I really want to move to Hualien! A lazy guide to local hidden gems

▲ Hualien is full of breathtaking scenery that refreshes the eyes and brings a relaxing, healing vibe. (Photo/Instagram user) luv_0412 Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Reporter Wei Jinyun / Comprehensive report

When it comes to Hualien, many outsiders often have stereotypes and joke, "Great mountains, great waters, but so boring." ETNEWS Travel Cloud has specially compiled 5 hidden gems in Hualien to shatter your boring image of the place. Each of these amazingly beautiful spots will make you think, "I really want to move to Hualien!" As summer vacation is coming to an end and the hot season transitions into the cooler autumn, seize the time to visit Hualien now!

1. Xinshe Rice Terraces

▲ The Xinshe Rice Terraces in Hualien, nestled between mountains and sea, offer a stunning view where the sea meets the rice fields. (Photo/Instagram user) henrywmho Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Located along Provincial Highway 11, the Xinshe Rice Terraces boast a one-of-a-kind seascape-ricefield view unique to Taiwan. In April, when the rice seedlings are just sprouting, the landscape resembles a vast green carpet. By late June, as the ears of rice ripen, it transforms into a golden-yellow velvet blanket. Each season offers a different kind of beauty, creating postcard-worthy views that are simply too gorgeous to look away from.

Xinshe Rice Terraces
Address: Fengbin Township, Hualien County (43.5 km mark on Provincial Highway 11, heading toward Taitung)

2. Sun Plaza

▲ Located near Hualien Fishing Port, Sun Plaza features buildings with a French village charm and offers views of the Pacific Ocean. (Photo/Instagram user) wan01180 Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

About a 15-minute drive from downtown Hualien, Sun Plaza showcases colorful rainbow houses with a Southern European flair. Its exotic European-style architecture outlines a romantic coastal vibe. With various cute ocean-themed painted walls and Taiwan’s only sperm whale stone sculpture, it feels like a small French village infused with marine style — super photogenic.

Sun Plaza
Address: No. 35-1, Gangbin Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County
Phone: 03-822-3118

Read more:Taiwan’s Little French Village! Colorful Rainbow Houses at Hualien Fishing Port – “Sun Plaza”

3. Fuli Railway Station

▲ Fuli Railway Station in Hualien’s small town has been renovated to incorporate local cultural elements, transforming the station into a “granary of the earth” and becoming a new highlight of the mountainous hinterland. (Photo/Instagram user) ya170cm Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Situated at the final stop of the Hualien section, Fuli Railway Station has been redesigned with a fresh look that blends into the local urban and rural scenery. The clean white color scheme paired with golden wooden structures creates a minimalist style that differs from conventional brick-and-mortar train stations, making it a new Instagram-worthy spot in Hualien.

Fuli Railway Station
Address: No. 56, Chezhan St., Fuli Village, Fuli Township, Hualien County
Phone: 03-8831771
Opening hours: 07:00–24:00

Read more:Another stunning railway station joins the list！A new must-visit spot in Hualien — the Earth’s Granary, Fuli Station

4. Qilai Bi Lighthouse

▲Boasting an incredibly vast sea view of Hualien, the Qilai Bi Lighthouse offers an endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean that is incredibly soothing to the eyes. (Photo / Instagram user, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.) imcutekakaya Provided, please do not take unauthorized photos to avoid copyright infringement.

The “Qilai Bi Lighthouse,” located near Sifang Plateau and adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, remains relatively unknown as it is tucked away on the mountainside — even many locals in Hualien may not be aware of this ocean-view gem. With the white lighthouse standing on a vast green field against a breathtaking sea-meets-sky horizon, it's simply super romantic.

Qilai Bi Lighthouse
Address: Huadong Road, Hualien City, Hualien County
How to get there:
(1) By car:
Take National Freeway 5 to the Su’ao Interchange → Provincial Highway 9 → County Road 193
(2) By public transport:
Take the TRA train to Hualien Station → transfer to Hualien Bus (Qixingtan line) and get off at Hualien Distillery Stop
Business hours: Not open to the public

5. Jade Valley

▲A spectacularly natural waterfall curtain cascading down is truly captivating and eye-catching. (Photo / Instagram user, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement) 115xwen Provided, please do not take unauthorized photos to avoid copyright infringement.

Nestled in the mountains of Xiulin Township right next to Muhu Muyu, Jade Valley is not as well-known as Muhu Muyu but has no restrictions on mountain entry. Compared to Muhu Muyu, it is a more accessible hidden gem. Its mysterious and fantastical waterslide waterfall and majestic scenery are in no way inferior to those of Muhu Muyu！

Jade Valley
Location: Rongshu, Xiulin Township, Hualien County
Coordinates: 23.975144, 121.500062

Further reading:No less beautiful than Muhu Muyu！Hualien’s Jade Valley features a mystical, fantasy-like waterslide waterfall