vary depending on traffic conditions on the day of travel.)
If you’re not driving, you can take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle’s 310 Taroko Route. Departing from Hualien Bus Station, the bus stops at popular attractions such as Qixingtan Beach, Xincheng Station, and the Taroko National Park Visitor Center, making it one of the most convenient ways for independent travelers to explore Hualien’s mountain and coastal scenery.
Buses currently run approximately every 30 to 60 minutes. We recommend checking the latest timetable before setting off, as schedules are subject to official announcements.
310 Taroko Route Live Bus Information: https://www.taiwantrip.com.tw/Frontend/Bustime/bus/R0071
Besides taking public transportation, cycling is another popular way to explore Hualien. With its wide roads and abundant mountain and coastal scenery, Hualien has become a favorite cycling destination for many international visitors to Taiwan.
Starting from downtown Hualien, you can cycle to Qixingtan Beach or continue farther to Xincheng Old Street, taking in the region’s unique landscapes at a slower, more relaxed pace.
Taiwan Cycling Route Information：https://taiwanbike.tw/
Whichever mode of transportation you choose, you’ll have no trouble reaching the classic Hualien attractions featured below.
Qixingtan Beach
Among Hualien’s many attractions, Qixingtan Beach has long been one of its most iconic coastal destinations.
Often described as a “crescent-shaped bay,” Qixingtan is known for its sweeping curved coastline and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. It is also one of the first places that comes to mind for many travelers planning a trip to Hualien.
What makes Qixingtan truly unique is its landscape, which is completely different from that of a typical sandy beach.
Qixingtan is a classic pebble beach, with its shoreline covered in smooth stones of all shapes and sizes.
Most of these stones originated in Hualien’s mountains. Over time, rivers carried them downstream to the coast, where the constant movement of the waves gradually smoothed and rounded them, creating the densely covered pebble shoreline seen today.
These smooth, rounded stones have also made stone stacking a common sight at Qixingtan.
Visitors often gather stones along the shore and carefully stack them one by one. When they come across stacks left standing by others, it can quickly turn into a friendly challenge to see who can build the tallest one. These little creations have become a favorite sight for travelers to photograph and share.
Beyond its beautiful ocean views, Qixingtan also features cycling paths, observation decks, and coastal walkways. Set aside some time for a leisurely stroll and take in the scenery at your own pace.
If it’s your first time visiting Hualien, Qixingtan is undoubtedly one of the best places to experience the region’s captivating mountain and coastal scenery.
Qixingtan Visitor Information
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: No. 32, Qixing Street, Dahan Village, Xincheng Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-824-9646
Qingshui Cliff
Continuing north along Hualien’s coastline, you’ll soon arrive at Qingshui Cliff—a sight many consider to be one of Hualien’s most iconic landscapes.
Towering cliffs rise directly beside the Pacific Ocean, stretching for more than 20 kilometers and creating a magnificent landscape where the mountains meet the sea. The sight of the deep blue ocean against the steep rock face is enough to make anyone stop and take it all in.
From the observation deck, you can look out over the seemingly endless coastline, the winding Suhua Highway, and the vast Pacific Ocean. With views like these, it’s easy to see why Qingshui Cliff is a must-visit destination for so many travelers to Hualien.
As the weather and light change, the ocean reveals different shades of blue. Qingshui Cliff is especially spectacular on a clear day. Whether you’re visiting Hualien for the first time or returning once again, its breathtaking mountain and ocean views never fail to captivate.
Qingshui Cliff Visitor Information
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Suhua Highway, Xiulin Township, Hualien County (next to the entrance of Chongde Tunnel)
Telephone: 03-862-1100
Taroko National Park
If Hualien’s coastline captures the region’s vastness, Taroko reveals its majestic side.
As you journey into the mountains, the deep blue sea gives way to towering cliffs, winding river valleys, and layers of mountain peaks. Surrounded by this magnificent landscape, it’s hard not to pause and take in the sheer scale and power of nature.
The name “Taroko” comes from the language of the Truku people. They refer to themselves as “Truku,” meaning “people who live in the mountains.” Known as “Daluge” during the Qing dynasty and later renamed “Taroko” during the Japanese colonial period, the name has remained in use ever since and has become one of Hualien’s most iconic place names.
Over time, the Liwu River—one of the most important waterways running through these mountains—carved deep into the landscape, creating the spectacular gorge seen today.
As one of Taiwan’s most iconic national parks, Taroko features a rich variety of terrain, including towering mountains, flowing rivers, dramatic gorges, and lush forests. Along the way, sheer cliffs, deep valleys, and layers of mountain peaks come together in breathtaking scenery, making Taroko one of the few places in Taiwan where visitors can experience the beauty of the mountains up close.
Taroko Traffic Control Information (Please Check Before You Travel)
The road between Taroko and Tianxiang is currently not open around the clock. In general, it is open during the day and closed at night, with vehicles allowed through at scheduled times depending on construction progress.
Current Traffic Restrictions
Vehicles are allowed through at scheduled times during the day.
Some road sections are closed at night, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 AM the following day.
Scheduled opening times may be adjusted at short notice due to heavy rain, earthquakes, rockfalls, or other conditions.
Some trails and attractions are reopening in phases as restoration work progresses.
What to Check Before Your Trip
Highway Bureau Provincial Highway Real-Time Information Service：https://168.thb.gov.tw
Happy Highway App
If you plan to visit Taroko, the Tunnel of Nine Turns, Tianxiang, or nearby areas, be sure to check the latest road conditions and traffic restrictions before setting off to avoid disruptions to your itinerary.
Xincheng Old Street
Located at the foot of the mountains near Taroko, Xincheng Old Street is part of one of Hualien’s earliest settlements. As far back as the Qing dynasty, the area served as an important marketplace where Indigenous communities and Han settlers traded, making Xincheng one of the region’s first areas to develop.
During the Japanese colonial period, a narrow-gauge railway station was built in Xincheng to support the growing sugar industry. Together with the gold rush along the Liwu River, this brought prosperity to the area, which was once one of northern Hualien’s liveliest towns.
Today, Xincheng Old Street retains many traces of its history and offers a glimpse into everyday local life. As you stroll through its streets, the old buildings and nostalgic streetscapes reveal stories of the town’s past. It has also become a popular place to stop for a leisurely walk after visiting Taroko.
Two places you shouldn’t miss are Jiaxing Ice Shop, a longtime local favorite that generations have grown up with, and Xincheng Photo Studio, which preserves the town’s rich nostalgic charm.
Jiaxing Ice Shop
For countless travelers, a cup of lemon juice has become part of the Xincheng experience.
Established more than 60 years ago, Jiaxing Ice Shop is one of Xincheng Old Street’s most iconic local businesses and a must-visit food destination for many travelers.
Its best-known specialty is the signature lemon juice, loved for its refreshing balance of sweet and tart flavors and rich citrus aroma. For many visitors, it’s a local drink they simply can’t miss when visiting Xincheng.
In addition to its signature lemon juice, Jiaxing Ice Shop serves a variety of shaved-ice desserts and freshly cooked stir-fry dishes. Whether you’re looking to refuel before heading to Taroko or relax over a meal after your journey, it’s a favorite stop among locals and travelers alike.
Jiaxing Ice Shop Information
Jiaxing Ice Shop Information：8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Address : No. 22, Bo’ai Road, Xincheng Village, Xincheng Township, Hualien County
Telephone : 03-861-1888
新城照相館
Right next door to Jiaxing Ice Shop stands Xincheng Photo Studio, a nostalgic space filled with traces of the past.
Housed in a wooden building more than a century old, the studio was founded by photographer Lin Canzhen. As his eyesight gradually deteriorated, he transitioned to working as a lighting technician and passed his photography skills on to his wife, Cai Jinlian, who continued running the business.
Since the Japanese colonial period, the studio has grown alongside generations of Xincheng residents, capturing important family milestones and treasured memories. From the era of black-and-white photography until digital cameras became widespread, Xincheng Photo Studio remained an important part of the local community.
Inside, visitors can still see vintage cameras, old backdrops, flash equipment, film-processing tools, and a precious collection of historical photographs. These carefully preserved objects are more than just tools once used by the studio—they also offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of Xincheng residents and preserve the memories of a bygone era.
Today, Xincheng Photo Studio is not only one of the old street’s most distinctive attractions, but also served as a filming location for the movie Eternal Summer. When visiting Xincheng Old Street, step inside this historic building and experience the nostalgic atmosphere of a small town in Hualien.
Xincheng Photo Studio Information
Opening Hours : 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed every Wednesday and Thursday)
Address : No. 18, Bo’ai Road, Xincheng Village, Xincheng Township, Hualien County
Telephone : 03-861-1888
Make More Memories on Your Hualien Journey
After a full day of exploring Hualien’s mountains and coastline, it’s time to head back to the city and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Located directly across from Hualien Railway Station, Finders Hotel Hualien Station is easily accessible whether you’re traveling by car, train, or bus. After a day of sightseeing, return to a comfortable space, unwind, and bring your Hualien adventure to the perfect close.
📍 Explore Hualien with this Google Maps route：https://maps.app.goo.gl/aEUWTXgCNfo6GCqc9
If you’re planning to visit Qixingtan Beach, Qingshui Cliff, Taroko, and Xincheng Old Street in a single trip, be sure to save this route for your next visit to Hualien.
