Liyutan and Taroko Lose Out! Hualien's Top Attraction Draws 780,000 Visitors, Tourists Praise: Affordable, Diverse Food, Smooth Flow, Easy Parking

Hualien is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural attractions, drawing countless travelers each year to its scenic spots, historic streets, markets, and leisure parks. According to statistics released by Taiwan’s Tourism Administration for visitor numbers at Hualien attractions from January to May 2026, the top three most popular sites were Tungmen International Night Market, Luoshan Recreation Area, and Shoufeng Fengtian District. Visitors widely praised the locations for their “rich mix of food and attractions” and “excellent transportation access.”

Top 10 Hualien Attractions by Visitor Numbers (Jan–May 2026)

1. Tungmen International Night Market – 787,276 visitors 2. Luoshan Recreation Area – 343,904 visitors 3. Shoufeng Fengtian District – 337,983 visitors 4. Hualien Jiangjunfu 1936 – 312,551 visitors 5. Yufu Bicycle Trail – 281,762 visitors 6. Hualien Sugar Factory & Surrounding Area – 253,810 visitors 7. Wuhe Terrace – 250,365 visitors 8. Taroko National Park Visitor Center – 229,974 visitors 9. Liyutan Scenic Area – 209,201 visitors 10. Farglory Ocean Park – 175,368 visitors

Hualien’s Top Attraction #1: Tungmen International Night Market

Tungmen Night Market, Hualien County. (Image: Screenshot from official Tungmen Night Market website)

The Tungmen International Night Market is one of Hualien’s most iconic night markets, featuring an indigenous cultural street, a wide array of specialty snacks, local delicacies, and game stalls. It has become a must-visit destination for many tourists traveling to Hualien. Located near Seaside Park, it allows visitors to enjoy beach walks during the day and sample local specialties at night, making it especially popular among families and independent travelers.

Visitor reviews:

"You must visit Tungmen Night Market when in Hualien—so many food options, you can taste all of Hualien’s signature dishes in one go."

"Hope more people will support Hualien."

"It’s quite large, though there’s some repetition. There’s live singing in the central plaza, which is great."

"Lots of food, spacious area, plus music performances and handmade crafts for sale."

"Great place for kids to play, with plenty of good food and drinks."

"A well-organized, large-scale night market with diverse cuisines! Indigenous Street is fantastic! Full of warmth and cleanliness."

"During summer holidays, it felt less crowded, with a few shops closed, but no waiting lines made shopping more enjoyable. More seating areas are available now, with fans and sea breeze—very comfortable."

"An art festival was happening, making the whole venue lively."

"So much delicious food—you’ll never go hungry."

"Big and easy to explore."

"Delicious, fun, and entertaining night market!!"

"Spacious, clean, pleasant to walk around, with occasional performances at designated spots."

"Numerous stalls offering variety; large market with convenient parking."

"Many stalls, wide pathways, well-planned layout."

"Countless stalls, categorized neatly, wide and clean central aisles. Even with crowds, strollers can move freely without bumping into others. Only downside: long queues at popular stalls. Restrooms are relatively clean."

"A distinctive and comfortable night market experience."

Hualien’s Top Attraction #2: Luoshan Recreation Area

Luoshan Recreation Area (Image: Taken from East Rift Valley National Scenic Area official website)

Located in Fuli, Hualien, the Luoshan Recreation Area is famous for its mud volcano, organic agriculture, and rural scenery, making it a prominent eco-tourism destination in the East Rift Valley. Visitors can enjoy natural landscapes, participate in hands-on activities, experience rural culture, and savor local produce—ideal for slow, immersive travel.

Visitor feedback:

"Beautiful scenery and incredibly delicious tofu."

"The meals are high-quality and tasty."

"Both salted douhua and cold noodles were delicious—I forgot to take photos until almost finished eating."

"Convenient location; nearby farmers’ cooperative offers great rice that’s both accessible and delicious."

"Peaceful and serene environment."

"Perfect spot for camping."

"Fuli Township, at the southern end of the East Rift Valley in Hualien, features beautiful scenery. The recreation area includes the unique ‘Douzouhui’ restaurant, serving delicious local dishes like mud tofu—worth trying."

"A promising site. Though the waterfall isn’t as grand as expected, improvements are gradually being made. Combined with Fuli Farmers’ Association’s zone, it’s perfect for a relaxed stroll."

"Giant fish pond, convenience store, free tea station—great for unwinding."

"Cold stream water, easily accessible Luoshan Waterfall, large parking lot, wide connecting roads with excellent asphalt paving!"

"Visitor center has five-star restrooms."

"Can hike the trail to see Luoshan Waterfall—very beautiful."

"Facilities are complete and very clean."

"Easy parking, clean toilets. During summer vacation, the Rift Valley Carnival is held, offering tribal cuisine and experiential activities."

"Visited Luoshan Rest Area today and coincidentally attended the Rift Valley Indigenous Festival—truly vibrant."

"Eastern Taiwan is simply beautiful. As long as the weather is good, photos turn out amazing. Here, you get stunning views and authentic indigenous cuisine. Excellent place. Staff at the rest area were friendly—helped me find good restaurants and fun spots. Left a great impression."

"Fresh air, peaceful. Recommend relaxing at Douzouhui—try the milksponge cake and Sicilian coffee!"

"Scenery near the visitor center is beautiful. While the Luoshan Trail only offers distant views of the waterfall, the bamboo forest beside the mud volcano is stunning."

"Staff at the visitor center enthusiastically introduced key sights: mud volcano, bamboo trail, giant fish pond, and Luoshan Waterfall—all worth seeing. The fish pond offers different scenic angles with each lap—definitely worth a visit."

Hualien’s Top Attraction #3: Shoufeng Fengtian District

Shoufeng Township’s Fengtian District preserves strong traces of Japanese-era immigrant village culture, featuring historic house clusters, pastoral landscapes, and bicycle routes—a rising star in slow tourism. Travelers can wander through alleyways, admire historical architecture, or cycle through the natural beauty of the East Rift Valley.

After reviewing multiple popular attraction ratings, visitors to Fengtian Shrine shared:

"Off-the-beaten-path location with a few Japanese shrine relics (stone lanterns, torii gates)."

"Quiet, leisurely, and atmospheric."

"Popular relaxation and chatting spot for locals and elders, often hosts events."

"Post-disaster recovery in Hualien preserved temples from the Japanese era."

Beyond the shrine, the Second Hall of Hualien County Archaeological Museum is also on travelers’ itineraries. Reviews include:

"Worth a quick stop. The elementary school across has a nice environment."

"Excellent exhibition enriches local tourism."

"Early morning at the old Hualien Harbor Office Fengtian Elementary School auditorium and the Second Hall of Hualien County Archaeological Museum (Fengtian Village Immigration Guidance Office)—saw aging Japanese-style buildings, exterior still intact despite years of neglect."

"Currently hosting a prehistoric dining culture exhibit. Small space, but cute videos play and handcrafted learning sheets are provided—perfect for a short visit."

"The former Immigration Guidance Office is now the museum’s second hall. Exhibited archaeological artifacts are fascinating, and the gallery is bright and comfortable. Hope both halls collaborate with the community to deepen Fengtian’s cultural tourism. Many charming old houses here—hope for future expansion into a museum cluster like Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum."

"Detailed introduction to the history of Jade from Taiwan. On-site staff available for questions. Small but highly recommended."

Source: Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation Editor: Lin Li