Route Guides

     Xincheng Old Street is located on Bo'ai Road in Xincheng Village, Xincheng Township, Hualien County. It is the earliest developed area of Xincheng and once prospered due to the Liwu River gold rush. In its heyday, the old street was home to singing halls, a movie theater, pubs, and various shops. As the gold rush faded and the Suhua Highway (Provincial Highway 9) was rerouted, foot traffic gradually decreased. Today, it retains a strong local historical atmosphere and the pace of a quiet town.

     The two sides of the old street are mostly local residences and small shops. The area is not large and is perfect for exploring on foot. While strolling, you can experience the simple daily life and, from the end of the street, gaze at the magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range. Alternatively, a five-minute walk will take you to the coast of Crescent Bay, where you can enjoy the scenery where the mountains meet the sea.

     The Xincheng Photo Studio is the most iconic landmark on the old street. Housed in a wooden building with over sixty years of history, it was a filming location for the movie Eternal Summer. The studio preserves various antique cameras and photography equipment and is open to the public for free, making it a popular spot for travelers to take nostalgic photos. The nearby Jiashing Ice Shop attracts many visitors with its signature lemonade, while the Xincheng Catholic Church is famous for its boat-shaped architecture coexisting with the remains of a Japanese shrine, making it a photogenic hotspot that combines history and architectural aesthetics.

     In recent years, the old street has been injected with new vitality as new businesses like the Mountains & Sea Department Store and Étude Bookstore have moved in, bringing a sense of revitalization. Étude Bookstore, run by the coach of the Xincheng Elementary School baseball team, offers books for borrowing only and serves coffee and tea, allowing travelers to experience local culture and hospitality.

     Xincheng Old Street is easily accessible, about a 30-minute drive from Hualien City. It can be reached by local train or by taking the "302A Xincheng Old Street Loop" bus, which began service in 2024. While it lacks a bustling commercial atmosphere, its peaceful ambiance, innovative reuse of old buildings, beautiful mountain and sea views, and a deep sense of history showcase the unique slow-living charm of Xincheng.

Xincheng Station	Zhen'an Temple	Jiashing Ice Shop	Xincheng Catholic Church

(Photo by Wu Shang-Qi)

▋ Nearby Bike Rental

Shanhai Department Store
Address: No. 73, Xinxing 1st Rd, Xincheng Township, Hualien County 971
Phone: 0929102286

▋ Nearby Attractions

Xincheng Seawall

Located just a 10-minute walk from Xincheng Old Street, the seawall offers a place for a leisurely stroll while feeling the salty sea breeze. Compared to Chihsingtan, it has fewer tourists, making it a perfect spot to relax and gaze at the serene ocean.

(Photo by Wu Shang-Qi)

Xincheng Old Street
Xincheng Old Street is located on Bo'ai Road in Xincheng Village, Xincheng Township, Hualien County. It is the earliest developed area of Xincheng and once prospered due to the Liwu River gold rush. In its heyday, the old street was home to singing halls, a movie theater, pubs, and various shops. As the gold rush faded and the Suhua Highway (Provincial Highway 9) was rerouted, foot traffic gradually decreased. Today, it retains a strong local historical atmosphere and the pace of a quiet town.

Xincheng Photo Studio

The Xincheng Photo Studio is the most iconic landmark on the old street. Housed in a wooden building with over sixty years of history, it was a filming location for the movie Eternal Summer. The studio preserves various antique cameras and photography equipment and is open to the public for free, making it a popular spot for travelers to take nostalgic photos.

(Photo by East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area Administration)

Xincheng Catholic Church

The Xincheng Catholic Church still preserves the sacred grounds of a former Japanese shrine. The site of the main hall is surrounded by nearly century-old Japanese black pine trees. This combination of nostalgic shrine ruins and the solemn church creates a quaint and historic atmosphere. In the flowerbed in front of the chapel, a marble monument inscribed with "Memorial for the Martyred Soldiers" can still be seen, with the names of the fallen Japanese soldiers faintly visible on the back.

(Photo by Hualien Tourism Information Website)

Jiashing Ice Shop
Jiashing Ice Shop is a signature establishment in Xincheng Village. The village was once a prosperous hub during the gold rush mentioned in Hualien author Wang Chen-ho's works. Over time, indigenous peoples, Han Chinese, and Japanese all engaged in trade here. During the Japanese colonial period, a sugar factory railway started in Xincheng. Jiashing Ice Shop serves various shaved ice desserts and hot meals, but it is most famous for its unique lemonade, which is made by blending whole lemons with the peel and adding condensed milk, giving it a distinctive milky-white color.

Asia Cement Ecological Park

The Asia Cement Ecological Park is dedicated to ecological restoration in Hualien. With extensive experience, it has successfully restored populations of various butterflies, stick insects, and plants, creating a rich and diverse habitat. Visitors of all ages are welcome to come and experience the charm of butterflies up close!

(Photo by Asia Cement Ecological Park)

     The Two Lakes Bikeway connects Chihsingtan and Liyu Lake and is the main route that links the bikeway system in the Hualien area. It spans a total of 35.5 kilometers, with a one-way trip taking about 3.5 hours. Cyclists can ride along the coastal road and seawall with the sea breeze, enjoying the gentle breeze of the Pacific Ocean while gazing at the azure sky, known for having the best air quality in Taiwan. Along the way, you'll also find the rich ecology of the Hualien River estuary and the tranquility of the mountains and wilderness. We invite you to experience Hualien's beautiful mountains and waters firsthand and enjoy the refreshing feeling of the complete ride.

     Looking out at the Pacific, the water is clean and blue, and the black stones are crystal clear. To the west, you can see lush green mountains and winding roads. Sunflower Plaza is adorned with vibrant colors, featuring 3D murals and a strong Southern European town atmosphere, adding a touch of whimsy to your leisurely bike ride. The section from the Hualien Port Landscape Bridge to the Shuguang Bridge has also been repaved with colored asphalt, making for a more comfortable ride.

     Crossing the slope-like seawall reveals the endless Pacific Ocean and large, eye-catching tetrapods extending into the sea. People can be seen sitting on the tetrapods, experiencing a rare sense of leisure that's hard to find in city life. In the distance, white boats dot the blue sea and sky, letting your thoughts drift with the sea breeze. A visit here offers a completely new experience.

 (Photo by Hualien County Government, H2U Health)

▋ Nearby Bike Rental

Down-to-Earth Bike Rental
Address: No. 10-1, Haibin St, Hualien City, Hualien County 970
Phone: 0970 668 985

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Chihsingtan

Also known as Crescent Bay, Chihsingtan is Hualien's only county-level scenic area. It features a strait formed by a fault line and a beautiful crescent-shaped bay, with rich natural and cultural landscapes. The seawater is clean and blue, and the black stones are crystal clear. From here, you can see lush green mountains and winding roads in the distance. The scenic area has a bikeway that allows visitors to easily explore famous spots like Nanbin Park, the Stone Sculpture Museum, and the Star-Gazing Plaza. In addition, there are educational signs about marine ecology near the fishing area and a coastal botanical garden built in the windbreak forest. The Stone Sculpture Park by the sea adds an artistic touch to Chihsingtan. You might even be lucky enough to see military jets from the nearby Hualien Airport flying overhead.

(Photo by East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area Administration)

Meilun Mountain

Meilun Mountain is a landmark of Hualien City, standing out prominently from the surrounding plains. At an elevation of 108 meters and covering an area of about 50 hectares, it is bordered by the vast Pacific Ocean to the east and the winding Meilun River to the west. It is considered Hualien's "backyard garden" and is a popular spot for residents to exercise and enjoy the scenery at dawn and dusk.

(Photo by Hualien Tourism Information Website)

Beibin Park

Part of the larger Pacific Park, this section features the famous Beibin Sunrise Beach Park and an entrance landmark called "Carp Leaping Over the Dragon's Gate." It is also home to incredible 3D art, including a massive 30-meter diameter 3D painting, a vivid ocean world mural, and large installation art pieces. Recently, new facilities like an extreme sports park, a children's sandpit, and volleyball courts have been added, making it a favorite spot for local youth.

(Photo by Hualien Tourism Information Website)

Nanbin Park

This section of Pacific Park features a large sandpit with a pirate ship, swings, and trampolines, making it incredibly popular with families. The "Love Slide," designed by famous cartoonist Hsiao Yen-Chung, is a playground facility inspired by a scene of an elephant family playing. The adjacent Nanbin Bikeway is smooth and perfect for both cycling and strolling. It's an ideal place for families to play in the sand, watch the sea, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon together.

(Photo by Hualien Tourism Information Website)

Hualien Port Lighthouse

Originally built in 1910 on Huagang Mountain, the Hualien Port Lighthouse was initially a simple 10-meter-tall iron pole. In 1964, it was rebuilt using materials from a decommissioned lighthouse, increasing its height to the current 28.4 meters. Because of its excellent vantage point, its light fixture is much smaller than those on other tower-style lighthouses.

(Photo by Tourism Administration, MOTC, R.O.C.)

The General's House 1936

Located by the Meilun River, "The General's House 1936" is a complex of eight Japanese-style wooden buildings constructed in the 1930s. The site has been revitalized to blend nature, history, and modernity. It now hosts several contemporary food brands that feature local Hualien ingredients, such as Jia Curry and The Fishery. The park also includes gift shops and hands-on experience stores, creating a space known as "Hualien's living room." Themed exhibitions are held periodically, allowing visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in Japanese-style charm and local history.

(Photo by Hualien Tourism Information Website)

Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park

Formerly the Hualien Winery, this 3.3-hectare park features 26 historic buildings that retain their Japanese-era cypress and concrete architectural styles. The park regularly hosts large-scale events, exhibitions, lectures, and craft workshops. A regular weekend market features local artisans and live music. The park is also home to the "Dome Hualien Creative Hub," a center for technology, culture, and social entertainment, and the nation's first "AI Pop Music Base," which aims to cultivate musical talent in Eastern Taiwan.

(Photo by Tourism Administration, MOTC, R.O.C.)

     Located at the foot of Liyu (Carp) Mountain in Shoufeng Township's Chinan Village, Liyu Lake was named for the adjacent mountain which resembles a carp. The lake area can be divided into a north and south side. The north side is near attractions like Tongmen, Mugumuyu, and Emerald Valley, while the south side is close to the Chinan National Forest Recreation Area and Baibao River. It is one of Hualien's most popular scenic areas, offering a variety of recreational activities such as a lakeside trail, forest trails, Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), and boat tours.

     On weekends, it's a favorite spot for locals to have picnics and family outings. During the firefly breeding season, the twinkling lights of fireflies illuminate the dark Liyu Lake, attracting schools, families, and tourists for a memorable eco-tour.

     Liyu Lake features a 5-kilometer loop bikeway that allows cyclists to enjoy the pleasant lake and mountain scenery. Additionally, the 601-meter-high Liyu Mountain has several forest trails. From the observation deck at the highest point, you can overlook the majestic Central Mountain Range, Mount Qilai, and the East Rift Valley, making it an excellent hiking route for enjoying a forest bath, bird watching, and flower viewing.

 (Photo by Hualien County Government, H2U Health)

▋ Nearby Bike Rental

Youjia Bike Rental
Address: No. 100, Huantan N. Rd, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County 974 (Carp Lake Visitor Center)
Phone: 03 864 1691

▋ Nearby Attractions

Liyu Mountain Trail

Liyu Mountain is named for its resemblance to a reclining carp. The trail system includes several paths for fitness, bird-watching, nature exploration, and hiking, with viewpoints and picnic spots. Visitors can choose a route based on their physical fitness and available time. The adjacent Liyu Lake, with its beautiful mountain and water scenery, is famous for the "Leaping Carp in the Clear Pond," one of the Eight Sights of Hualien. The trail passes through low-altitude broadleaf forests and plantations. In spring, cherry blossoms and in autumn, the Taiwan Golden-Rain Tree, adorn the mountainside with vibrant colors. From April to May, it becomes a popular spot for firefly watching. [Partially Open] From August 5, 2025, to November 30, 2025, sections of the Bird-Watching Trail within the Liyu Mountain Trail system are expected to be closed.

(Photo by Hualien Forest District Office)

Chinan National Forest Park

Located near Liyu Lake, the Chinan National Forest Recreation Area was formerly the Chinan Workstation. The park features multiple hiking trails, preserves precious logging equipment such as steam-powered logging machines and engines, and is home to a rich natural ecology, including butterflies and Black Bulbuls. It is also a great place for night-time firefly viewing from April to May, making it an excellent destination for family outings and school field trips.

In the past, the area was a crucial logging collection point for the Papaya Mountain logging district. Timber felled in the mountains was transported via the Halun railway and cableways to Chinan before being shipped elsewhere. Although logging operations ceased in 1986, the park still retains a rich heritage of forestry culture, with a Forestry Exhibition Hall and outdoor displays of steam and diesel logging machines and cable transport systems.

     The Shoufeng Township Loop Bikeway connects from Provincial Highway 9 under the Muguaxi Bridge, passing through Pinghe Village into Shoufeng. The route is filled with charming rural scenery. Near Xikou Village, there is a large forest of Taiwan Incense Cedar, a species endemic to Taiwan. Unlike common shrublands, this coniferous forest has a sleek and majestic appearance. After crossing Highway 9 at Xikou Village, the view opens up to endless fields. In midsummer, waves of rice paddies ripple in the wind, and after the harvest, a sea of flowers competes for attention. The route then heads north, passing Bilian Temple, which was originally a Japanese shrine, and Fengtian Village, a former Japanese immigrant settlement. Along the way, you can see remaining torii gates and ruins, as if traveling back in time to an ancient Hualien farming village.

     A leisurely journey allows one to discover the beauty of local culture; a careful tasting reveals the deliciousness of the food. With a reverence for nature, we resist anything that goes against it. Different from the hustle and bustle of urban areas, what is presented here is a beauty of subtlety and simplicity. The stories of Shoufeng Township are often hidden within its pastoral landscapes and magnificent ocean. We welcome you to Shoufeng Township. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of the green mountains and clear waters. Quietly enjoy the "slow travel, slow food, slow living, and slow pace," and savor the "philosophy of decelerating life."

 (Photo by Hualien County Government, H2U Health)

The Fengzhigu Nature Eco Park is rich in ecological resources. Commonly seen birds include the Taiwan Barbet, egrets, herons, Ring-necked Pheasant, and moorhens. Common frogs include the Black-spectacled Toad and Günther's Frog. Common insects include cicadas, rhinoceros beetles, grasshoppers, and mantises. The park is also home to native ferns and sensitive plants. To protect the ecosystem, the park does not use pesticides or chemical fertilizers, so all fruits and vegetables are grown organically. Current crops include guava, bananas, and roselle.

(Photo by Hualien County Government, H2U Health)

▋ Nearby Bike Rental

Fengzhigu Nature Eco Park
Address: No. 1, Lixiang Rd, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County 974
Phone: 03 865 6789

▋ Nearby Attractions

Fengzhigu Nature Eco Park
Covering an area of 5.7 hectares, Fengzhigu Nature Eco Park focuses on environmental education, food and agriculture education, farming experiences, and DIY workshops centered on agriculture, plant landscapes, rivers, and wetland ecology.

Promisedland Resort & Lagoon

Promisedland is the only hotel in Taiwan selected for the "100 Hotels + Resorts" list, praised as a "place that uplifts the soul." The resort features Spanish-style villas along a river, a 2.2-kilometer canal, vast green fields, antique furniture, and art collections, all built with organic materials. Its landscape of lakes and mountains creates a romantic atmosphere reminiscent of Bali and Venice.

(Photo by Hualien County Government, H2U Health)

Li Chuan Aquafarm

Located in Shoufeng, Li Chuan Aquafarm uses natural spring water to cultivate plump and delicious golden clams. The farm features a cultural and ecological center, a clam museum, a wading pool for clam digging, and a restaurant. Here, you can learn about the life cycle of golden clams and the farming process, and also personally experience the fun of "digging for clams while washing your pants." It is a very popular destination for family fun.

(Photo by East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area Administration)

Yuzhan Nursery (Bald Cypress Secret Spot)

Every autumn and winter, the bald cypress trees at Yuzhan Nursery gradually turn from green to gold. The vast, brilliant yellow forest is reflected in the sparkling water, complemented by the swimming koi fish, adding a lively touch to the North American-like scenery. Enjoying afternoon tea by the water, feeding the koi, or feeding grass to the cows makes for a pleasant afternoon.

National Dong Hwa University

Nestled between the majestic Central Mountain Range to the west and the continuous Coastal Mountain Range to the east, National Dong Hwa University's vast campus features lush lawns, European-style architecture, and three beautiful lakes. The most famous is East Lake, where the glistening water, European buildings, and distant green mountains create a picture-perfect scene, making it a classic spot for travelers and wedding photos.

(Photo by East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area Administration)

Dreamwood Farm

Dreamwood Farm became famous after being featured in a commercial. It boasts stunning scenery reminiscent of a European postcard, with a lush bald cypress forest reflected in the water. In spring, irises bloom along the lake, and in autumn, the forest turns into a colorful spectacle of yellow and green. Walking on the stone path across the small dam, you can't help but be immersed in the beauty of this waterside forest.

Hualien County Archeology Museum

Located in the Fengtian area, near Taiwan's largest prehistoric jade workshop, the Hualien County Archeology Museum houses a rich collection of artifacts unearthed from local archaeological sites. It carries the memory of Hualien's prehistoric culture and combines the functions of research, collection, exhibition, and public service to showcase the long and splendid trajectory of Hualien's prehistoric development.

(Photo by Hualien County Archeology Museum)

     Discover the charm of Hualien's tourism by cycling through its fields and footpaths at a slow pace. County Road 193, one of Taiwan's most beautiful highways, features a section in the Chunri area where the Madagascar almond trees on both sides of the road are beginning to turn from green to yellow. The winding golden-green tunnel, set against the backdrop of lush green fields, is a recommended local secret spot for enjoying a slow-paced lifestyle.

     Stretching for 110 kilometers, County Road 193 offers views of both the forested coastline and the endless ocean on the other side, making it one of the most recommended roads for a scenic drive.

     The section from Chunri Village to the end of Lehe Village in Yuli Township is planted with various tree species, including Madagascar almond, flame trees, and golden shower trees. This stretch, extending for many kilometers, offers a different landscape with each season. Especially when the flowers are in full bloom, the sea of flowers stretching for kilometers often causes drivers to slow down, or even pull over to take a few photos before continuing their journey.

     To fully appreciate the natural scenery here, the most recommended way is, of course, to ride a bicycle. Pass through the golden tunnel at a slow pace, and immerse yourself in the natural scenery while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the local indigenous people!

 (Photo by Hualien County Government, H2U Health)

▋ Nearby Rental Station

Xiao Yan Scooter Rental
Address: No. 86, Sec. 1, Zhongzheng N. Rd, Ruisui Township, Hualien County 978
Phone: 03 887 5587

▋ Nearby Attractions

Ruisui Station

As the train arrives at Ruisui Station, you are greeted by a cheerful dairy farm theme. The platform seats are shaped like cute cows, full of color and whimsy. The station's exterior walls use indigenous slate materials and a streamlined design, reflecting the elegant dynamism of the area's old name, "Shuibi" (Water's End). Just around the corner from the station are must-try local delicacies like Ruisui Green Tea Meatballs and Tu Mama's Zongzi.

(Photo by East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area Administration)

Ruisui Pasture

Famous throughout Taiwan for its fresh milk, Ruisui Pasture features a restaurant and an outdoor cafe. Here, you can not only drink fresh milk straight from the source but also see herds of dairy cows and ostriches leisurely roaming the grasslands. You can buy hay to feed them by hand, and the spacious park is a perfect place for children to run and play, making it an ideal family-friendly destination.

(Photo by East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area Administration)

Chi Po-lin Tree
This tree became famous in memory of director Chi Po-lin, who filmed the acclaimed documentary Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above. While filming the famous "big footprint" in the rice paddies, he waited for days for the rain to stop, praying under this mango tree for clear skies. To commemorate his perseverance in protecting Taiwan's homeland, the local indigenous community named this tree the "Chi Po-lin Tree."

Chunri Green Tunnel

Because County Road 193 has little traffic and few large vehicles, it is perfect for a leisurely drive or bike ride. The section from Chunri Village to Lehe Village in Yuli Township is planted with various trees, including Madagascar almond and flame trees. This "green tunnel" offers a different landscape each season, and when the flowers are in full bloom, the scenery is so stunning that it often makes drivers slow down to admire it.

(Photo by Hualien County Hakka Culture Museum)

Xiuguluan River Visitor Center
When it comes to water activities in the Hualien-Taitung area, the most famous and exciting is undoubtedly rafting on the Xiuguluan River. Since the 1980s, it has been the top choice for rafting in Taiwan. Every summer, the 24-kilometer stretch of the river from Ruisui Bridge to Changhong Bridge is filled with bright red rafts, navigating over 20 rapids of varying difficulty. The East Coast National Scenic Area Administration established the Ruisui Rafting Visitor Center here, which provides information, safety videos, and a camping area for visitors.
Please note: The visitor center is currently under reconstruction, and its iconic totem pole landmark has been removed.

Tropic of Cancer Marker Park
Located on the Wuhe Tableland in Ruisui, this park features a striking white sundial-shaped marker, a must-visit photo spot for travelers. The park also has a parking lot, a giant teapot installation, restrooms, and walking paths. The Tropic of Cancer is the line of latitude at 23.5°N, marking the northernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead. On the summer solstice, a unique phenomenon occurs here where vertical objects cast no shadow at noon. Taiwan is a rare oasis along the Tropic of Cancer, as most other regions at this latitude are deserts.

(Photo by East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area Administration)

Chike Mountain Daylily Fields
Famous for its "Three Sights" and vast fields of daylilies, Chike Mountain is a stunning destination, especially during the daylily season from August to September. During this time, the entire mountain is covered in a sea of golden-yellow flowers. In the Japanese colonial period, the area was known for its Akako trees, which were used to make rifle stocks. Later, settlers began cultivating crops, eventually focusing on daylilies. When visiting, be sure to see the "Three Sights": three large black igneous rocks nestled in the daylily fields, the uniquely shaped "Thousand-Ton Stone Turtle," and the historic Wang Family's old house.
Travel Reminder: During the daylily season, there are traffic controls and shuttle bus services.

(Photo by East Longitudinal Valley National scenic Area Administration)