Courtesy of Editorial Office, Hualien County Athletics Federation & Hualien City Office
In the crisp, golden breezes of autumn, Hualien is the perfect place to embrace outdoor adventures. Here, a health and wellness holiday is more than just a trip - it’s the starting point of a refreshing new lifestyle. Step into Hualien’s great outdoors: plant trees as you travel, breathe in phytoncides along forest trails, cycle through stunning landscapes, or take part in sports events. With the gentle rhythm of slow living, each moment becomes a healing journey back to nature.
The Joy of Sports｜Hualien Golf Course
Founded in 1928, Hualien Golf Course is the only golf course in eastern Taiwan. After lying dormant for a time following World War II, it was fully restored and reopened in 1970. Ever since, it has become a beloved home for golf enthusiasts across the region. Rain or shine, golfers gather here - stretching in the clubhouse before heading out to the nearly 40-hectare course. Rich in tree varieties, it’s a place where many prefer to complete a full round on foot, all while gazing out at the breathtaking ridges of the Hualien Mountains. Conveniently located near the downtown area, even golfers from northern Taiwan can easily make the trip and join the “Plant a Tree with Every Golf Ball” eco-tour program.
INFO｜Hualien Golf Course
Address: No. 120, Huadao Rd., Hualien City
Telephone: 03-8227528
Business hours: Summer tee times:05:30-14:00（（weekends until 13:30）；Winter tee times:06:00-13:30（weekends until 13:00）
Lavatory: Yes
Savor Slow Living on a Lake Cruise｜PAARK Waterfront
Located in Shoufeng Township along Provincial Highway No.11C, PAARK takes inspiration from the region’s abundant, pristine water resources. Fed by natural springs, a winding 7.7 km stream flows through the grounds, creating one of Taiwan’s most healing scenic getaways. The park’s name, “PAARK,” transforms “Park” by adding an extra “A” - symbolizing Air and Aura. It represents the essence of breath and the gentle halo of healing that embraces visitors, as though stepping straight into a living painting. Here, travelers can enjoy leisurely boat rides, snap photos and tour at the fairy-tale-like Starbucks Promisedland Store, and even join in tree-planting net-zero experiences.
Nearby, Lichuan Aquafarm offers a certified agritourism experience where visitors can savor signature golden Asian clam dishes and participate in the ever-popular “Clam Harvesting and Fun-filled Activities” - a playful tradition that has stood the test of time.
INFO｜PAARK
Address: No. 267, Sec. 3, Fengping Rd., Shoufeng Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8651177
Business hours: 08:00-19:00
Lavatory: Yes (Starbucks Promisedland Store)
※Boat ticket prices: please refer to the official website
Hualien’s Premier Maple Viewing Spot｜Maple Tree Trail
Located in Fuxing Village, Jian Township, the Maple Tree Trail stretches about 3 kilometers. Along the way, multiple viewing platforms and pavilions provide rest for weary travelers. From higher points, you can overlook the patchwork fields of Jian and, on clear days, enjoy panoramic views of Hualien City, Meilunshan, and even the deep blue Pacific Ocean. Set out on a bright and scenic day, following the winding trail lined with lush trees. In autumn, fiery red maple leaves adorn the treetops, creating a picture-perfect landscape. The elevated viewpoints also make this trail an ideal spot for night scenery.
INFO｜Maple Tree Trail
Address: Fuxing Village, Jian Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8523126
Business hours: Open all day
Lavatory: Yes
Mountains in Their Full Glory｜Liyushan Trail
Beside Liyu Lake stands Liyu Mountain, rising 601 meters and counted among Taiwan’s “small hundred mountains.” Visitors can enjoy stunning lake views while also taking in the scenic mountain landscape. Stretching approximately 10 kilometers, the Liyushan Trail offers six interconnected paths catering to various interests, including fitness, birdwatching, nature exploration, hiking, scenic overlooks, and picnicking, which together form a network that allows visitors to easily transition between experiences. Almost entirely covered by dense forest, the trail offers mostly gentle, sun-shielded paths, making it a popular route for locals seeking both fitness and relaxed, recreational strolls.
The picnic route features well-maintained boardwalks and rest areas, where sunlight filtering through the trees creates a soothing forest atmosphere. At the summit of Liyu Mountain, a trig point and viewing platform provides vistas of the surrounding Tso Tsang Trail fields. After descending, visitors can enjoy additional activities at Liyu Lake, such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or swan boat rides.
INFO｜Liyushan Trail
Address: Liyu Lake Scenic Area, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8527526
Business hours: Open all day
Lavatory: Yes
Connecting Meilun’s History and Culture｜Two-Rail Cycling Path
Starting from TRA Hualien Station and following the Meilun River, travelers can pause at Jiang Jun Fu 1936 Park, freshly renovated and reopened in 2024. In addition to preserving the historic Japanese-style dormitory buildings, the park has attracted renowned establishments such as “OOA By Jiang Jun Fun and Yoshi Bakery,” offering exclusive signature products and showcasing Hualien’s unique cultural landscape. This has established the park as Hualien City’s newest cultural hub where food and heritage come together. The two-rail cycling path spans approximately 2 kilometers, connecting rich historical sites along the way. Upon reaching its endpoint at Pacific Park (Beibin Section), travelers can continue along the Twin Lake Cycling Path, enjoying uninterrupted views of the vast, inviting blue Pacific Ocean.
INFO｜Jiang Jun Fu 1936 Park
Address: No. 6, Ln. 622, Zhongzheng Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8316272
Business hours: 10:00-23:30
Lavatory: Yes
INFO｜OOA By Jiang Jun Fun and Yoshi Bakery
Address: No. 6, Ln. 622, Zhongzheng Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County
Business hours: 10:00-18:00
Lavatory: Yes
Bathed in the Forest’s Nourishment｜Danongdafu Forest Park Cycling Trails
Formerly the Hualien Sugar Factory, Danongdafu Forest Park spans approximately 1,250 hectares. Over a million trees, landscaped gardens, and green spaces create a seasonal paradise. The park is home to over 20 commonly found low-elevation tree species, including camphor, evergreen ash, Formosan gum, red cedar, and Taiwanese rain trees - trees that are not only beautiful and practical but also deeply intertwined with human life. Together, they create the lush, vibrant ecosystem of Danongdafu Forest Park, where visitors can naturally soak in the nourishing energy of the forest. Take deep breaths, inhale the abundant phytoncides, and let the experience relieve stress while restoring both body and mind.
The 15-kilometer cycling trail at Danongdafu Forest Park features both North and South Circumference Cycling Routes. Along the South Route, trees such as Woodland Elaeocarpus, Formosan gum, and Oliver maple gradually shift from green to yellow and then to fiery red in autumn. Riding through this vibrant forest, the rustling of maple leaves and the surrounding sea of red foliage create a uniquely romantic autumn-winter experience that can only be savored at Danongdafu.
INFO｜Danongdafu Forest Park Visitor Center
Address: No. 31, Nongchang Road, Guangfu Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8700870#9
Business hours: 08:00-17:00（Closed on Mondays）
Lavatory: Yes
Sharpen Your Paddles and Row Hard｜2025 Hualien Pacific International Dragon Boat Festival
The 2025 Hualien Pacific International Dragon Boat Festival will be held from October 24 to 26 at Liyu Lake, surrounded by the dazzling beauty of the lake and mountains that instantly lifts your spirits. The event will welcome over 200 teams, including local teams from across Taiwan as well as competitors from the U.S., Australia, Singapore, Qatar, Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, and more. Hualien will also host the 2026 Club Crew World Championships (CCWC) for the first time, allowing participants and spectators from around the world to experience the charm of Hualien firsthand. Beyond enjoying Liyu Lake, visitors can explore indigenous villages, embrace nature, and slowly wander through small towns for a deeper, immersive Hualien experience.
INFO｜2025 Hualien Pacific International Dragon Boat Festival
Address: No. 100, Huantan North Road, Chihnan Village, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8227171#206
Business hours: 10/24-10/26
Lavatory: Yes
The Thrill of Running Amid Scenic Views｜2025 Hualien Pacific Ocean & East Rift Valley Half Marathon
The 2025 Hualien Pacific Ocean & East Rift Valley Half Marathon has consistently ranked as the most popular event on Taiwan’s largest running platform, Sports Note, and has garnered extensive coverage in Japan’s top-selling Runner magazine. Each year, the race attracts over 6,000 participants. The course showcases the scenic beauty along the Twin Lake Cycling Path, integrating local culture to allow running enthusiasts to enjoy the stunning landscapes while engaging in low-carbon travel and celebrating their personal passion and glory.
Through the half marathon, not only are domestic and international travelers drawn to Hualien - enhancing the region’s international profile - but participants also get to break a sweat while planning two-day-one-night or three-day-two-night mini trips. Along the way, they can fully savor Hualien’s captivating natural landscapes, immerse themselves in its rich cultural heritage, and indulge in its flavorful local cuisine, making for a truly satisfying and memorable experience.
Course Highlights:
Meilun Track and Field Stadium → Twin Lake Cycling Path → Pacific Park (Beibin section) → Pacific Park (Nanbin section) → Huaren Seawall
INFO｜2025 Hualien Pacific Ocean & East Rift Valley Half Marathon
Address: Meilun Track and Field Stadium (No. 40, Minquan Rd, Hualien City)
Telephone: 03-8227171#206
Business hours: 11/22
Lavatory: Yes