Plan a CruiseHualien is a pleasant city in Taiwan, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range, known for its scenic beauty and fresh air. Cruise ships dock at a pier, located approximately 5 km from the city center. Many visitors come to explore the famous Taroko Gorge, situated a few miles north of the city.
Getting Around from the Port
Walking to Hualien city center is possible but lengthy at 5 km.
- City Bus: Bus 308 offers two additional shifts when cruise ships are in port, shuttling passengers to Hualien City and TRA Hualien Station. You can also catch buses no. 308, 105, or 1123 from the Shalom Mennonite Center, just across the street from the port's main entrance, to various destinations in and around Hualien City.
- Scooter Rental: Scooters are available for rent in town for approximately NT$400 per day.
- Taxis: Taxi drivers typically only speak Chinese. It is advisable to carry a map with both English and Chinese characters to facilitate communication by pointing to your desired destination.
- Visitor Information: A Visitor Information Center is conveniently located in front of Hualien Station (on the right side). They provide tourism guides, tour bus information, home-stay details, bilingual brochures, and travel inquiries. The center's telephone number is 886-3-8360634.
Attractions and Activities
Hualien offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural sites.
- Taroko Gorge (Taroko National Park): Located a few miles north of Hualien, this impressive 19 km long canyon is a major highlight. The park spans about 92,000 hectares, featuring springs, grottoes, waterfalls, and towering cliffs. Key attractions within the gorge include the Eternal Spring (Changchun) Shrine. From behind the shrine, stairs lead to Kuanyin Caves, Taroko Tower, Bell Tower, and a hanging bridge known as the "Heaven trail" to Changuang Temple.
- Seashore Parks: Explore Beibin, Nanbin, and Meilun Seashore Parks. This scenic area stretches along the city's foreshore with palm trees and landscaped greenery, offering spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean, especially at sunrise.
- The Abode of Still Thoughts: This small Buddhist temple at the foot of Mount North Jialiwan is the original facility of the world-renowned Tzu-chi Buddhist foundation. The temple is simple, featuring a Japanese-style garden. Information on Tzu-chi's international activities is also available here.
- Yenpin Prefectural Temple: Near Zhongyang Road, sec 4, this temple dates back to the Qing Dynasty and is the oldest in Hualien.
- Pine Garden: Located on Zhongmei Road (near the river), this is a peaceful garden featuring 63 pine trees.
- Chishingtan: Situated north of Hualien City (accessible via a bike path from Nanbin Seashore Park), Chishingtan offers excellent ocean vistas and is known for delicious seafood and a special goat restaurant that serves goat milk coffee. The beach is popular for swimming, but be aware that tides and currents can be quite dangerous; it is important to stay near the coast.
- Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum: Found at the Hualien County Cultural Center, this museum showcases both traditional and contemporary stone sculptures. It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is NT$20.
Dining & Shopping
Hualien's vibrant night markets are a cornerstone of Taiwanese entertainment, shopping, and dining. These open-air markets, typically on streets or alleyways, feature numerous vendors selling various wares and local foods. For specific dining, Chishingtan offers fresh seafood and unique goat milk coffee.
Safety
- Swimming at Chishingtan: While popular, the beach at Chishingtan has dangerous tides and currents. If swimming, always stay close to the coast.
- Chinese New Year: If your visit coincides with the six-day Chinese New Year holiday, be prepared for potentially hectic transportation as many Taiwanese travel during this period.
- Taxi Communication: As taxi drivers primarily speak Chinese, carry a map with both English and Chinese characters to help communicate your destination.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD), also referred to as TWD. A simple conversion estimate is NT$100 for approximately US$3. ATMs are widely available. While most hotels and department stores accept credit cards, be aware that most smaller stores and restaurants generally do not. English proficiency is sporadic among the local population. Free WiFi is commonly offered at cafes, often found in establishments that double as gaming cafes.