Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Seaside Parks
Hualien has three seaside parks, all joined by a walking and bicycle path that continues
to Qixingtan Beach. The path starts at
Nan Bin Seaside Park
(
Nán Bīn Hǎibīn Gōngyuán
),
the southernmost park, which affords a bird's-eye view of the town and its dramatic
mountain backdrop.
Qixingtan
(
Qīxīng Tán, Chihsingtan
), about 3km north of Hualien, looks down a coastline
of high cliffs and green mountains. The water is too rough for swimming but it's a great
spot for biking, strolling or picnicking. At the south end amid fishing villages are B&Bs
and restaurants and the
Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum
(Qīxīng Cháiyú Bówùguǎn; Qixingtan
Beach, Hualien;
, dedicated to dried bonito, an industry that was once
9am-7pm)
of huge importance to Taiwan.
Cycling
The cycling path from Nan Bin Seaside Park to Qixingtan is mostly scenic but does pass
through an industrial area for a couple of kilometres in the middle. At Qixingtan the path
continues through a diverse coastal forest. Or connect with the quiet flat County Road
193 for an easy ride to Sanjhan and Taroko Gorge.
Giant Bicycles
BICYCLE RENTAL
(Jié Ān Tè; 823 4057;
giant.d21100@msa.hinet.net
; 8am-6pm)
To the left of the train sta-
tion, Giant Bicycles has day (NT$300) and multiday rentals (per three days NT$1200).
It's best to book in advance for the latter.
Water Sports
While the city has no swimming beaches, just down the coast is Jici Beach, a popular
swimming
and
surfing
venue in summer.
River tracing
the many astonishingly beautiful
canyons around Hualien is also popular.
10am-10pm)
Tidal rents surf-
boards and provides transport on weekends.
Hualien Outdoors
WATER SPORTS
(
www.hualienoutdoors.org
)
Hualien Outdoors runs custom river-tracing trips to Taroko
Gorge and the Golden Canyon, as well as less challenging venues for those who just
