Hualien
History
Hualien was originally called Kilai (奇萊) by Taiwanese aboriginals. In 1851, Chinese settlers arrived. Qing Dynasty recorded the name of the region as "Huilan" (洄瀾, eddies) due to the whirling of waters in the delta. Gradually, people call this area “Hualien” and then it becomes the official name. Compared to other areas in Taiwan, Hualien has disproportionate development. However, the late modernization preserve Taiwanese aboriginal culture in Hualien. |
Geography
Hualien is located on the eastern coast of Taiwan. It faces the Central Mountain Range on the west and the Pacific Ocean on the east. Hualien is mountainous, so the population gathers mainly in the Huatung Valley between Central Mountain Range and Haian Range. Aborigines make up one-fourth of the population of Hualien County (about 90,000) and the Hakka people comprise about thirty percent of inhabitants. |
Tourist Attraction
Hualien County is famous for tourism. The cycle path along the coastline in Hualien is well suited for biking. One can enjoy the cycling and admire the beautiful boundless sea at the same time. If one wants to view natural landscapes, Taroko National Park, Liyu Lake, and Qingshui Cliff will be great choices. If you likes to do exciting outdoor activities, white water rafting on Siouguluan River will never disappoint you. Taiwanese aboriginal culture is another feature of Hualien. Taibalang Tribal Village and Matai’an Old House are good places which represent aboriginal culture in Taiwan.
Hualien County is famous for tourism. The cycle path along the coastline in Hualien is well suited for biking. One can enjoy the cycling and admire the beautiful boundless sea at the same time. If one wants to view natural landscapes, Taroko National Park, Liyu Lake, and Qingshui Cliff will be great choices. If you likes to do exciting outdoor activities, white water rafting on Siouguluan River will never disappoint you. Taiwanese aboriginal culture is another feature of Hualien. Taibalang Tribal Village and Matai’an Old House are good places which represent aboriginal culture in Taiwan.
Delicacy
Wonton and Mochi are the famous food in Hualien. Wonton is a type of dumpling commonly found in a number of Chinese cuisines. Wonton soup can be found in many eateries in Hualien. Mochi is a kind of desert similar to Japanese rice cake and has many favors. Besides, traditional aboriginal cuisines are tasty as well. One may taste some game in aboriginal restaurants.
Wonton and Mochi are the famous food in Hualien. Wonton is a type of dumpling commonly found in a number of Chinese cuisines. Wonton soup can be found in many eateries in Hualien. Mochi is a kind of desert similar to Japanese rice cake and has many favors. Besides, traditional aboriginal cuisines are tasty as well. One may taste some game in aboriginal restaurants.
Transportation
One can go to Hualien by airplane, railway, or car. It takes only 35 minutes from Taipei to Hualien by airplane. Tourists usually travel to Hualien by train although it takes two to three hours. They do that in order to enjoy the majestic coastal scenery of Taiwan during the ride. Some people drive to Hualien because they can have mobility. It is highly suggested that travelers have a car or motorcycles with them because the public transportation in Hualien is inconvenient.
One can go to Hualien by airplane, railway, or car. It takes only 35 minutes from Taipei to Hualien by airplane. Tourists usually travel to Hualien by train although it takes two to three hours. They do that in order to enjoy the majestic coastal scenery of Taiwan during the ride. Some people drive to Hualien because they can have mobility. It is highly suggested that travelers have a car or motorcycles with them because the public transportation in Hualien is inconvenient.