When it comes to Hualien's beaches, most people think of the black pebbles at Qixingtan and the spectacular Qingshui Cliff, but the real travelers know—the essence of Hualien is the "waves." The east coast greets the Pacific's first waves, with northeast monsoon swells in winter and typhoon waves in summer, offering almost year-round surfing conditions. This has made it a secret base for Taiwan's surfing enthusiasts.
Unlike the touristy beaches on the west coast, Hualien's beaches retain more of their wild character. There are fewer tourists, most surf shops are locally-owned, and prices are more affordable. While winter is the peak season, summer's long swells are equally spectacular, with even fewer tourists—it's practically a private session. Here are several beaches with unique characteristics worth recommending:
Yanliao Beach is Hualien's most representative surf spot, reachable by scooter from Hualien City in about 20 minutes. The beach has a gentle, wide slope with steady winter waves, making it perfect for beginners. There are a couple of small surf shops on the shore where you can rent surfboards for approximately NT$200-300 per hour, and group lessons cost around NT$600-800. It's worth noting that there are no lifeguards on patrol here, so be sure to prioritize your own safety when entering the water. Local surfers say the waves are most gentle at 6 AM, with the sun just rising from the sea surface, complemented by the coastal Gaillardia flowers on the beach—absolutely beautiful.
Although Qixingtan is famous for its pebble beach, there's actually a sandy area on the outer side of the breakwater that few people know about. This spot is suitable for surfers with intermediate skills, as the pebble beach makes it more difficult to get in and out of the water, but the wave conditions are stable. We recommend visiting during sunset—when the sun sinks into the Pacific, the sea turns orange-red, creating a incredibly romantic scene. There are no surf shops around Qixingtan, so you'll need to bring your own equipment or rent it in the city before heading there.
Niusan Huting is another hidden gem beach, located about a 30-minute drive south of Hualien City. This spot has fewer tourists, preserving its original beach character. There's a meadow next to the beach, which is said to be where cattle were grazed in the past—hence the name. The waves at Niusan Huting are relatively gentle, but due to its remote location, there are almost no commercial facilities, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy independent exploration. This spot is best for sunset viewing, where you can see the peak of Yushan—Taiwan's highest mountain—faintly visible in the distance.
If you want to experience a more primitive coastline, you can head to Chongde Beach. Starting from Taroko National Park and heading south along the Suhua Highway for about 10 minutes, you'll arrive. This beach is smaller, but its proximity to the canyon gives it a distinctive landscape. During low tide, you can walk to the sea caves and feel the power of the Pacific. Note that rockfalls are common on the Suhua Highway, so drive with extra caution.
For practical information, the main transportation to Hualien's beaches is by scooter or car. Renting a scooter from Hualien Station costs approximately NT$300-500 per day. If taking a train from Taipei to Hualien, the journey takes about 2-3 hours, with ticket prices ranging from NT$440-860. The Tze-Chiang Express is faster, while the Chu Guang Express is cheaper. All beaches are free to access, though some private parking lots may charge NT$50-100. Hualien's beaches are open almost around the clock, but it's best to avoid typhoon days or days with unusual wave conditions.
Travel tips: Hualien's beach weather changes quickly, so be sure to check the Central Weather Administration's wave forecast before heading out. The sun on the east coast is extremely strong—even on cloudy days, you can get sunburned, so sunscreen and physical sun protection (long-sleeved clothing, sun hats) are essential. Additionally, many beaches don't have trash cans, so be sure to take your garbage with you to protect this rare pristine coastline. Beginners are advised to find local instructors, not only to learn technique but also to understand local sea conditions and tidal changes. Remember to bring a windproof jacket in winter—the sea wind can drop the temperature by over ten degrees!
