Hualien County Guide
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Hualien has been on my bucket list for so long — I visited as a child while living in Taiwan to take a biking trip in the mountains, but growing up, revisiting, and actually figuring out the logistics felt like the biggest challenge. It took a bit of planning, but the moment we arrived… I immediately got why people love it so much.
And honestly? Like every trip, I wish we had stayed longer.
Hualien feels completely different from the rest of Taiwan — slower, quieter, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature on the island. We visited during the winter, and wow… it was cold. The wind along the East Coast is no joke, but it also made everything feel a bit more dramatic (in a good way).
On our way to the Taipei train station, we chatted with our taxi driver in Taipei, who was originally from Hualien! He told us how he moved to the city for work, but still goes back every year with his kids to show them how beautiful it is. That conversation stuck with me — it made the trip feel even more special before it even started.
One thing to note: we weren’t able to visit Taroko Gorge due to recent earthquake damage and flooding in 2025 — but even without it, Hualien completely blew me away.
getting to know Hualien
Back in 1590, Portuguese sailors passed along Taiwan’s East Coast and were so blown away by what they saw that they named it Ilha Formosa — meaning “beautiful island.” And if there’s anywhere that still fully lives up to that name, it’s Hualien.
Long ago, before modern development, this region was home to the Sakizaya people, one of Taiwan’s Indigenous groups. Later on, Spanish settlers arrived in 1622, followed by Han Chinese settlers during the Qing Dynasty in the 1800s, who named the area Huilan (洄瀾) — meaning “eddying water” — inspired by the swirling currents where the Hualien River meets the Pacific Ocean.
During Japanese colonial rule of Taiwan, the region was renamed Karenko (花蓮港). The name “Hualien,” which is still used today, is associated with lotus flowers 🪷 — a softer, more poetic identity that contrasts with its dramatic landscapes.
After World War II, Taiwan was placed under the Republic of China, and Hualien was officially established as Hualien County in 1946.
Today, Hualien is the largest county in Taiwan — yet also one of the least populated — with epic natural views, known for Taroko National Park, diverse indigenous cultures and heritage, and a peaceful getaway from the city. That means fewer crowds, more nature, and some of the most insane coastal and mountain views you’ll find anywhere on the island.
Hualien map
know before you go!
💬 LANGUAGE | Mandarin Chinese is the main language, with Taiwanese Hokkien as a close second. English isn’t as common here as it is in Taipei, but people are still friendly and will try to help.
💰 CURRENCY | New Taiwan Dollar (NTD)
💵 TIPPING | Not expected. Only optional for services like hotel service, massages, or small hospitality gestures.
🚨 SAFETY | Extremely safe — even at night. Just stay mindful around natural areas (cliffs, ocean, trails).
📞 EMERGENCY CONTACTS | Fire Department & Ambulance: 119 | Police: 110
🤓 WISH I KNEW BEFORE | Stay longer than you think. Hualien is not a one-day destination. Also — if you’re visiting in winter, prepare for strong coastal winds. It’s beautiful, but brutal.
best time to visit
getting around
The best way to explore Hualien is by car.
While scooters are popular in Taiwan, I’d strongly recommend renting a car here instead. The weather can change quickly (rain is pretty common), and having a car just makes everything more comfortable and flexible — especially if you’re planning to drive along the East Coast.
We had ours booked online before our trip, picked up our rental car right outside Hualien Railway Station, and drove along the coastline, which turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.
💡 QUICK TIP: You will need to apply for an International Drivers Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Taiwan
Hualien tours you'll love
helpful guides
Dreaming of Taiwan’s East Coast? This Hualien County guide covers everything you need — from scenic coastal views and hidden gems to where to eat, stay, and explore.