Hualien City

Travel Guide

Ching-Shui Cliff showing general coastal views and rocky coastline
Taroko National Park which includes tranquil scenes and a river or creek
Pine Garden featuring a garden
Taroko National Park which includes signage and tranquil scenes
Ching-Shui Cliff featuring general coastal views, signage and rocky coastline
Filled with heritage sites and fringed by the Pacific Ocean, this small city on the eastern coast of Taiwan is well worth a visit.

The seat of scenic Hualien County, Hualien City is a compact and fascinating place, often used as a base for outdoor explorations in the surrounding tropical countryside. Formerly known as Qilai, it is a relatively new city, with the first major settlements built in the area around the 1850s. Learn how the city’s name changed in the early 20th century when it came under Japanese rule following China’s defeat in the Sino-Japanese war.

Hualien City Centre offers great dining opportunities, plus a range of accommodations to suit all budgets. Sample rich, locally ground coffee in the budding café scene. Stroll around the lively street food markets. The laid-back city is easy to navigate and most places can be reached on foot. Rent a bike and cycle along the well-planned coastal cycle paths.

Learn how the city is home to one of Taiwan’s largest aboriginal communities. Visit the Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum to admire local stone carvings. See visual and performing arts at the Hualien County Cultural Affairs Bureau.

Explore Hualien’s military history at the Pine Garden, a former World War II Japanese base that is now an interesting museum with beautiful gardens. The Japanese General House along the Meilun River is worth visiting to see where several high-ranking officials lived during the colonial era.

Venture farther to find several areas of outstanding natural beauty away from the city center. Go south to Nanbin Park for sea views and scenic pathways. The park is just minutes from a handful of popular local markets, such as Hualien Dongdamen Night Market. Enjoy watersports and other recreational activities at Beibin Park. The Hualien Railway Culture Park is a great spot for a scenic stroll among restored 1930s railway structures.

The best way to reach Hualien is by express train from Taipei, which takes less than three hours. When you’re done exploring the city center, travel to the impressive Taroko Gorge farther north along the coast.

Where to stay in Hualien City

Pine Garden showing a house and a park

Hualien City Centre

4.5/5(84 area reviews)

Hualien City Centre is noteworthy for its coffeehouses, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Hualien Cultural Creative Industries Park and Dongdamen Night Market.

Hualien City Centre
Lakeshore Hotel Hualien

Lakeshore Hotel Hualien

4 out of 5
No.142,Jung Mei Rd.,Hualien city, Hualien City, Hualien County
$82 nightly
The price is $86 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$86 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Hualien City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Absolutely wonderful. Comfy as!!! Great food!!! Great staff!!"

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Lakeshore Hotel Hualien
Kindness Hotel Hualien Main Station

Kindness Hotel Hualien Main Station

3.5 out of 5
No.101, Guolian 5th Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$68 nightly
The price is $71 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$71 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Hualien City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (873 reviews)
"Breakfast buffet was amazing"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Kindness Hotel Hualien Main Station
Just Sleep Hualien Zhongzheng

Just Sleep Hualien Zhongzheng

4 out of 5
No.396 Zhongzhenh Road, Hualien City, Hualien County
$85 nightly
The price is $89 total per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
$89 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Hualien City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (770 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel. Clean with great service. Upgraded us to a bigger room and it was a big WOW!!"

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Just Sleep Hualien Zhongzheng
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
White Cotton Candy B&B

White Cotton Candy B&B

3 out of 5
No.132-8, Guoxing 5th St., Hualien City, Hualien County
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Hualien City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free airport pick-up. Popular attractions Dongdamen Night Market and Chishingtan ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (43 reviews)
"It’s a gem within the hustle & bustle. It’s a townhouse building within the residential area for more authentic local experience. 8mins walk to the main train station and 5mins walk to the Main Street - ZhongShan Street, 2km straight road full of eateries. The host was very nice and friendly, room ..."

Reviewed on Dec 25, 2023

White Cotton Candy B&B
近花蓮火車站,設有電動麻將桌和Switch

近花蓮火車站,設有電動麻將桌和Switch

2 out of 5
Hualien County
Stay at this vacation home in Hualien City. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Dongdamen Night Market and Chishingtan Beach are located nearby.
近花蓮火車站,設有電動麻將桌和Switch
Azure Villa

Azure Villa

3 out of 5
No.135, Shanbian, Xiulin, Hualien County
Stay at this 3-star villa in Ji'an. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Dongdamen Night Market and Chishingtan Beach are ...
"威力輪實在太好玩了"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2016

Azure Villa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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