Hualien

Hualien City is the largest city population-wise and the county seat of Hualien County, Taiwan in East Asia. It is located on the mountainous eastern coast, on a strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range.

Considered one of the most pleasant cities in Taiwan, many tourists visit the city to enjoy the scenery and fresh air.

The Visitor Information Centre for the local area is located in front of Hualien Train Station.

The Pine Garden (Zhongmei) is a peaceful garden with 63 pine trees.

There are several day markets located throughout the city selling fresh produce, meat, household goods and clothing. If you are in the city overnight, head to one of the night markets - Nanbin or Ziqiang, which is known for its food.

Hualien’s Martyrs’ Shrine has breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding areas. It’s also home to Karenkō Shrine, a famous Japanese shrine. It was turned into a neo-Chinese style temple complex during the 1980s to honour the nationalist heroes that died during World War II.

Dongingchan Temple is a Buddhist shrine with shining golden Buddha statues, whilst Sheng An and Cihui Temples are traditional Taoist temples.

A few miles north of the city lies Taroko Gorge, a popular tourist attraction with many hiking trails.

There are some lovely beaches just north of the city, with surfers also enjoying the beaches in and around Hualien City as well as the ones along the east coast. Jici’s black sand beach is nestled in a crescent shaped bay, backdropped by stunning mountains (30 minutes from Hualien City).

The public beach is behind the military base and airport. There isn't much sand here but it’s a popular place to people-watch, swimming isn't advised due to the strong undertow.

Other attractions include Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum, the Pine Garden, Beibin, Nanbin and Meilun Seashore Parks, which run the full length of the city's foreshore, Hualien Ocean Park and further afield, Qingshui Cliffs.

Souvenirs include woven cloth in traditional aboriginal designs and carved stone items from Hualien's stone market.

Hualien is famous for wontons, wonton soups, Aboriginal speciality 'zhu tung fan' (rice steamed in a bamboo tube) and 'muaji' (Japanese rice cake) as well as international options such as American BBQ, Mexican, Italian, Indian and even Russian.

Cruise ships dock at the Port of Hualien, which is within walking distance of town.

The centre of Hualien is easy to navigate on foot.

Scooters are available to hire and bicycles are also a good way to tour the city, with many cycling trails around the city.

Taxis are inexpensive and plentiful. Ensure drivers use their meters and they understand where you need to go, as they generally only speak Chinese.