Itineraries · 3 days
East coast by rail: Taipei, Hualien and Taroko
The scenic side of the island.
Classic
3 days · Taipei & Hualien
Numbers follow the order of the trip. Open a destination for the full guide.
Day by day
The plan
A three-day rail trip along Taiwan’s east coast, with Taroko trails, Qixingtan Beach and the slow road back to Taipei.
The scenic side of the island. This route is designed as a flexible sketch: keep the fixed transport, move the rest around the weather and your energy.
Day 1
Taipei to Hualien
Take the morning train south and spend the afternoon on the coast.
Train to Hualien
Sit on the left for the best coastal views.
Taipei
Lunch in Hualien
A simple bowl of noodles near the station.
Hualien
Qixingtan Beach
Pebble beach, Pacific wind and a long horizon.
Qixingtan
Hualien Night Market
Grilled seafood and local snacks.
Hualien
Day 2
Taroko Gorge
A full day in the gorge, using the shuttle between trailheads.
Shakadang Trail
A gentle river walk under marble cliffs.
Taroko
Swallow Grotto
Tunnels and river views along the old road.
Taroko
Lunch in Tianxiang
A simple meal near the visitor centre.
Tianxiang
Baiyang Trail
Waterfalls and a hanging bridge.
Taroko
Dinner in Hualien
Return to the city for seafood or noodles.
Hualien
Day 3
Coast and back to Taipei
A slow morning on the coast before the train north.
Qingshui Cliff viewpoint
The highway viewpoint over the marble cliffs and the Pacific.
Qingshui
Xincheng
A small coastal town and a good place for a coffee.
Xincheng
Lunch in Hualien
One last meal before the train.
Hualien
Train to Taipei
About two hours back to the capital.
Hualien
More itineraries
More itineraries
1 day
Classic
Taipei
Taipei in one day
Temples, dumplings, a skyline hike and the city after dark.
2 days
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Taipei
Two days: Taipei & Jiufen
A city day, then lanterns in the mountains.
3 days
Classic
Taipei & Taichung
Three days: Taipei, Taichung & Sun Moon Lake
From the capital to the lake, by high-speed rail.