Rising 109 metres above Hualien City, this sweet-potato-shaped hill is criss-crossed with gentle trails and littered with rest areas and historic military bunkers. It's an easy and pleasant wander with plenty of vantage points, and in clear weather, early risers can catch the sunrise over the ocean.
HUALIEN COUNTY EASY HIKES
QIXINGTAN BEACH and 48 PLATEAU (七星潭海岸風景特定區/四八高地瞭望台)
This easy coastal stroll in Hualien combines the simple pleasures of a pebble beach with sweeping bay views from the grassy bluffs of 48 Plateau.
MOUNT YUEMEI (月眉山)
The ninetieth summit of Taiwan’s 100 Minor Peaks is a short and easy wander through a lemon grove and along a tree-lined ridge.
GREEN ISLAND LITTLE GREAT WALL (綠島小長城)
Named for the wooden steps that snake along the spine of the hill (loosely) resembling the Great Wall of China, this short walk on the eastern edge of Green Island is an easy way to soak in the coastal scenery.
LIYU MOUNTAIN (鯉魚山)
Climbing from the shore of Liyu Lake, the Liyu Mountain Trail is a short and pleasant shaded walk with ample opportunities for bird and monkey sightings.
LIYU LAKE (鯉魚潭)
Liyu Lake (aka Carp Lake) is situated a short drive southwest of Hualien City. As the county’s largest lake, it has been spruced up with a round-lake trail to attract hikers and bikers. The lake can be visited by private car or public transport and is a relaxing outdoor excursion that’s suitable for the whole family.
SAKUL WATERFALL TRAIL (撒固兒瀑布)
This short and pretty waterfall trail on the outskirts of Hualien offers a quick and easy getaway from the heat of the city.
MOUNT WANREN and SIXTY STONE MOUNTAIN (萬人山/六十石山)
Mount Wanren is an easy Xiao Bai Yue in the south of Hualien County. Although the climb to the summit is short, if you time your trip right, you can combine it with a visit to the spectacular daylily fields on the nearby slopes of Sixty Stone Mountain.
LONGYIN WATERFALL and SUSPENSION BRIDGE (龍吟瀑布/龍吟吊橋)
Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area—also known as Butterfly Valley—is a quiet tourist spot in Hualien. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air, take in the impressive river valley, walk the (almost too) exhilarating suspension bridge, and soak in the hot spring's restorative waters.