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Whale World Hualien
No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Taiwan

Whale World Hualien

6.1
4.7/5
278 reviews
The best time for whale and dolphin watching in Hualien waters is from March to October each year. In these waters, you can spot over 20 species of cetaceans including humpback whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, bottlenose dolphins, Fraser's dolphins, spotted dolphins, and spinner dolphins. Classic whale watching tour lasting 1.5–2 hours! Join Whale World's voyage with a remarkable 95% sighting success rate. Your journey will be guided by captains with over 40 years of real maritime experience, who know Hualien's surrounding waters better than anyone! whaleworld Whale Watching Experience in Hualien places great emphasis on Taiwan's marine ecosystem development. A portion of every boat ticket sold will be allocated for marine culture research. This initiative goes beyond ecotourism - we aim to raise public awareness about the importance of marine environment conservation! Professional guides will accompany you throughout the journey. Get up close to playful dolphins and learn about their habits and preferences Marvel at the endless sparkling Pacific Ocean under the sunlightHualien · 3.3 km from downtown
Qingshui Cliff
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Taroko National Park

Qingshui Cliff

5.4
4.8/5
1.1k reviews
Qingshui Cliff is located on the Pacific coast of Xiulin Township, Hualien County. It is a coastal cliff section stretching over 20 km along the Suhua Highway between Heping and Chongde, and is part of the coastal area of Taroko National Park. Qingshui Mountain behind the cliff has an elevation of over 2,400 meters, and its eastern side plunges almost vertically into the sea. With steep, sheer rock walls on one side and the boundless blue ocean on the other, it is highly representative of the cliff views on the east coast. The cliff walls are composed of marble and gneiss uplifted by tectonic plate collisions; the rock is hard and resistant to erosion, which is why it can support such steepness. The mountain peaks intercept moisture from the sea year-round, and the cliff tops are often shrouded in clouds and mist, while fallen marble blocks are scattered on the beach at the foot of the cliff. To get close to this cliff, you need to take the old Suhua Highway route and several scenic trails. The road was originally carved into the cliff along the sea, winding and twisting, and is recognized as a scenic route. Today, the main highway mostly passes through tunnels, and parts of the old route have been converted for recreational use—the north entrance of Chongde Tunnel features the Chongde Recreation Area and Chongde Trail, and in the Xiaqingshui area, there is also the Huide Trail, which was converted from the old road, making it suitable for getting out of the car and walking to get a close-up view of the cliff walls and the Pacific Ocean.Hualien · 26.7 km from downtown
Farglory Ocean Park
No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Hualien

Farglory Ocean Park

4.6
4.6/5
371 reviews
The park has completed a comprehensive renovation and upgrade! The new themed park "Underwater Kingdom" is now officially open! The park features five exciting attractions: the Sea King roller coaster, jellyfish kaleidoscope, underwater adventure, little blue whale expedition, and giant octopus beach. With the designer's meticulous planning, visitors will be surrounded by spectacular and vivid marine life installations as soon as they step into the park. The new facilities feature 360-degree rotation and suspended designs, allowing you to fully enjoy the thrill of speed. From the moment you enter the park, you will be immersed in a fun and colorful underwater kingdom! The park features eight themed areas: Ocean village, Adventure island, Ocean theater, Carnival fun street, Pirate bay, Brighton coast, Underwater kingdom, and Crystal castle Three performance venues: Discovery Island Aquarium, Ocean Exploration Pavilion, and Immersive Crystal Castle Theater. Dolphin ecology education theater - Meet the dolphins. "Dolphin natural behavior and animal science" transformed into rich ecological performance content, opening new horizons for marine conservation. Twelve major amusement facilities: Here we offer rides suitable for all ages, including aerial cable cars, Blackbeard's pirate ship, pirate voyage, heart-shaped Ferris wheel, dolphin 3D interactive pool, bumper boats, little blue whale adventure, and more. Stay at Hualien Ocean Park and experience the unique feeling of sleeping with marine life. Under the guidance of professional tour guides, enjoy a journey rich in marine knowledge. Spend the night at Hualien Ocean Park and enjoy the extraordinary experience of sleeping with schools of fish. Aquarium kiss experience (for guests who choose the aquarium accommodation experience) - The overnight stay at the ocean park includes rich commentary and educational activities, as well as meet-and-greets with marine stars such as dolphins and sea lions. The mermaid version invites you to transform into a mermaid and enjoy a unique romantic holiday.Hualien · 10.3 km from downtown
Qixingtan Scenic Area
No. 20 of Night Attractions in Taiwan

Qixingtan Scenic Area

4.5
4.8/5
1.6k reviews
Qixingtan Scenic Area is a long, crescent-shaped coastline. Qixingtan Scenic Area is known for its magnificent bay, which is perfect for watching the sunrise, stargazing, and moon-viewing. It is not only popular with tourists, but because it is close to Hualien city, many people are accustomed to taking a walk on the beach after work to enjoy the summer sunset and beach atmosphere. In summer, you can see the fiery red sun rising from the sea after 5:00 AM. The sunrise in the east illuminates Qixingtan Scenic Area, and the sparkling sea surface fills people with light and hope. If you want to stargaze at night, choose a night without moonlight. On this beach with no light pollution, besides taking a complete astronomy lesson, even the Milky Way will appear clearly before your eyes. The Hualien Qixing Lake Binhai Bicycle Road route runs from Qixingtan Scenic Area to Liyu Lake. Starting from the "Deyan Coastal Botanical Garden," the bicycle path enters Qixingtan Scenic Area, where you can ride along the beautiful crescent bay, which is the most scenic part of the entire bike path. Further south, you can climb up to Four-Eight Highland and the Environmental Protection Park via wooden stairs, then enter Hualian Gang and Taipingyang Park. This section runs right next to Hualian Gang, where you often ride alongside cargo ships, as if in a fierce race between bicycles and giant vessels, which is very interesting.Hualien · 5 km from downtown
Taroko National Park
No. 6 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Taiwan

Taroko National Park

4.5
4.8/5
1.2k reviews
Taroko National Park is a well-known nature reserve in Hualien, spanning Hualien County, Taichung City, and Nantou County. The park was officially established in 1986. Taroko National Park is characterized by its canyons and cliffs, with steep rock walls and serene scenery, earning the "Taroko Gorge" a place among the Eight Views of Taiwan. Its geological features, including majestic cliffs, river terraces, expansive alluvial fans, and canyons, meet multiple criteria for World Heritage listing. The alpine zones within the park preserve relict species from the glacial period, such as the salamander, demonstrating rich biodiversity. Due to continuous active crustal uplift,Taroko National Parkhas formed a majestic landscape. Undisturbed native vegetation and forests provide habitats for various animals, reflecting the uniqueness and richness of the ecosystem. Taroko National Park has therefore been selected by the Ministry of Culture as one of the potential World Heritage sites in Taiwan, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and ecological researchers.Hualien · 24.9 km from downtown
Turumoan Whale Cultural Museum

Turumoan Whale Cultural Museum

3.2
Whale watching season is from April to October every year Take a whale watching boat out to sea and witness the spectacular sight of whales and dolphins leaping out of the sea Common cetacean species include spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and sperm whales Professional guides provide ecological explanations to enhance the depth and fun of the journey The beautiful Pacific Ocean, where the sea and sky merge into one, is breathtaking Whale watching is a great way for the whole family to get close to nature. When you come to Hualien, don't miss this sea adventure of dancing with whales and dolphins!Hualien · 4.2 km from downtown
Pine Garden

Pine Garden

3.2
4.7/5
93 reviews
The Pine Garden is a well-known local art exhibition hall, as well as restaurants and gift shops. The most famous one in the annex is the Ryukyu pine. The Japanese planted more than 100 trees at that time, forming a very dense small forest. Later, due to typhoons and pests, only 30 old pine trees remained standing here. The 1st and 2nd floors of the annex are indoor art exhibition spaces, and there is a pavilion at the back for the public to rest and enjoy the shade.Hualien · 2 km from downtown
Shitiping

Shitiping

3.2
4.8/5
230 reviews
Shitiping gets its name from the ladder-shaped terrain, which was originally a tuff-like stratum formed after a volcanic eruption. Due to the difference between the softness and hardness of the rock layers in this area, after years of sea erosion, the hard outer convex, the soft inner concave, and the rock inclines to the southeast sea at a certain angle, so a stone ladder-like shape is formed. Looking along the fishing port, the curved coast is beautiful, attracting many tourists to watch and take pictures. When you come to Shitiping, you can follow the stone slab trail to deeply observe the geological landscapes such as sea troughs, sea cliffs, sea eroded platforms, raised coral reefs, etc. You can also choose to spend the night here, walk in the moonlight, and enjoy the integration of body and mind with nature. of comfort. It is also a place frequented by many diving and sea fishing enthusiasts, and many locals often come here to camp.Hualien · 56.9 km from downtown
Tropic of Cancer Marker Park

Tropic of Cancer Marker Park

3
4.3/5
351 reviews
There are three Tropic of Cancer monuments, and one of them is located 70.5 kilometers away from the 11th line of Hualien Terrace. This white monument is located in the Tropic of Cancer Sign Park, facing the Pacific Ocean to the east, with a pillar up to the sky. It is quite spectacular and attracts many tourists. This photo. The Tropic of Cancer refers to the geographical location of 23.5 degrees north latitude. The sun shines directly on this belt at noon every summer solstice. In theory, it is heated to form the so-called "hot equator". After that, the sun gradually moves south to the Tropic of Cancer. The Tropic of Cancer symbolizes the dividing point between the tropics and the temperate zone. Obvious signs such as the tropical fruit pineapple and chakra are planted in the south of the Tropic of Cancer, and the temperate crops tea and rice are mainly planted in the north. The north and south sides of the sign tower are engraved with the words "Tropic of Cancer", and there are long and narrow slits in the middle of the column. Every summer solstice, the sun rises from east to west along the white tower body, so a slit is designed on the coordinate tower to observe this phenomenon, and at noon on the summer solstice, the sun will just shoot into the slit. At this moment, tourists beside the tower can experience the sun. Shadowless spectacle. Therefore, in addition to taking pictures as a souvenir, tourists can also read the explanations displayed in the two rows of small pavilions around the sign monument to understand the mystery of the four seasons. The entire Tropic of Cancer sign park is not big. In addition to admiring the Tropic of Cancer Monument, if you are tired, you can sit on a bench in the park, enjoy the distant view of the mountains opposite, and enjoy a moment of tranquility.Hualien · 63.7 km from downtown
Huadong Valley

Huadong Valley

2.8
4.7/5
227 reviews
Huadong Valley is located in eastern Taiwan, stretching about 180 km from north to south. It is an alluvial plain nestled between the island's Central Mountain Range and Seaboard Mountain Range, and can be described as a "green corridor" connecting Hualien and Taitung. It remains largely undeveloped with simple, honest local customs. The area is surrounded by lush green mountains and features not only waterfalls, canyons, and streams, but also hot springs, pastoral ranches, and cultural and historical sites such as prehistoric culture, indigenous culture, and industrial heritage sites in Taitung. Attraction introduction Huadong Valley is home to many well-known attractions. In Hualien, there are Liyu Lake, Chihnan National Forest Recreation Area, Farglory Ocean Park, Matai'an Wetland, Jui-Sui Mineral Spring, Ruisui Ranch, and Hsiukuluan River. In Taitung, there are rural scenic spots such as Luye Highland, Luye Tea Plantation, and Chu Lu Ranch. Due to limited transportation, car charter is generally the preferred option, though those with cycling experience may choose to explore by bicycle. In spring, you can see fields of rapeseed flowers; in late spring and early summer, visit Liyu Lake to see fireflies; in midsummer, enjoy paragliding performances at Luye Highland; and in autumn, view the golden daylily fields covering the mountains. Experience the wild charm of the mountains If you want to experience the wild charm of the mountains, you can head to Liyu Lake to breathe in the fresh air, or go to Hsiukuluan River to experience the thrill of rafting. Seeing the golden daylily fields in the Sixty Stone Mountain in the middle of Huadong Valley every August to September is a rare and wonderful experience. For those who prefer comfort and tranquility, you can first visit Ruisui Ranch to see the open, eco-friendly animal husbandry and taste the famous green dairy products. Then, soak in Jui-Sui Mineral Spring or Hongye Hot Spring to enjoy the preserved mountain village hot spring atmosphere, which is a relaxing and pleasant way to unwind. Hot Air Balloon Carnival From July to August, you can head to Luye Highland to participate in the Hot Air Balloon Carnival, watch paragliders and hot air balloons fill the sky, and if you have the chance, experience the feeling of soaring in the air yourself. Rising to high altitude, you can also see the vast and beautiful scenery around you, with high mountains surrounding the wide green grasslands. Below you, you will fly over rows of neat Luye Highland tea plantations. The colorful paragliders and hot air balloons in the blue sky contrast with the green tea plantation scenery, creating a truly intoxicating view.Hualien · 9.1 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Hualien

Featured Day tours in Hualien

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Hualien Taroko National Park + Qixingtan Scenic Area + Qingshui Cliff private charter 1-day tour
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4.9/5
· 104 reviews· 314 booked
Duration: 7.6 hrs
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80 consecutive positive reviews
FromUS$141.13
Hualien | Taroko Gorge 1-day tour | Qingshui Cliff · Xiangde Temple · Chixing Lake [small group tour]
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Duration: 6.3 hrs
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Private chartered tour to Taroko National Park + East Rift Valley scenic area where mountains meet the sea in Hualien, Taiwan
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1-day tour to Sun Moon Lake and Qingjing Farm with Taichung city pickup
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4.9/5
· 904 reviews· 4.6k booked
Duration: 10.5 hrs
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79 consecutive positive reviews
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1-day tour to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area including admission ticket (departing from Taichung/Chiayi/Kaohsiung)
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4.9/5
· 535 reviews· 831 booked
Duration: 11 hrs
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97.2% of travelers recommend
40% off
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FromUS$43.83US$73.05
Taichung Gaomei Wetlands + Flower Market + Miyahara Ophthalmology Clinic + Bubble Tea [Departing from Taipei | Guaranteed Departure]
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4.9/5
· 492 reviews· 457 booked
Duration: 7.5 hrs
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99.2% of travelers recommend
30% off
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FromUS$30.66US$43.81
Nantou Sun Moon Lake boat tour 1-day tour [Depart from Taipei | Boat ticket included]
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4.9/5
· 490 reviews· 416 booked
Duration: 7 hrs
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22 consecutive positive reviews
50% off
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FromUS$42.93US$85.86
Qingjing Farm + Gaomei Wetlands One-Day Tour from Taichung | Limited-time offer
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4.6/5
· 32 reviews· 300 booked
Duration: 4.5 hrs
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90.6% of travelers recommend
FromUS$31.37

Featured Cultural experiences in Hualien

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Taichung comic museum & Miyahara ophthalmology & Zhongshe flower sea & Gaomei wetland shared day tour
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FromUS$38.34
Taipei: Daxi/Sanxia Old Street and Tea Factory, Xiaowulai Day Tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 10.5 hrs
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National Chung Cheng University + Zhongshe Flower Market Day Tour [Departing from Taipei | Meteor Garden Youth Tour]
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FromUS$80.15
Jade Rabbit Pencil Factory: Guided School Tour + Pencil DIY Ticket
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Yilan Highlights Audio Tour: Historical Landmarks
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Duration: 2.5 hrs
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Featured Food & drink in Hualien

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Buffet Lunch or Dinner Voucher at Brasserie, The Splendor Hotel Taichung (Weekend +NT$100)
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4.8/5
· 5 reviews· 102 booked
Duration: 1 hr
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Taichung Chung Hsin Hotel Tulip Inn Pin Dong Xi Buffet Lunch or Dinner Voucher (NT$150 surcharge on holidays)
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FromUS$19.91
Sun Moon Lake Lealea Wyndham Hot Spring Resort - Xiangmu All-Day Restaurant Dinner Buffet Voucher (Holiday Dinner + NT$100)
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FromUS$36.80
Sun Moon Lake Lealea Garden Hotel - Fish & Algae Restaurant - Set Dinner for 2 (No Holiday Surcharge)
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FromUS$36.80
Taichung Splendor Hotel Weekday (Mon–Thu) British Afternoon Tea Set Voucher for 2
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 1 hr
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FromUS$36.77

More things to do

Free things to do in Hualien

What travelers say about Hualien

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BrandonKCCAugust 21, 2026
5.0
The van will pick us up in a place near the hotel and send us directly to the spots. Very details briefing will be given before the boarding. Along the journey, the pic will introduce the scenery and the habitat of the dolphins and whale. We can see a lot of dolphins swimming but the chance of seeing a whale is small. We did not manage to see a whale. Anyways a good experience, watching with eye is better than camera.

Whale World Hualien

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M2c***gsSeptember 29, 2025
5.0
Located in Xincheng Township, Hualien County, Taiwan Province, China, the Qingshui Cliff is a series of cliffs formed by the Qingshui Mountain range and the surrounding sea. Stretching for 21 kilometers, the cliffs, composed primarily of gneiss and marble, plunge almost vertically into the Pacific Ocean, reaching a height of over 800 meters. This majestic cliff is considered the second largest in the world and is listed as one of Taiwan's Eight Wonders.

Qingshui Cliff

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_We***29October 19, 2023
5.0
Today, I came to Qingdao Ocean Park with my family and had a great time. The children had a great time, and the parents were also very happy. There were many kinds of animals and wonderful performances. The walrus and sea lion performances at the horizon and the whale and dolphin show at the polar pavilion were also very good. The transportation was also very enthusiastic and the service was recommended.

Farglory Ocean Park

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M84***97February 5, 2026
5.0
Transportation | Take bus 310 from Taroko National Park to Qixingtan (Reminder: Remember to press the bell to get off! I accidentally missed my stop and ended up at Hualien Mambo Park, so I had to walk back a bit. Don't forget to swipe your EasyCard when getting on and off the bus!) 🌊 Experience | Step onto the pebble beach and listen to the waves of the Pacific Ocean lapping against the shore. The rhythm is soothing and calming, perfect for daydreaming and relaxing for a long time. 🌅 Attraction Highlights | A crescent-shaped azure coastline with clear water reflecting the distant mountains. The sun is shining but not hot, and the sea breeze is very pleasant (but remember to wear sunscreen).

Qixingtan Scenic Area

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春之声January 26, 2025
5.0
Taroko National Park, located in eastern Taiwan, is a national treasure that combines magnificent mountain landscapes with rich natural ecology. The most famous Taroko Gorge in the park is breathtaking with its steep cliffs, rushing streams and lush vegetation. The white marble walls on both sides of the gorge are majestic, sometimes shrouded in mist, and sometimes the sun shines through the clouds, creating a variety of natural paintings. Taroko Park has many trails suitable for tourists of all levels to come for hiking and adventure. For example, the Shakadang Trail and the Changchun Temple Trail allow visitors to experience the majesty and tranquility of the gorge up close. There are waterfalls, clear streams and rich flora and fauna along the way, which brings people the ultimate spiritual relaxation. In addition, the transportation in the park is convenient, and tourists can choose to drive or take a bus to visit major attractions. Whether it is hiking or relaxing sightseeing, Taroko is a natural miracle that makes people linger, showing the power and beauty of nature. It is one of Taiwan's most representative tourist destinations.

Taroko National Park

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Tom HungAugust 29, 2025
5.0
Pine Garden Annex - Formerly known as the "Hualien Port Army Military Affairs Department" office, it was built in the latter stages of World War II and opened on April 1, 1942. It borders the nearby Broadcasting Station (established on May 1, 1944, now the Hualien Station of the China Broadcasting Corporation), the Coastal Radio Station (Long Distance Telecommunications Administration, now Chunghwa Telecom), and the waterworks (Meilun Water Purification Plant of the Waterworks Corporation), all of which are bordered by pine trees. Directly overlooking the Meilun River estuary at Beibin Beach, the vantage point offers a commanding view of the Meilun River, Hualien Harbor, and the Pacific Ocean. During the war, it easily controlled ships entering and leaving the Nanbin waters and aircraft taking off and landing at Nan Airport, becoming a key Japanese military command center in Hualien.

Pine Garden

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vivienvivienJuly 16, 2020
5.0
Shitiping is located at the 67th kilometer of Huadong Coast Highway in Fengbin Township, at the end of the south side of Shiti Bay. It is a one-kilometer-long seashore covered with gray-white strange rocks. Strange rocks can be seen everywhere along the coast of Shitiping. There are many round holes on the raised coral reefs, which are the habitats of crabs and tropical fish. In addition, due to the impact of waves, there are many potholes on the sea erosion platform, with different sizes and depths, and smooth gravels often slide inside. Many coastal plants grow on the rock platforms in the Shitiping area, such as cacti and maanto, which are of great ornamental value.

Shitiping

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隨時出走April 30, 2022
4.0
There are two Tropic of Cancer memorial sites in Taiwan. The other one is in Chiayi. This site in Hualien did not originally exist. It was established relatively recently, but it has been almost ten years. Originally there was only a small monument. Later, there was a shaped monument with a promenade to shade the sun. There are public restrooms, and it’s nice to have mobile coffee on holidays.

Tropic of Cancer Marker Park

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jiessyJuly 9, 2021
5.0
The Hualien-Taitung Valley is a canyon between Hualien and Taitung, between the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range. It is about 5-10 kilometers wide. It has the most pristine scenery, produces the best rice and milk in Taiwan, and has many delicious fruits. I live in this paradise-like valley.

Huadong Valley

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Frequently asked questions

You can give Buffet Lunch or Dinner Voucher at Brasserie, The Splendor Hotel Taichung (Weekend +NT$100) and Taichung Chung Hsin Hotel Tulip Inn Pin Dong Xi Buffet Lunch or Dinner Voucher (NT$150 surcharge on holidays) a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Hualien Taroko National Park + Qixingtan Scenic Area + Qingshui Cliff private charter 1-day tour, Hualien | Taroko Gorge 1-day tour | Qingshui Cliff · Xiangde Temple · Chixing Lake [small group tour], and Private chartered tour to Taroko National Park + East Rift Valley scenic area where mountains meet the sea in Hualien, Taiwan. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 24, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Hualien is around USD 30.66 – USD 282.26. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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