Hualien is the largest city on the east coast, but that doesn't say much. It is still much smaller and quieter than just about any place on the west. Most of the people who come to Hualien stay the night as they are traveling down the East Coast Highway, or they use the town as a base for exploring the nearby sites, especially the spectacular Taroko National Park.

 
The main attraction in the park is the Taroko Gorge. The Central Cross-Island Highway runs through the gorge along a road chiseled into the cliffs. Without a doubt, it is one of the world's wonders of civil engineering. The sleepy town of Tienhsiang offers lodging for those who think Hualien is still too big. It's a favorite honeymoon destination, so you'll need to call far in advance.
 
The Hsiukulaun River is probably the best place in Taiwan, if not all East Asia, for river rafting.
 
Hualien is the home to 80,000 aborigines mostly from the Ami Tribe and others from the Atayal Tribe.

The Hsiukulaun River is probably the best place in Taiwan, if not all East Asia, for river rafting. A guided tour of the river is very affordable. Kayaks are also becoming common.

Closer to town is a very nice beach, but it's more for looking than for swimming. Marble mining is the main industry here, aside from tourism, and small marble souvenirs abound.

Hualien is the home to 80,000 aborigines mostly from the Ami Tribe and others from the Atayal Tribe. It is not uncommon to see the aborigines performing in their traditional bright costumes singing and dancing in a circular fashion. Markets are set up nearby selling handmade handicrafts from woven baskets to beads and dresses.

For more information on Hualien, visit
http://www.sinica.edu.tw/tit/scenery/1096_Hualien.html
Send To Friend   Print   TOP  

www.hess.com.twEducationBookstorePublishingCLICKAboutCareers

Site MapContact UsHelp
Copyright 2006 © HESS INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.