I participated in a day tour to Taroko Gorge in Hualien, a place I was visiting for the first time.
I requested a guide who could speak Japanese, and it seems my request was granted. It was a very intimate tour with Sam, who spoke both Japanese and English, my husband and I, and one man from Switzerland.
The Qingshui Cliffs by the sea were wonderful, but I was most overwhelmed by Taroko Gorge. It felt like the setting of a fantasy movie, and I was deeply moved. I think this is a landscape you don't often see in Japan.
After Taroko Gorge, we had lunch and strolled around Xincheng Old Street. For lunch, we had a set menu at a stylish cafe-style restaurant.
After lunch, we visited what I believe is Taiwan's most famous lemonade shop, a donut shop, and a Catholic church.
The church, in particular, was wonderful, including its history.
We also visited the beautiful coastline of Qixingtan and a museum about dried bonito flakes, which is familiar to Japanese people. Thanks to our kind guide, it was a day where we fully enjoyed Hualien.
Unlike Taipei and other cities, Hualien's sights are spread out over a wide area, so it was great to be able to see everything efficiently on a tour. The lemonade is really delicious, I highly recommend it. I should have bought two bottles.
Five-star recommendation! We were so lucky to have met Guo En today, who took us to Sun Moon Lake and the farm. There were so many adorable sheep and a horse show! Guo En is incredibly warm and friendly, and his driving skills are top-notch! On the way down the mountain, the fog was thick and visibility was very low, making the mountain roads quite challenging. Guo En remained calm and composed throughout, driving smoothly and safely, giving us a very comfortable and reassuring ride.
Along the way, he also patiently explained the local architecture, culture, and stories, and recommended many delicious local dishes. His special recommendation of a goose meat restaurant was absolutely amazing, and we've already eaten it! He was patient, attentive, and hardworking all day, making for a fantastic tour experience. Next time I come to Taiwan, I will definitely choose Guo En again without hesitation! For anyone planning a chartered tour of Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, I highly recommend him! The misty mountain scenery was even more memorable than a sunny day. It was like visiting Sun Moon Lake, a place I learned about in elementary school textbooks. Tonight, we plan to go to the night market for some delicious food and further experience this wonderful place in Taichung.
The 1.5 hours became 2 hours as the guide was meticulous in sharing his experience as a young Ami. It’s a lot of fun! Bring a change of clothes as it is really hot.
We picked up the car at Taoyuan Airport, which was convenient, the paperwork was processed quickly, and the service was excellent. Returning the car at Kaohsiung Cheqian Station was also quick; we left our child's glasses in the car, and they responded promptly when we called to inquire. They also responded quickly to our email inquiries about the follow-up, and were very helpful. We are grateful for the staff's assistance. The car was also in excellent condition and very clean.
Aside from the card pickup location being a bit hard to find, everything else is great. The price is affordable, the internet speed is fast, and you can use the discounted price without needing to share with others. I highly recommend this for solo travelers.
Anonymous User
Solo traveler
Hualien Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit
Data source:Meteostat Update date:2025-09
Hualien year round climate
Spring (March–May): Average 19.2–24°C, warm and comfortable climate with less rainfall, suitable for outdoor activities. Common activities: flower viewing, cycling, hiking. Recommended clothing: light jacket, long-sleeved shirt, comfortable sneakers.
Summer (June–August): Average 26.5–27.4°C, hot and humid, with less rainfall but occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Common activities: swimming at the beach, water sports, night market visits. Recommended clothing: light and breathable clothing, hat, sunscreen.
Autumn (September–November): Average 21.8–26.6°C, pleasant climate, October is the rainiest month, so bring an umbrella. Common activities: maple leaf viewing, mountain hiking, rural experiences. Recommended clothing: comfortable long-sleeved shirts, light jackets, rain gear.
Winter (December–February): Average 16.5–18.5°C, lower temperatures, very little rainfall, relatively dry weather. Common activities: hot spring bathing, bird watching, museum visits. Recommended clothing: warm clothing, coats.
Hualien climatological average
Annual average temperature: approx. 22.8°C / Annual rainfall: approx. 97 mm / Summer humidity: 65%–75% / Rainiest month: October
Hualien monthly average temperature and precipitation
Month
Air temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
January
16.5°C
2
February
18.5°C
2.1
March
19.2°C
1.8
April
24°C
3.5
May
23.9°C
10
June
26.5°C
5.4
July
27.4°C
18
August
27.1°C
3.2
September
26.6°C
12.2
October
24.7°C
31
November
21.8°C
6.7
December
17.4°C
1.9
Hualien weather for the next seven days
9/25
Friday
Sunny
25.9°C/17.8°C
9/26
Saturday
Overcast
26°C/18.6°C
9/27
Sunday
Overcast
26.5°C/18.7°C
9/28
Monday
Light rain shower
24.8°C/18.6°C
9/29
Tuesday
Overcast
26.3°C/18.3°C
9/30
Wednesday
Overcast
25.4°C/18.7°C
10/1
Thursday
Patchy rain nearby
23.3°C/17.7°C
KKday App
Your Best Travel Buddy
Use the code APP5OFF to enjoy an exclusive in-app deal of 5% off (cap at USD$3) on your 1st orderScan here to download the app