Give your eyes an SPA and relax your body and mind here—come to these 4 green hidden gems in Guangfu Township, Hualien!

▲ The Blue Tears secret spot in Hualien. (Photo / from the Facebook page of Laso’ai Spring Ecological Farm)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Jili Pond in Guangfu Township, Hualien has officially opened as of today, adding a new attraction for travelers visiting Hualien. But in fact, Guangfu Township boasts many beautifully scenic natural hidden spots. ETtoday Travel Cloud has compiled a list of 4 major natural hidden gems in Guangfu Township, Hualien. When you visit Hualien in winter, besides enjoying the stunning mountains and waters, you may also have the chance to catch the last maple leaves of the year.

1. Laso’ai Spring
Known as the “Blue Tears,” Laso’ai Spring Ecological Park features a crystal-clear blue spring surrounded by lush greenery. The pristine water quality is described as a spring kissed by God. As sunlight changes, the lake surface reflects various colors. Untouched for centuries, its natural landscape is unforgettable at first sight. Visitors can not only admire the scenery but also take a hand-rowed boat ride through the shaded water corridors within the park—a unique experience.

Address: Lane 15, Dajin Street, Guangfu Township, Hualien County

▲ The Matai’an Wetland Ecological Park feels like stepping into a Monet garden. (Photo / provided by a netizen, no unauthorized reproduction to avoid copyright infringement.)

2. Matai’an Wetland
Spanning 12 hectares, the Matai’an Wetland Ecological Park is covered with water lilies similar to lotus leaves. The endless view makes you feel like you’ve stepped into Monet’s painting Water Lilies. Amidst the green mountains and waters, your vision and spirit are healed by the beautiful scenery. Visitors can also head directly to Xinglv Farm, walk along the wooden boardwalk to the viewing platform, or explore the cycling path, where endless wetland landscapes stretch out on both sides. Enjoy the fresh air and the baptism of phytoncides while being embraced by nature.

▲ Jili Pond in Hualien is also known as Lovers’ Lake and Carefree Lake. (Photo / provided by the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Hualien Branch)

3. Jili Pond
Located at the foot of Maxi Mountain in Guangfu Township, Jili Pond is also known as Lovers’ Lake and Carefree Lake. Covering an area of 3.2 hectares with a water surface of 18,000 square meters, it served as a log storage pond during the Japanese colonial period and was also a secret swimming spot for the local Amis people. Later, due to the decline of the logging industry, it was abandoned and overgrown with weeds. After Guangfu Township petitioned the central government, the Hualien Soil and Water Conservation Bureau spent three years restoring it, transforming the former log-soaking pool into a lush, water-friendly park. It has now officially opened to the public, offering visitors another great spot for outdoor activities in Hualien.

▲ Cycling path in the Danongdafu Plain Forest Park. (Photo / fromTaiwan Forest Leisure Network)

4. Danongdafu Plain Forest Park
Covering an area equivalent to about 48 Da’an Forest Parks, the Danongdafu Plain Forest Park offers colorful flower seas throughout all seasons, and is especially a great spot for firefly watching in summer. Now that December has arrived, a 13-kilometer cycling path within the park will soon be tinged with red. Visitors can ride bicycles along the winding paths to admire the beautiful red foliage of sweet gum trees. It is one of the most recommended winter attractions in Hualien.