Best things to do in Hualien City

A former wine factory, Hualien Cultural & Creative Industries Park has found a new purpose as a center of art and culture. Learn about the local history on a tour, or attend one of the frequent festivals and performances. Browse the numerous vendors and handicraft shops where you can support the local artists, or take your kids to some of the creative workshops to make your own memorable souvenirs.

Pine Garden gained notoriety as a place where Japanese kamikaze fighters lived during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. Through the house you can see pictures of some fighters who used to hide here. Continue to the underground bunker, where kamikaze hid when being bombed. Have a cup of coffee or tea and rest at the cafe overlooking small pond. At the shop, you can buy crafts or artwork made by Taiwanese artists.

View a narrow gorge above the Liwu River along Yanzihkou Trail (Swallow Grotto), a .5 km (.6 mi) path. Between the two gorge walls the river flows rapidly, and you'll see famous rock formations. Hikers should wear a protective helmet, as some smaller rocks may fall. Along the trail, you can rest at the cafe and buy some souvenirs at the gift shop.

Ride a bike along Qixing Lake Binhai Bicycle Road to enjoy the trail itself, as well as incredible views of the ocean. Cycle along the coastline of the Pacific Ocean, enjoying the fresh air and therapeutic atmosphere as you go along. Rent a bike, put on some sunscreen, and bring lots of water to help sustain you for the long, occasionally hilly ride. Take a break along the way and stop at the beach filled with little white pebbles, where you can relax, gaze out over the open ocean, and admire the picturesque scenery.

Carved by the Liwu River, Taroko Gorge sits within a national park known for its many marble rock formations. Examine the imposing rocks while driving on the serpentine mountain road, possibly the easiest way to enjoy the beauty of exotic jungles and beaches. Wear quality walking shoes during your treks across this rugged landscape, especially if you go off beaten paths.

Liyu Lake promises a quiet vacation suited mostly for families with children, and travelers looking for a scenic getaway with minimum activity. At the visitors’ center, you can get information on hiking trails and bicycle paths in the rea, allowing you to stroll, cycle, or even paddle around the lake. Trails through the forest lead along some interesting aboriginal logging areas, while a garden cafe facing the lake offers great views of kayakers, small yachts, and tourists paddling boats shaped like dragons and swans.

Visit the beautiful and thought-provoking Eternal Spring Shrine, built in 1958 to commemorate 212 veterans who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. Nestled into the side of a mountain, the Tang-dynasty-style shrine also sits just above a natural-spring waterfall. Unfortunately, due to its precarious location, the shrine has been destroyed and rebuilt twice because of landslides. Due to dangerous conditions, the traditional 20-minute route through the mountains to the shrine sometimes closes, as does the longer, more strenuous trail behind the shrine, which takes you up the "sky ladder." You’ll get fantastic views of the shrine and perfect photo opportunities from across the gorge.