Day 1: Taroko
Morning. Arrive by train and drop your bags. Head to Taroko by Tourist Shuttle 310, or better for this day, a chartered taxi or rental car. Start at the Visitor Center and the Terrace Trail.
Midday. With a car or driver, go up Highway 8 inside the morning window to the Xiangde Temple area and Tianxiang. Check the park's trail list the day before, since trails close after heavy rain, and watch the clock for the afternoon window back.
Afternoon. Stop at Qixingtan on the way back to the city.
Evening. Dinner at Dongdamen Night Market.
Day 2: the sea and the city
Early. Up for sunrise over the Pacific, from the coast or the harbour.
Morning. In the warmer months, a whale-watching trip from Hualien Harbour. Otherwise, walk up to Pine Garden.
Lunch. Wontons downtown, before the shops close. → What to eat
Afternoon. The Railway Cultural Park and the Cultural and Creative Industries Park, then mochi and peeled chilies to take home, and the train.
Good to know: with a car on day 2, drive the first stretch of the coast road instead, or go south to Liyu Lake.
Sources: see the linked pages for each stop. Checked October 2026.