Guangfu Township

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.

The driver arrived at the agreed pick-up location quite punctually, and the ride was smooth and comfortable. The driver himself was also very friendly and kind. The price was about the same as booking a ride directly, but this one guaranteed someone would be there and allowed you to specify the pick-up location and time. I would highly recommend it if you're not driving yourself! (However, it's difficult to book a ride back from Farglory unless you use Uber and are willing to wait. Otherwise, just buy a round-trip ticket.)

The driver was of good quality and the vehicle was clean, but due to the flight delay, the driver initially didn't answer the system and wasn't dispatched immediately.