Taroko
Taroko Gorge, as it is now
The marble gorge is still the reason most people come. Since the 2024 earthquake, some of it is open and some of it isn't. Here is what you can see, and how to get there.
See what's openThe hard part, made easy
How do you get here, and get around?
Hualien has no metro, and the best of it is spread along a gorge, a coast and a valley. Sort out the transport first and everything else falls into place.
- TRAINThe train from TaipeiThe way most visitors arrive, and the tickets that sell out
- FLYFlying, driving, other citiesEvery way in, from the north, the south and the air
- BUSBuses and the tourist shuttleTaroko, Qixingtan and the coast without a car
- CARScooters and rental carsWhat licence you need, and when it's worth it
- TAXITaxis and day chartersThe easy way to see a lot in one day
- PARKTaroko, right nowWhat is open after the earthquake, and how to reach it
Train classes, booking, buses, scooters and taxis in one place. The full getting-around guide
Start with a story
Mountains on one side, the Pacific on the other
Things to do
Qixingtan
The pebble beach where the mountains meet the sea.
Go to the beachFood
What to eat in Hualien
Wontons, buns, mochi and the food of the Amis people.
Get hungryThings to do
Dongdamen Night Market
One big market, a short walk from downtown.
Plan an eveningDay trip
The East Rift Valley
Rice fields, hot springs and small towns, south by train.
Plan the dayWhere to begin
Plan your Hualien trip
- 01Plan your tripHow many days, where to stay, when to come, the basics.
- 02Getting here and aroundTrains, buses, scooters, cars and taxis.
- 03TarokoThe gorge, the cliffs and what is open now.
- 04AreasHualien City, Taroko, Ji'an, Shoufeng, the coast and the valley.
- 05Things to doBeaches, whales, the night market and the festivals.
- 06FoodWhat to eat, and where the locals go.
- 07ItinerariesOne, two or three days, with or without a car.
- 08Day tripsThe East Rift Valley and the coast road south.
Who we are
Taiwan locals, with family in Hualien.
Vicky and Jason have family in Hualien and visit as tourists. We have never lived here, so we see it the way you will. But we are Taiwan locals, and we know the locals to ask: which trail is open, which road to take, where the family goes for dinner. This guide passes that on.
Meet usFrom the inside
Get the good stuff before you go
New Hualien guides, and word when trails and roads reopen. Leave your email and we'll keep you posted. No spam, ever.