First-Place Tour｜Sustainable Hualien Triathlon Adventure
This three-day, two-night deep experience tour combines sports challenges, cultural exploration, and sustainable principles. The tour connects Qixingtan, Liyu Lake, and the two-lake bicycle path, blending natural landscapes with indigenous cultural experiences. Travelers will visit the Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum to learn about sustainable fishing practices and stay at low-carbon lakeside accommodations, enjoying meals made from locally sourced organic ingredients, embodying the core values of sustainable tourism.
DAY1｜Connecting the Two Lakes for Ultimate Relaxation
Upon arriving in Hualien, travelers can first relax and take a deep breath, soaking in the comfortable atmosphere created by the sea breeze and waves of Qixingtan. A leisurely walk along the shore allows visitors to experience the slow-paced lifestyle of the area. Nearby, the Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum is the only museum in Taiwan dedicated to the display of bonito fish. Originally a disused bonito factory, it has been successfully transformed and now offers visitors the chance to experience bonito culture, slice bonito fish, and participate in activities that highlight the charm of sustainable fisheries. For dining, travelers can consider MuMing Restaurant, known for using local wild vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients. If dining with friends, they can experience the joy of eating generously, savoring both large portions of food and fish. The restaurant has gained such a good reputation that it has become a highly sought-after destination for food enthusiasts.
The two-lake bike path connecting Qixingtan and Liyu Lake is a sustainable tourism route linking two of Hualien's most famous scenic spots. Along the 35 km path, visitors can pass by Qixingtan Scenic Area, Hualien Aurora Bridge, and Pacific Park, while enjoying beautiful crescent-shaped bays and rich natural and cultural landscapes. They can also stop at popular photo spots like the Huaren Seawall, enjoying the leisurely pace of life and taking in the sights.
INFO｜ Qixingtan
Address: Coastal Road, Xincheng Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8221592
Business hours: Open all-day
Lavatory: Yes
INFO｜ Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum
Address: No. 148, Qixing St., Xincheng Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8236100
Business hours: 09:00-17:30
Lavatory: Yes
DAY2｜Multiple Ways to Enjoy the Scenic Liyu Lake
If staying near Liyu Lake the night before, travelers are bound to be naturally awakened by the chirping of insects and birds at dawn. A slow walk along the trail, surrounded by the fresh scent of phytoncides, offers a variety of mountain and lake views that leave little room in the mind for anything else.
For hiking enthusiasts, the six trails surrounding Liyu Mountain are a must-do. These easy-to-walk trails connect different regions, offering diverse scenic views. At the southern pier of Liyu Lake, travelers can enjoy the stunning sight of surrounding mountains and the shimmering lake surface, creating a romantic atmosphere reminiscent of a foreign land. Here, visitors can use a self-portrait system to easily capture perfect photos with the picturesque lake in the background. If travelers wish to dine around Liyu Lake, in addition to visiting the local food district and tasting regional specialties, the Cikasuan is also a great choice. The restaurant selects the best seasonal fruits and vegetables, and with the heart of preparing meals for family, it showcases indigenous flavors and is sure to satisfy even the most discerning food lovers.
INFO｜ Cikasuan
Address: No. 2, Huantan South Road, Chihnan Village, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 0955-996777
Business hours: Closed on Tuesdays, open all day on weekends
Lavatory: Yes
INFO｜ Liyu Lake
Address: Huantan North Road, Chihnan Village, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8641691
Business hours: Open all-day
Lavatory: Yes
DAY3｜The Sea Connecting Qixingtan to Chongde
If you stay near Qixingtan the previous night, on a clear evening, you can gather the shimmering stars filling the sky, enjoying the countless gentle starbeams shining on the land, and experience a sense of tranquility, resonating with the vast sky.
The sunrise at Qixingtan is beautiful and dazzling, as the golden light blocks the view, and after the golden spots jumping on the sea, joyful cheers follow. The original plan for the tour was a short competitive race or a small portion of a triathlon held on the beach, but when faced with such a serene and stunning view, why not find a comfortable spot, sit quietly by the bank, and watch the ebb and flow of the tide without worrying about sweating? Arriving at Chongde, the 22.7-kilometer-long Qingshui Cliff is one of the most magnificent landscapes along the Suhua Highway, formed by marble, gneiss, and greenstone. Canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding in the blue Pacific Ocean become the most unforgettable memories of the trip.
INFO｜ Brothers Hangout Water Activities
Address: No. 72, Chongde Village, Xiulin Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 0928-877399
Business hours: 04:00-18:00
INFO｜ Qingshui Cliff
Address: Between Heren, Xiulin Township, and Chongde, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8621100#321、322
Business hours: 08:00-17:00
※Due to earthquake damage, some roads are still under repair.