Hualien One-Day Tour (7): From Guangfu Sugar Factory to Wuhu Sightseeing Tea Plantation in Guangfu, Ruisui

The Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area is Taiwan's largest recreation area dominated by camphor trees. It is famous for its Butterfly Valley and waterfall landscapes. The valley boasts beautiful scenery, making it ideal for hiking, nature observation, and enjoying the benefits of forest bathing; following the Fuyuan River, you can also reach the famous suspension bridge and waterfall spots to enjoy a natural negative ion spa.

Address: No. 161, Guangdong Road, Fuyuan Village, Ruisui Township, Hualien County

Phone: 03-881-2377

Website: http://www.bvr.com.tw/index.html

In this historic Guangfu Sugar Factory, visitors can experience the history and atmosphere of the sugar industry’s golden age. The park features many facilities, including an exhibition and sales center, a shop selling indigenous traditional clothing, Ripple Garden, small bridges and pavilions, as well as famous ice cream and popsicles. With dozens of flavors ranging from Hua Tang popsicles to various ice creams, there's something for everyone.

Location: No. 19, Sugar Factory Street, Guangfu Township, Hualien County

Phone: 03-870-5881

Opening hours: 9:30–22:00

Transportation: A 10-minute walk south from Guangfu Railway Station will get you there.

Bike rental: Bikes can be rented within the sugar factory area and in front of Guangfu Railway Station.

GPS: N23°39'34.7", E121°24'47.9"

Covering nearly 1,000 hectares, the Ruisui Hot Spring Area spans both Ruisui and Wanrong townships, making it the largest hot spring area in Taiwan. Also known as "Outer Hot Spring," Ruisui Hot Spring is rich in minerals such as iron and barium. When the iron in the water oxidizes upon contact with air, it forms a yellow crystalline layer on the surface called "soup flowers" or "hot spring flowers," hence earning the nickname "Golden Soup." Its unique spring quality attracts many visitors to soak here.

Location: Ruisui Township, Hualien County

Ruisui Ranch is one of Taiwan’s important dairy farming areas and synonymous with premium dairy products. In addition to fresh milk, it also offers popular products like fresh milk cheese, milk-flavored steamed buns, and milk-flavored cakes. The ranch grows vast pastures to feed its herds of dairy cows, complemented by tobacco fields and ornamental pineapple flowers, creating a uniquely scenic landscape in Ruisui Township.

Location: Within Hualien-Taitung, spanning the Shiukuluan River (at km 68 on Highway 11)

GPS: N23°27'59.5", E121°29'18.3"

The most famous water activity in the Hualien-Taitung region is rafting on the Shiukuluan River. During the peak summer season, the 24-kilometer stretch from Ruisui Bridge to Changhong Bridge features over 20 rapids and obstacles of varying difficulty, making it an excellent spot for rafting. Colorful rubber rafts shuttle through the river valley, decorating the canyon as if celebrating a festival.

Address: No. 215, Section 3, Zhongshan Road, Ruiliang Village, Ruisui Township, Hualien County

Phone: 03-887-5400; 03-887-5405

Opening hours: 8:00~17:00

Transportation: A 15-minute walk from Rueisuei Railway Station

GPS: N23°29'23.9", E121°23'34.7"