Hualien County and its largest city, Hualien City, are among the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The area is home to many excellent accommodations and plenty to see and do. Whether you are going on a solo trip, an adventure with friends, or a getaway with your family, you can experience the best of what Taiwan has to offer with local minsu stays in Hualien County. Find out where to visit some of the top attractions in the area as well!
Why You Should Visit Hualien County
Hualien County is one of the best places to visit in Taiwan for its stunning natural beauty and rich culture. When Portuguese sailors came to the area in 1590, it prompted them to call Taiwan “Formosa,” meaning “beautiful island.” By land area, Hualien County is the largest county in the country. However, it is also a mountainous area with a population of only 350,000, giving it one of the country’s lowest population densities. This means that tourists rarely have to contend with large crowds as they check out some of Taiwan’s most stunning scenic sites.
The incredible beauty of Hualien County has come to represent all of Taiwan. Its majestic mountain and the Pacific Ocean views grace postcards and promotional tourism materials. It is a land of towering peaks, deep valleys, warm seas, and big open skies. Most of the county is protected as national scenic areas, which means visitors never run out of things to see.
While nature is usually the main draw of Hualien County, visitors also love the welcoming atmosphere and friendly people. Wherever you go, you will feel right at home, especially if you stay in a local minsu.
Best Minsu Stays in Hualien County
“Minsu” is a Chinese word that essentially means “homestay.” A Minsu is usually a multi-room dwelling perfect for a small group traveling together, but you’ll find options for solo travelers and large groups as well. Minsus are available at all price points and are often located in Hualien County’s smaller townships for a more relaxing stay. Travelers looking for comfortable accommodations at a great value should check out these five excellent minsu properties.
1. Hai Sheng Wei B&B
Travelers love the Hai Sheng Wei B&B, leaving hundreds of positive reviews about their stay. This clean and modern three-star property is located in Xincheng Township and is just a quick walk from the beach. It is also a great jumping-off point for visiting the popular Taroko National Park. Best of all, staying here makes it easy to get to and from Hualien Airport in no time. Choose from an array of rooms that can sleep from two to four people and come with or without a balcony.
2. Bread tree house B&B
The three-star Bread tree house B&B minsu is nestled in the lush Guangfu Township just a short walk away from Dafu Train Station. Popular Hualien County landmarks easily accessible from this location include Fuyuan Forest Recreation Area and Taroko Gorge. This child-friendly property also offers a variety of rooms for different travelers, including a double room, a twin studio, a triple room, and even a connecting family room. Get all the space you need for your whole travel party.
3. Heyan Yueshe
Built in 2001, minsu Heyan Yueshe is a beautiful property inside and out. It is located in Fuli Township, near the southern border of Hualien County. From here, travelers can explore landmarks like the JiLin Tea Gardens and the Satokoay. The property offers a selection of rooms with your choice of perks like a balcony or stunning mountain views. There is even a free bicycle rental for guests who want to explore the town.
4. Star Ocean
Star Ocean is a fitting name for this Xincheng Township minsu, as it is located just off the beautiful blue ocean waters of Qixingtan Beach. Its location on the outskirts of Hualien City also places it close to the airport and the city’s main attractions. Excellent dining and shopping options are abundant in the surrounding area as well. The rooms available at the property can sleep two, four, or even as many as eight people, making it an excellent choice for travel parties of all sizes.
5. Blossom B&B
Blossom B&B enjoys a fantastic location in Ji’an Township on the southern outskirts of Hualien City, close to Ji’an Train Station. Shopping, dining, and plenty of attractions are all just a walk or a quick drive away. Pick up some goodies at the Jian Afternoon Market or take in the sights at Fu An Temple. Choose from a double room or a deluxe suite and opt for the added luxury of a balcony. For those who want to travel with a furry family member, this property allows pets!
Best Things to Do in Hualien City
All of the minsu properties above are located just a short distance away from Hualien City, the county seat of Hualien County. Hualien City is home to a third of the county’s inhabitants. Its location nestled between mountains and the Pacific Ocean means that natural beauty is never hard to come by. Tourists will also find no shortage of attractions to explore. Here are five popular spots to add to your itinerary.
1. Nanbin Park
Nanbin Park is an oceanside park popular with locals and tourists alike. Though it is not a place for swimming, it’s a wonderful spot to hike or bike the numerous trails with excellent views over the Pacific Ocean. For those who do want to get out on the water, paddling is a common activity. If, on the other hand, you simply want to relax, you can sit and watch the waves roll in with the refreshing sea breeze.
2. Pine Garden
Pine Garden consists of four historic pine wood buildings constructed in 1943 as a Japanese military office during the Japanese rule of Taiwan. In 2000, the government of Hualien County declared the area a heritage site and renovated the buildings, turning the site into a cultural center. The scenic property looks down over the city and features a garden space for art and literature exhibits. Guided tours and self-guided audio tours of the site are available.
3. Hualien Railway Cultural Park
Hualien Railway Cultural Park in downtown Hualien City was once the site of the Hualien Branch Office of the Railway Department and the headquarters of the Taitung Line. The area has since been renovated into a cultural park with artifacts from the country’s narrow-gauge railway base and informative displays about the Eastern Line. Admission to the park is free, making it a great activity for families. Just make sure you book a reservation for a guided tour ahead of time.
4. Meilunshan Park
Meilunshan Park is a 50-hectare park on Meilun Mountain in the heart of Hualien City. It is an excellent spot to exercise or spend some time close to nature. A paved trail winds through the lush surrounding greenery and makes you feel like you’ve left the city. There’s even an ecological exhibition hall where visitors can learn about the firefly restoration project going on at the park, as well as many park facilities for children.
5. Dongdamen Night Market
Dongdamen Night Market is one of the few night markets in Hualien County, but it is the largest night market in Eastern Taiwan. It was opened in 2015 on the location of the city’s old train station, and its 400 vendors currently occupy an area of nine hectares. There are three main areas for dining: one for Taiwanese cuisine, one for indigenous Taiwanese cuisine, and one for mainland Chinese cuisine. While the market is mainly dedicated to food, visitors can also entertain themselves with a variety of carnival games. The market is accessible from Hualien Train Station.
