Top 5 Hualien Attractions
City: Hualien
State: Hualien County
Country: Taiwan / Republic of China
Considered to be the most pleasant and scenic city in Taiwan / Republic of China, the city of Hualien in Hualien County is a popular tourist destination, even amongst local Taiwanese. Hualien stands out because of its scenery, with imposing mountain ranges, picturesque lakes, pristine beaches, sprawling plains / farm land, and fields of flowers, a visit here is unforgettable.
Here are the Top 5 Tourist Attractions to visit in Hualien, all of which hold important cultural or historical significance. All these are permanent locations which can be visited and viewed at any time throughout the year.
1. Taroko Gorge
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The most famous scenic location in Hualien, Hualien County is Taroko Gorge, in Taroko National Park. The indigenous Truku tribe named the area, which means 'magnificent and beautiful', an apt description for the gorge which runs beside the clear, azure water of the Pacific Ocean. The rock formations here, comprised mainly of limestone and marble, are imposing and invoke awe. A rare type of jade native to Taiwan can also be found here. Other sights include the Eternal Spring Shrine, the Tunnel Of Nine Turns, the Swallow Grotto, the Jhueilu Precipice, the Liwu River, and the Bridge Of 100 Lions.
2. Seven Star Lake
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Seven Star Lake, or Qixingtan, along with the Seven Star Crags, in Xincheng Township, Hualien, Hualien County, Taiwan is a pristine stretch of coastline bordering the Pacific Ocean. So named for having a natural forming pattern as the seven stars of the Big Dipper constellation, the area has multiple stone art sculptures made of limestone or marble. The beach is unique as well, as instead of sand, it's comprised of small, mostly round, black or white pebbles. A Taiwanese air base is located nearby, and visitors to the area are sometimes treated to sights of fighter planes taking off or landing.
3. Danong Dafu Forest Park
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The picturesque Danong Dafu Forest Park, also known as Da Nong Da Fu Forest And Ecological Park, in Guangfu Township, Hualien, Hualien County, is known throughout Taiwan for its hiking forest trails, scenic bicycle paths, and wide open plains. The paths and trails are lined with various artwork made from natural materials, and include sculptures, traditional handicrafts, painted pathways, and even a bamboo forest pavilion and theatre! Landscaped flower gardens, against a backdrop of mountains, with fluffy rolling clouds floating overhead, all make for a fantastic view. Little surprise that this beautiful area also attracts paragliders, and is being proposed for hot air balloon rides.
4. Liyu Lake
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The largest inland freshwater lake in East Taiwan, Liyu Lake is a serene and scenic area, popular for light boating, kayaking, cycling, camping, picnics, or general strolling. Framed by Liyu Mountain in Shoufeng Township, just 18 minutes drive away from Hualien city in Hualien County, the lake has many carp fish living within. The best time to visit is in April, when thousands of fireflies descend over the lake. The tranquility of the area makes it a prime relaxation spot, leading to several bed & breakfast resorts sprouting up here.
5. Hua Hai Farmland
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True to its name, Hualien City hosts an annunal 'Sea Of Flowers' festival, where various towns in Hualien County compete to grow their own 'Sea Of Flowers'. As such, many towns have their own version of Hua Hai Farmland, sprawling fields upon fields of colouful, brightly blooming flowers native to Taiwan, landscaped into artistic forms. Depending on the timing throughout the year, different towns would have different 'Sea Of Flowers', as these natural exhibits typically only last 1 or 2 months at most.
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