Attractions Around Huadong’s Liushishi Mountain
Visiting Fuli in Hualien, besides heading up Liushishi Mountain to admire the golden needle flowers, you can also explore nearby Luoshan Organic Village. There, you can experience tofu-making using mud-volcano water (instead of brine), try the locally unique mud-volcano tofu, or visit the unassuming but truly remarkable “G9 House Creative Cuisine.” This specialty restaurant offers a menu-less, private-dining experience, where you can enjoy a fusion of nostalgic and innovative dishes.
Transportation to Huadong’s Liushishi Mountain
Although Liushishi Mountain is located in Hualien, it’s actually closer to Taitung. Many travelers choose to depart from downtown Taitung or Fuli in Hualien due to the shorter drive. Even if you sleep in and head out in the afternoon, you can still catch the golden needle flowers at their fullest bloom. As golden needle flowers are “one-day blooms,” arriving in the evening might mean missing their vibrant and beautiful peak in the morning.
■ Driving: Turn eastbound at 308.5 km on Highway 9, then follow the signs to reach the site. (There is one-way vehicle traffic control from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.)
■ Public Transport: Take the train to Fuli Station, then transfer to a taxi in front of the Fuli Township Farmers’ Association.
If you find staying in downtown Hualien more convenient, you can also opt for a one-day golden needle flower tour departing from Hualien or Taitung. Whether traveling with family or a group of friends, you can easily reach Liushishi Mountain, making the golden needle flower experience much less of a hassle.
Recommended Reading:Six Sensory Experiences – Up Mountains and Down to the Sea, Enjoy a Deep Dive into Hualien on a One-Day Trip
Golden Needle Flower Season Spot #2: Huadong’s Chike Mountain
Huadong’s Chike Mountain is the closest golden needle flower destination to downtown Hualien. It takes about 2.5 hours by scooter, so every year during the golden needle flower season from August to September, it attracts many visitors. At an altitude of 800 meters, the mountain enjoys cooler temperatures, and the ample moisture brought by clouds and fog makes it ideal for golden needle flower growth. The vast sea of flowers you see now is not only beautiful but mostly consists of plants that have been cultivated for decades, lending a unique flavor when used in golden needle flower dishes.
Besides the golden sea of yellow flowers, visiting Chike Mountain also means you can’t miss the “Three Scenic Spots of Chike”: search for three hidden black volcanic rocks among the golden fields, check out the fun Thousand-Ton Stone Turtle, and explore the 40-plus-year-old wooden Sanhe-style building — the Wang Family Ancestral House. Experience the distinctive rural charm of Chike Mountain and enjoy this rich and fun golden needle flower destination.
Attractions Around Chike Mountain
Nearby Chike Mountain is the Matai’an Tribe, rich in natural ecology and indigenous culture. Here, you can experience traditional eco-fishing and learn about the indigenous people’s emphasis on environmental protection and ecology. You can also enjoy indigenous cuisine made with healthy concepts. Stroll through Matai’an Tribe for a deep-flower-and-tribe journey.
Transportation to Chike Mountain
■ Driving: Drive or ride a bike, turn eastbound at 287K on Highway 9 → cross Gaoliao Bridge to Gaoliao Community, then follow the signs to reach the site.
■ Public Transport: Take the train to “Yuli Station,” then rent a car separately, or take a taxi in front of “Yuli Station.”
Golden Needle Flower Season Spot #3: Taitung’s Taimali Golden Needle Mountain
Taitung’s Taimali Golden Needle Mountain stands at an altitude of 1,450 meters, making it the highest among the three mountains. In different seasons, it also blooms with various flowers such as cherry blossoms and lilies. Not only can you overlook the scenery of Dawu Mountain, but its back-mountain-facing-sea location also offers beautiful seashores where you can enjoy sunrises, sea views, and breezes. If you’re looking for a relaxing golden needle flower trip, Taitung’s Taimali is a great choice.
Attractions Around Taitung’s Taimali
Of course, since you’ve come all the way to Taitung, be sure to explore the surrounding sights too. The editor especially recommends nature lovers to visit the nearby Qingshan Farm. Originally a golden needle flower factory and workers' dormitory, it has been transformed into a leisure park for golden needle flowers, now planted with a variety of flowers, offering blooming scenes all year round — definitely worth a visit.
However, when it comes to the most classic spot along Highway 9, it’s Taiwan’s most beautiful train station — Dulluan Station. Here, you can gaze at the vast blue sea and the coastal railway line. Although Dulluan Train Station is no longer in operation, trains still pass by, giving a feeling of stepping back in time. It’s a very atmospheric spot, but be sure not to cross the platform or tracks carelessly to avoid danger.
Transportation to Taitung’s Taimali
■ Driving: Enter Taimali town via Highway 9, then turn into Jinxuan Road. Go straight about 500 meters, turn left and continue to the end, then turn right. After about 150 meters, turn left onto Jiayue Industrial Road. It’s about 2.5 km to Ritan Platform, 15 km to Jinshan Pass, and 17 km to Wangyou Valley.
Recommended Reading:2019 Taitung Golden Needle Flower & Red Quinoa Seasons in Bloom – Taimali Transportation, Attractions & Recommended Ways to Play
Golden Needle Flower Season Spot #4: Taichung’s Muxinquan Farm
Taichung can be called the home of flowers. Not only is it about to host the 2018 Taichung Flower Expo, but every year in November, Xinshe also holds its regular Xinshe Flower Sea season. In spring and summer, tung blossoms and golden needle flowers are the most beautiful, with Muxinquan Leisure Farm’s golden needle flower season being especially well-known. The golden needle flowers in the farm bloom in two seasons due to different varieties: May to July for lowland varieties, and August to October for alpine varieties. They bloom along the mountain slopes, creating a romantic sea of golden-yellow flowers.
Transportation to Taichung Muxinquan Farm
■ Public Transport: From Fengyuan Railway Station → Fengyuan Bus Station → Take Fengyuan Bus No. 91 to “Zhongxingling” Station → Transfer to a taxi.
Reprinted with authorization from [Tripbaa]Original article from [2019 Four Major Golden Needle Flower Festivals Kick Off!Golden Needle Flower Festival Transportation & Nearby Attractions Cheat Sheet]
Executive Editor: Hovis
Managing Editor: Mickey