Liyu Lake
鯉魚潭
Hualien's largest inland lake, with Carp Mountain reflected in its waters. Lakeside bike paths, paddle boats and spring fireflies make it a popular leisure spot south of the city.
Liyu Lake is located along Provincial Highway 9C in Shoufeng Township, Hualien County, about 18 km south of downtown Hualien. It is the largest natural inland lake in Hualien, covering about 104 hectares. It is named after Carp Mountain to its east, which resembles a carp. Its water comes from underground springs and stays clear and calm year-round, and the view of Carp Mountain reflected on the lake is a classic postcard scene in Hualien. A roughly 5 km bike path circles the lake. It is flat and easy to ride, and you can complete the loop in about an hour, with viewing platforms and picnic lawns along the way. You can rent paddle boats (about NT$300 per 30 minutes), canoes or stand-up paddleboards on the lake. Restaurants near the visitor center serve lake seafood, including live jumping shrimp. From April to May each year is the most popular season at Liyu Lake. The lakeside trail and the nearby Chinan Forest Recreation Area are the most famous firefly-watching spots in eastern Taiwan, China, and guided evening tours are available. Carp Mountain also has a hiking trail, and it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the summit, which offers views of the lake and the northern section of the Huadong Longitudinal Valley. Admission is free, and bike rental costs about NT$100 to 200. Suggested itinerary: take a half-day trip from downtown Hualien. In the afternoon, ride around the lake and go boating. Have dinner by the lake in the evening, and if you visit in April or May, stay until dark to see fireflies. You can also combine it with Yunshanshui and the Lintianshan Forestry Culture Park for a one-day trip around Shoufeng. Transportation: take Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Route 303 (Longitudinal Valley Line) from Hualien Station, which takes about 30 minutes, or drive or rent a scooter. Notes: do not use white flashlights when watching fireflies, and turn off camera flashes. There are many mosquitoes around the lake, so bring insect repellent. Swimming in the lake is prohibited.
Opening hours
Open all day (visitor center 08:30–17:30)
Nearby sights
- Mukumugi (Tongmen) Ecological Corridor
- Lichuan Fish Farm
- Ji'an Keishuin (Qingxiu Temple)
- Farglory Ocean Park
- Yunshanshui Dream Lake
- Tzu Chi Jing Si Hall, Hualien
- Hualien Cultural & Creative Industries Park
- Hualien Railway Culture Park