Where Mountains Meet the Sea｜Xincheng Township
#Hualien’sOnlyCounty-LevelScenicArea
#MountaintoSea, BeautifulCoastalViews
#HomeoftheMamboFish
Courtesy of Editorial Office
Located in northern Hualien, Xincheng Township lies between Hualien City and Xiulin Township. Set along a coastal plain of about 29 square kilometers, it is known as the “Xincheng Corridor.” Its shoreline features set net fishing grounds and it is fondly called the “Home of the Mambo Fish.” Qixingtan, the only county-level scenic area in Hualien, is famous for its magnificent sea views and rich ecology. It offers a stone sculpture park, cycling paths, and a botanical garden, making it one of the must-visit destinations in Hualien.
Stacked Stones, Starlight, and the Whisper of Sea Breeze｜From Qixingtan to Xincheng Seawall
Qixingtan is a spiritual hideaway cherished by both locals and travelers. Whether at sunrise, sunset, or under a star-filled sky, its seascapes are captivating. Years of waves washing ashore have filled the coast with smooth pebbles, forming Qixingtan’s signature “gravel beach.” It is also the starting point of the twin lakes cycling trail, where travelers can ride along the coast, passing green lawns and a sculpture park, appreciating both art and the Pacific breeze.
Continuing north from Qixingtan leads to the Xincheng Seawall, where the bay curves gently like a crescent, giving rise to the name “crescent bay.” Sitting at the seawall, watching gentle ripples shimmer across the water, offers not only scenic beauty but also a sense of tranquility that draws visitors back again and again.
Encountering the Slow Pace of Hualien｜Xincheng Old Street
Stepping into Xincheng Old Street feels like time slows down. At the street corner stands the 140-year-old Xincheng Photo Studio, a low wooden Japanese-style building with a weathered metal sign, now a nostalgic spot beloved by visitors. Next door, the scent from the long-established Chia Hsing Iced Dessert Shop drifts through the air. With a history of more than sixty years, it is more than a dessert shop, it is the “beginning of summer” in the memory of many Hualien locals. Its whole-lemon blended juice, refreshing and bright, is the perfect companion on a warm day.
Across the street, Country Farms is the newest highlight, a small shop blending local produce with lifestyle goods. It showcases the “Three Treasures of Xincheng”: Hualien No. 9 peanuts, organic No. 57 sweet potatoes, and pickled mustard greens. The owner insists on eco-friendly farming and handmade baking, transforming local flavors into creative snacks and gifts, such as sweet potato crisps and mille-layer roll cakes. Each bite carries sincerity and a story, adding warmth to Hualien’s winter scenery.
Light from the Sea, Soul in the Weave｜Xincheng’s Dual Landscapes
The Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum is Taiwan’s only industry museum dedicated to bonito flakes. It combines traditional dried bonito craftsmanship with ocean culture, guiding visitors through the history and beauty of fishing heritage. In recent years, it has expanded to include marine ecology, responsible seafood education, and multisensory experiences, bringing people closer to the ocean through taste and emotion. The revitalization district surrounding it gathers local farmers, handmade brands, and eco-friendly concepts, presenting a lifestyle unique to Hualien, rich in coastal character and local warmth. It turns every stop into more than a photo moment, adding depth and a sense of connection to the journey.
North of Xincheng Old Street, Yuli’s Home, a creative studio and weaving space, welcomes visitors with the aroma of coffee. Its walls are lined with handwoven and wood-fired artworks, each infused with the resilient spirit of Taroko women. Founder Yuli draws inspiration from her grandmother. With her own hands, she weaves craftsmanship, memory, culture, and love, transforming traditional weaving into contemporary design that introduces more people to the beauty of Indigenous heritage, nature, and culture. In Xincheng Township, these elements intertwine across the land to create its most moving scenery.
Taroko Gorge in Recovery｜Xiulin Township
#NorthernmostPointofHualien
#TarokoNationalPark
#QingshuiCliff
#LargestTownshipbyAreainTaiwan
#Covering35percentofHualienCounty
Notice
Due to earthquake damage within Taroko National Park, sections of Provincial Highway No. 8 remain partially open. The Guanyuan to Tianxiang section is generally open from 06:00 to 16:30. The Tianxiang to Taroko entrance section allows passage at 06:30-08:00, 10:00-10:05, 12:00-13:00, 15:00-15:05, and 17:00-17:30. For detailed trail and scenic spot openings, please refer to official Taroko National Park updates.
Courtesy of Editorial Office and Brothers Hangout
Xiulin Township lies across the northern Central Mountain Range and is the largest mountain township in Hualien. It is home to a significant Taroko population, and half of its land is part of Taroko National Park. It encompasses majestic landscapes such as Taroko Gorge and Qingshui Cliff.
Forest Sanctuary Hidden in the Gorge｜Tianxiang Recreation Area
Located along the eastern section of the Cross-Island Highway, about 19 kilometers from Taroko, Tianxiang is a major river terrace recreation area within Taroko National Park. Here, the Dasha River and the Liwu River converge. Years of river carving have created layered terraces, meanders, potholes, and exposed gravel strata, making this an ideal base for exploring geological wonders. From the Jhih-huei Bridge, the contrasting rock formations on both sides offer rich educational value in geography and nature.
For travelers seeking a closer connection with the mountains, the broadleaf forests, singing insects, birds, and butterflies create a serene escape. In winter, the plum garden blooms with white petals drifting like snow, filling the air with fragrance and offering quiet beauty. This mountain sanctuary holds not only dramatic scenery but also history, culture, and the charm of changing seasons, making it an essential stop when visiting Taroko. Visitors are reminded not to expose food, as macaques may attempt to grab it.
Where History Meets the Forest｜Tabido Trail and Dekalun Trail
The Tabido Trail, located within the Tianxiang Recreation Area, is about 750 meters long, offering a compact adventure rich in cultural heritage and natural scenery. The trail begins beside Tianxiang Church, built sixty years ago by German missionaries. Along the way are remnants of the Mt. Hehuan Traversing Trail from the Japanese era, as well as traces of a Taroko settlement dating back three hundred years. The trail ends at the Tienhsiang Youth Activity Center, a landmark along the Cross-Island Highway. Though short, the route is varied, featuring a lookout rock with sweeping views and steep chain-assisted rock faces that challenge hikers.
The Dekalun Trail sits in the green hills opposite the Taroko Gorge Visitor Center. Starting from the Taroko terrace entrance, the first section is a zigzag path paved with grass mats, leading to steep stairways that rise to the highest point. The trail then passes through bamboo groves and natural earth paths, with rest platforms along the way for visitors to relax. Whether seeking Indigenous history or canyon vistas, the trail offers a delightful and exploratory forest experience.
A Majestic Coastal Sanctuary｜Chungte Recreation Area
The entrance to Chungte Recreation Area begins with stone steps beside the northern lookout platform of the Chongde Tunnel. Although the trail has not yet been fully restored after the earthquake, the first platform still offers a pavilion and seating, perfect for resting while listening to the waves and admiring the vast Pacific horizon. Looking north, Qingshui Cliff rises dramatically, one of Taiwan’s Eight Scenic Wonders. Early-morning visitors may catch the sunrise reflections over the sea and birds diving for fish, while late-afternoon may reveal fishermen pulling in their nets. Those driving the Suhua Highway should take a moment to stop and appreciate the grandeur and calm of this coast.
Qingshui Cliff is one of the most spectacular sights along the Pacific coast. Its towering rock walls rise directly from the sea, where layers of stone meet deep blue waters to create a breathtaking natural tableau. This area is perfect for gazing upon the dramatic meeting of mountain and ocean, and also for adventurous experiences on the water. During the “Qingshui Cliff SUP” activity, participants glide over still waters with the rhythm of the tides, moving toward golden morning light, a highlight no visitor to Hualien should miss.