Hualien City City Guide

Try local mochi, wontons, and aboriginal dishes. International food is available but limited. Vegetarian and vegan options exist but are moderate. Night market stays busy late.

Nightlife is quiet with casual bars and night market stalls. Few places for drinks or live music.

Growing coffee culture with independent cafes and a few specialty roasters. Focus on cozy atmospheres.

Tipping is not expected. Sometimes a service charge is included but no extra tip is required.

Buy SIM cards at the airport or in Hualien from Chunghwa Telecom, Far EasTone, or Taiwan Mobile. Some providers offer eSIMs. ID or passport needed.

Streets are clean, especially in tourist areas. Waste collection is efficient with recycling.

7-Eleven and FamilyMart convenience stores open 24/7. Pharmacies rarely 24/7. Limited night clinics. Night market offers late food.

Supermarkets have limited international products but growing selection. Main chains are Carrefour and PX Mart. Fresh markets like Dongdamen offer produce and local goods. Stores open from morning until late evening. Convenience stores open daily.

Cards work in bigger stores, hotels, and some restaurants, but many small shops and markets take only cash.

ATMs are common in banks and 7-Eleven or FamilyMart convenience stores. International withdrawal fees vary by your bank.

Local schools teach mostly in Mandarin. Few international schools in town; most are in Taipei.

Small nomad scene with few meetups or co-living spaces. Work-friendly cafes exist, but no strong community hubs.

Good parks like Meilun Mountain Park and Pine Garden offer green space and shaded walking paths.

Safe routes along Qixingtan Beach and riverside parks. Local running groups exist.

Fitness centers and some hotel gyms are available.

Tennis courts available at sports complexes and some schools.

Padel courts are rare or unavailable.

Several yoga studios and some meditation programs are offered. Spa services limited.

Local schools offer Taekwondo, Karate, Judo. Limited options for BJJ or Muay Thai. English instruction rare.

No ski resorts in Taiwan.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, rafting popular especially near Qingshui Cliffs and Liyu Lake. Rentals and tours available.

Surf spots like Jici Beach are 30 minutes away. Year-round warm water, wetsuit advised in winter. Both beginner and advanced spots exist.

Diving sites with good visibility and marine life. Equipment rental available. Best from spring to autumn.

Hualien has good hospitals like Hualien Tzu Chi with some English-speaking staff. Public health care is strong and private clinics are available. Pharmacies are common but rarely 24/7.

Tap water should be boiled before drinking. Safe for brushing and washing. Bottled water is widely sold.

Good playgrounds in parks and kid-friendly cafes. Baby supplies are easy to find. Family spots include ocean parks and nature trails near Taroko Gorge.

Taiwan is progressive on LGBTQ+ rights; Hualien is generally accepting but quieter. Safe spaces limited. Same-sex marriage legal.

Pet-friendly places vary. Vet services and supplies exist but few dedicated pet parks. Strict import rules.