Hualien County

The largest county in eastern Taiwan, with magnificent scenery in Taroko Gorge, the Qingshui Cliffs and the East Rift Valley.

Hualien County lies in eastern Taiwan, squeezed between the Central Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, with a long, narrow shape. Taroko National Park is known for its marble gorge, the Qingshui Cliffs are a spectacular stretch of sea cliffs, and Qixingtan is good for sea views and sunrise. In the south, the East Rift Valley has countryside and hot springs at Ruisui and Yuli, well suited to cycling or driving, and you can also experience Amis culture. Some Taroko trails have been affected by earthquakes, so check whether they are open before you go. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, while in summer watch out for typhoons. The easiest way to get here is by Taiwan Railway from Taipei to Hualien Station; Hualien Airport has a small number of flights.

Destinations

• Hualien & Taroko
• Ruisui & East Rift Valley
• Taitung & Green Island

Itineraries

• In-Depth Taiwan Island Self-Drive Loop – Drive clockwise around the island, connecting the North Coast, Suhua, East Rift Valley, Hengchun Peninsula, and Alishan.
• East Rift Valley and Coastal Highway Loop – Travel from Hualien to Taitung, heading south along the Coastal Highway, exploring Rift Valley rice fields, and crossin…
• Classic Taiwan Rail Loop – Connect Taipei, Jiufen, Hualien, Taitung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Sun Moon Lake using TRA and THSR trains.
• Lanyu and Green Island Hopping – Set sail from Taitung, staying on Lanyu to see Tao settlements, then transferring to Green Island for snorkeling and sa…