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Xiuguluan River Rafting

Xiuguluan River Rafting (秀姑巒溪泛舟) is a must-do water activity when visiting Hualien! With a total length of 24 kilometers, the best time to experience this adventure is from May to October. The rafting journey can last 3-4 hours, taking you through exhilarating rapids, whirlpools, and challenging shallows, providing an energizing and thrilling experience.

Of course, such adventurous activities come with comprehensive instruction and safety measures. It is recommended to check different packages and types of boats offered by various vendors online. Some may even include photography and meal services. It's important to fuel up before embarking on the rafting journey, as it's non-stop excitement. Additionally, equipment will be provided by the vendors, but it's advisable to prepare in advance for items such as sunscreen and water, as prolonged exposure to the sun is expected during the experience.

Phone

+886-3-8875400 (Rafting Visitor Center)

Address

No.215, Sec. 3, Zhongshan Rd., Ruisui Township, Hualien County 978, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Business hours

Tuesday - Monday 23:00 - 02:00

Nearby

Liyu Lake

Liyu Lake (鯉魚潭) is the largest inland lake in the Hualien area, named after its shape resembling a carp due to the surrounding mountains. There are various activities available around the lake, such as renting bicycles from shops near the scenic area to cycle around the lake, or experiencing stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), duck boat paddling, and electric boating on the lake in the early morning to appreciate the beautiful lake and mountain scenery in different ways.

There are also some food establishments around the lakeside where visitors can dine or enjoy snacks, and parking at the scenic area is convenient with no entrance fee, allowing visitors to stay for at least an hour or more. The lakeside trail is approximately 4 kilometers long, and there are several forest trails nearby for hiking. The nearby Yushan Theological College & Seminary Pink Trail is also a great spot for cherry blossom viewing during the blooming season.

Every year, there are some regular events held here, such as the Red-Faced Duck Water Dance and the firefly season. Visitors are encouraged to come with a leisurely mindset, leave behind the stress of time, and immerse themselves in the tranquil lakeside beauty and relaxation.

ActivityFoodAttractions

Jade DIY

The village "Fengtian" has ever been the largest source place of Nephrite (soft jade). More than 60% of the Nephrite in the world came from the mine in Central Mountain Range nearby the village during 1962 to 1986. The Jade known for "Fengtian Jade" (豐田玉) is famous throughout the would that time and make the village the most prosperous and affluent in Hualien.

During the energy crisis and economy recession in the world. The loss and deficit cause the mining company closed and no longer did mining in this area. Now the mine is closed and allow no one visit inside. However, there are some jade could be found in the downstream area of the mine: Baibow Stream (白鮑溪), which is a great place to pick the small jade stone.

Have you ever dreamed of making you own jade necklace or decorations? You can walk down to the stream to pick up the Jade, then bring the jade stone back to the factory and polish them by yourself. It's sound interesting and could be regarded as an unique souvinior during the trip in Taiwan.

ActivityAttractions

Yunshanshui

The entire Yunshanshui (雲山水) park is surrounded by a lake, with several guesthouses and cafes inside. It became popular after a Taiwanese local beverage brand filmed an advertisement there, making it look like a scene from a European postcard. During the annual rainy season from November to February, along with the nearby castle-style guesthouses, it creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a fairy tale. The reflection of the lake and mountains creates a tranquil and idyllic setting, making Yunshanshui (雲山水) a hidden gem in the Hualien area.

At the northern end of the park, there is a Yunshanshui (雲山水) Botanical Farm, where visitors need to purchase a ticket that includes a 50 yuan voucher. In spring, the irises at Yunshanshui (雲山水) bloom, while in autumn, the red cypress trees color the area. The lake and mountain views change throughout the year, offering visitors different experiences in different seasons. For those who want to immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere of the eastern region, they can choose to stay in one of the several guesthouses in Yunshanshui (雲山水) for a night.

For a more dreamy experience, visitors can book a Yunshanshui (雲山水) Dream Lake SUP paddleboarding/canoeing experience and quietly row on the lake, making time seem to stand still. It's important to note that the entire Yunshanshui (雲山水) park includes both public and private areas, so it's recommended to observe any regulations and precautions before entering each guesthouse, natural scenic area, or café.

If visiting the park only, entrance tickets need to be purchased.

Attractions

Tobacco Barn House Village

Fenglin (鳳林) was famous for tobacco leaves harvesting since the Japanese Colonial Era. At that time, Japanese government arranged Fenglin, Ruisui (瑞穗), Jian (吉安), and Yuli (玉里), that were towns along the East Rift Valley, as the places for tobacco leaves growing. Tobacco leaves were significant cash crops. In the past, there was a tobacco barn on top of each house, and it was used to roast the freshly harvested leaves. The bigger barn one had, the richer one was. The process was harsh. Basically, after harvesting for one whole day, farmers had to roast leaves right away. During the roasting process, farmers had to flip the leaves and rearranged the position to ensure all parts were roasted evenly and no burning part. After this drying process going through the night, farmers would put them to the barn for the next. There was a small cottage on top of the barn for exhausting the smoke. The wall of the barn was made of stems and shells of rice to allow good ventilation and heat preservation overnight.

Because the whole process of making tobacco was not healthy to farmers and the roasting machine was invented, the tobacco leaves roasting culture gradually declined. Not until 21st century did the government start to preserve the barns. There are only a few left and some of them are more than sixty years old.

Attractions

Lintianshan

Lintianshan Forestry Culture Park (林田山林業事業文化園區) is one of the three major forest farms in eastern Taiwan. The most eye-catching features in the park include the well-preserved Japanese cypress houses, historical logging tools, the Zhongshan Hall used for social and entertainment purposes, a group of Japanese cypress buildings, and the transportation railway, all of which bear the traces of history.

During the peak of logging in Taiwan in the 1960s, the Hualien cypress forests were developed for over half a century from Langshan, Harun, to Lintianshan (林田山林業事業文化園區). The bustling scene in the Lintianshan (林田山林業事業文化園區) area was once known as ""Little Shanghai,"" with a population of over two thousand people, forming a community. As a result, facilities such as a clinic, welfare society, rice shop, grocery store, laundry, barber shop, fire brigade, kindergarten, and elementary school were built to meet the community's needs, creating a rich living environment at that time.

Today, there are still about 50 residents living here. As visitors stroll through the park, observing the daily life of the residents coexisting with the Japanese-style dormitories, there is a sense of dissonance yet also a surreal feeling of crossing time and space.

The entire park can be explored at a leisurely pace in about an hour. For a deeper experience, visitors can proceed to the ""Morisaka Trail"" within the park, not only to burn some calories but also to further appreciate the beauty of living in harmony with the forest in this area.

Attractions

Jing Pu Tropic of Cancer landmark

The Tropic of Cancer landmark in Hualien County is a distinctive attraction divided into two locations: the marker in Wuhe Village of Ruisui Township and the one in Jing Pu of Fengbin Township. Each of these monuments has its own unique style and charm, attracting visitors from all around.

The marker in Wuhe Village features an elegant white octopus shape, surrounded by colorful flowers and greenery, creating a small park atmosphere. Visitors who enter this area feel as though they have stepped into a serene paradise. In contrast, the Jing Pu marker boasts a proud, clean, upright design and is located at the 70.5-kilometer mark on Taiwan Highway 11. From this vantage point, the views of the Coastal Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean intertwine beautifully, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing and providing photography enthusiasts with a perfect backdrop.

Every year during the summer solstice at noon, sunlight will cast unique shadows on these Tropic of Cancer markers, creating a remarkable astronomical phenomenon, particularly the shadowless pole effect, which leaves viewers in awe. Standing beneath the markers, visitors can personally experience the profound impact of this natural occurrence, deepening their connection with the universe.

The Tropic of Cancer landmark in Hualien County is not only aesthetically pleasing but also an excellent place for educational enjoyment. Each marker is accompanied by information panels that introduce knowledge about celestial events, climate, and Earth sciences, allowing visitors to learn while they explore the rich natural sciences. This combination of natural beauty and educational significance makes the Tropic of Cancer markers a wonderful place to discover. The beautiful surrounding environment, along with these historically meaningful markers, creates a unique recreational spot, perfect for family vacations or solo adventures, where everyone can enjoy the experience.