Attraction · Hualien
Qixingtan Beach
A long crescent of smooth pebbles and big Pacific waves, with mountains behind and a paved path along the shore. Sunrise here is spectacular.
Photo: Artemas Liu · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
The visit
Come before sunrise and walk the pebble beach as the Pacific turns from grey to blue. The long cycle path makes it easy to combine the beach with nearby lookouts. It is a calm, breezy counterpoint to Hualien’s busy streets.
History and context
This crescent of smooth pebbles on the Pacific lies just north of Hualien city. Once a quiet fishing coast, it is now known for its sunrises and views back toward the Central Mountain Range.
For much of the 20th century the coast here was a restricted military zone, which helped keep the beach undeveloped. In recent decades it has become Hualien’s favourite promenade, with a cycling path and lookout points replacing the old checkpoints.
What to see
- Sunrise over the Pacific
- Pebble beach with mountain views
- Cycling path along the coast
- Lookout points and café stops
Practical notes
- Allow about: 2 hours
- Type: beach
- Destination: Hualien
- Tickets: Free
- Best time: Morning
- Booking: Not needed
- Accessibility: Partial
Getting there
- Bus: 105 / 310 from Hualien Station
Good to know
The stones are protected — do not take them home. The beach is best at dawn or late afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take?
Recommended duration: 2 hours.
When is the best time to visit?
Go in the morning, when it is cooler and less crowded.
Do I need to book?
No booking is needed.
Location
Keep exploring
More places in Hualien
Hualien Night Market
A lively, locally focused night market with grilled seafood, indigenous-style barbecue, and stalls run by families rather than chains.
NatureLiyu Lake
A calm lake surrounded by forest and gentle cycling paths, popular with families and birdwatchers. It is a peaceful counterpoint to the drama of the gorge.
ViewpointQingshui Cliff
A towering wall of marble and green rock plunging into layered blue sea, one of the most photographed stretches of the Suhua Highway. The viewpoint is a short stop on the coastal road.
NatureTaroko Gorge
A dramatic marble gorge with trails for every level, from the easy Shakadang Trail along a turquoise river to the nerve-testing Zhuilu Old Trail. The scenery is unlike anywhere else in Taiwan.