Hualien, Taiwan

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Hualien, Taiwan

Region: Hualien County


Geographic Coordinates: 23.972200, 121.606000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 30.0°C (59°F to 86°F)
Climate: Hualien, Taiwan has a subtropical climate with mild temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The rainy season typically occurs from May to September, with typhoons possible from July to October.
Population: 110000
Language: Mandarin

Hualien is a stunning coastal city situated on the eastern coast of Taiwan. It is well-known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Being the largest city in eastern Taiwan, Hualien serves as a gateway to Taroko National Park, One of the most popular tourist destinations in Taiwan. The city boasts towering mountains on one side and clear waters on the other, Making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore Taroko Gorge, A natural wonder featuring marble cliffs, Waterfalls, And winding rivers. The park also offers opportunities for rock climbing, River tracing, Cycling and more.

Apart from its natural beauty, Hualien has several cultural attractions that showcase Taiwan’s indigenous heritage. The Hualien Cultural Creative Industries Park features local artisans selling their handmade goods such as pottery and woodwork. Visitors can also explore traditional aboriginal villages such as Mukumugi or learn about local history at the Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum. Food lovers will be delighted with Hualien’s vibrant food scene which includes fresh seafood caught daily from nearby waters. Night markets are scattered throughout town offering delicious street food including oyster omelets, Stinky tofu and shaved ice desserts.

For those looking to relax after a day of exploring or indulging in delicious food options there are several hot springs resorts located outside of town where visitors can soak in natural mineral-rich hot spring water while enjoying stunning views of surrounding mountains. Overall Hualien offers visitors an incredible mix of nature-based activities combined with rich cultural experiences creating unforgettable memories for anyone who visits this beautiful coastal city in eastern Taiwan.’



Important Landmarks

  1. Taroko National Park
  2. Qixingtan Beach
  3. Eternal Spring Shrine
  4. Liyu Lake
  5. Farglory Ocean Park
  6. Pine Garden
  7. Hualien Night Market
  8. Meilun Mountain Park
  9. Chihsingtan Beach
  10. Chihnan Temple

Primary Industries

Major Industries and Businesses in Hualien, Taiwan

  1. Tourism
  2. Agriculture (especially rice and fish farming)
  3. Manufacturing (electronics, petrochemicals, and textiles)
  4. Fishing industry
  5. Service sector

Specialty Products Produced in Hualien, Taiwan

  • Taro-based snacks
  • Dried fruits
  • Tea leaves
  • Woodcrafts

Technology Industry in Hualien, Taiwan

The city also has a growing technology industry with several software companies operating in the area.


Noteable History

  1. The Taroko Gorge Incident occurred in 1914 during the Japanese colonial period when indigenous people from the Taroko tribe rebelled against their oppressors. This event is significant in Taiwan’s fight for independence.
  2. The Tung Blossom Festival celebrates Hualien’s famous Tung Blossom trees that bloom every spring with music, dance, and food.
  3. Chi Cheng, a renowned musician born in Hualien, played bass guitar for Chthonic.
  4. Li Ang, an acclaimed Taiwanese author born in Hualien, has written several novels such as The Butcher’s Wife and The Lost Garden.
  5. Ruisui Hot Springs are located just outside of Hualien city and are known for their healing properties and stunning scenery.
  6. The Eternal Spring Shrine was built to honor those who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway and offers breathtaking views over Taroko National Park.
  7. Wu Lien-teh was a physician born in Hualien County who helped combat a deadly outbreak of pneumonic plague in China during the early 20th century.
  8. The East Coast National Scenic Area stretches along Taiwan’s east coast from Yilan to Taitung County and includes beautiful beaches and natural wonders like Qingshui Cliff.
  9. The Cih-en Pagoda is a historic Buddhist temple located on top of a hill overlooking downtown Hualien city.
  10. The Taiwan International Balloon Festival is held annually at Luye Gaotai and attracts visitors from all over the world to witness hot air balloons taking flight into the sky above beautiful landscapes.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Taroko National Park
  2. Hualien Cultural Creative Industries Park
  3. Pine Garden
  4. Hualien Ocean Park
  5. Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum
  6. Liyu Lake Scenic Area
  7. East Rift Valley National Scenic Area
  8. Farglory Ocean Park
  9. Meilun Mountain Forest Recreation Area
  10. Tzu Chi Cultural Park


Sports Teams

  1. Hualien County Football Club: Founded in 2014, the Hualien County FC is a professional football club based in Hualien City. The team currently plays in the Taiwan Football Premier League (TFPL) and has won the championship once.
  2. Eastern Broadcasting Company Basketball Team: The Eastern Broadcasting Company (EBC) basketball team was established in 1975 and is one of the oldest basketball teams in Taiwan. The team has won several national championships and is known for its strong defense.
  3. Hualien City Baseball Team: The Hualien City baseball team was founded in 2006 and plays in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). Although it hasn’t won any championships yet, it has produced several talented players who have gone on to play for other CPBL teams.
  4. Taitung County Volleyball Team: While not located directly within Hualien city limits, Taitung County is nearby and boasts a successful volleyball program that has produced many top-level players over the years.

Overall, sports are an important part of life for many people living throughout eastern Taiwan – including those residing within or near to Hualien – with many opportunities available to participate at both amateur and professional levels across a variety of disciplines.



Cultural Events

  1. Hualien International Stone Sculpture Festival is a biennial event that showcases the works of local and international stone sculptors.
  2. The Taroko Gorge Marathon takes place annually in November, offering runners a chance to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Taroko Gorge.
  3. The Hualien Lantern Festival is held during the Lunar New Year and features colorful lantern displays, traditional performances, and food stalls.
  4. While technically not in Hualien, the nearby Taitung Harvest Festival celebrates the harvest season with parades, music performances, and agricultural exhibits.
  5. The East Coast Land Art Festival is a relatively new event that features installations by artists from Taiwan and beyond who use natural materials found along Taiwan’s east coast.
  6. Held in late summer/early fall each year, the Hualien Music & Arts Festival brings together musicians and artists from across Taiwan for concerts and exhibitions.
  7. Various Aboriginal Festivals are celebrated throughout different parts of Hualien County throughout the year to celebrate indigenous culture including events such as Amis Harvest Festival (held in Dulan), Bunun Harvest Festival (held in Ruisui), or Paiwan Cultural Day (held in Fengbin).

Cuisine

  • Taroko Gorge Wild Boar – a dish made with wild boar meat from the nearby Taroko Gorge.
  • Aborigine Cuisine – traditional dishes of the indigenous people of Taiwan, such as millet wine chicken and bamboo rice.
  • Dongdamen Night Market – a bustling night market with a wide variety of street food options.
  • Feng Bao Luo – a seafood restaurant known for its fresh catch and delicious seafood dishes.
  • Li Ji Fried Chicken – famous for its crispy fried chicken that is seasoned with special spices and herbs.
  • Pine Garden Bakery – serves freshly baked cakes, breads, pastries, and coffee in a historic building surrounded by beautiful gardens.
  • Shoufeng Township Rice Noodles – famous for their handmade rice noodles served in flavorful broth with pork slices or other toppings.
  • Totoro Cafe – an adorable cafe decorated with Totoro themed decorations that serves coffee drinks, desserts, and light meals like sandwiches and salads.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Taroko National Park is a well-known destination for its magnificent marble cliffs, canyons, and hiking trails.
    2. Qixingtan Beach is a picturesque beach that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
    3. Pine Garden is a Japanese-style garden with an impressive collection of beautiful flowers and trees.
    4. Nanbin Park is a riverside park that boasts walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.
    5. Meilunshan Forest Recreation Area provides visitors with hiking trails and camping facilities in the midst of lush forests.
    6. Hualien Cultural Creative Industries Park was once a winery but has now been transformed into an art center with exhibitions and workshops on display.
    7. Liyu Lake Scenic Area features an artificial lake surrounded by mountains where visitors can partake in boating, fishing, or hiking activities.
    8. Farglory Ocean Park is an amusement park that showcases marine life shows along with thrilling roller coasters and water rides for all ages to enjoy.
    9. Mukumugi Valley is known for its stunning crystal-clear streams and natural hot springs which make it one of the most scenic valleys in the region.
    10. Taiwan East Coast Land Art Festival takes place annually showcasing outdoor installations made by local artists along various locations on Hualien County’s coastline.

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