Hualien · Things to do

Dawn paddles launch from Chongde and run beneath the cliffs. Weather dependent and often cancelled, so book flexibly.

Flat 5km circuit round a lake ringed by hills, 20 minutes inland. Bike hire and SUP boards at the visitor centre.

Sleepy Taroko gateway town with a Japanese shrine turned Catholic church and a famous ice cream mochi shop.

Rare iron-rich carbonate springs that run rusty orange, an hour south in the Rift Valley. Public and hotel pools both open.

Japanese-era mountain path through subtropical forest near Yuli. A permit is required even for the day-hike section.