Hualien, Taiwan🇹🇼 12,000 Earthquakes a Year… And Still This Beautiful?! (4K HDR)

Hualien, Taiwan🇹🇼 12,000 Earthquakes a Year… And Still This Beautiful?! (4K HDR)

Welcome to my channel. I’m currently at Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園) in eastern Taiwan. This place is famous for its gorges, marble cliffs, and winding mountain roads—one of Taiwan’s most majestic natural wonders. Here, you can feel the raw power of nature. Every step feels like walking into an epic movie. The Truku people (太魯閣族) originally inhabited this land, and their unique culture and beliefs still thrive today. Follow the Liwu River (立霧溪) through the gorge, and you’ll hear the symphony of water and wind—that’s the rhythm of this place. Today, I’ll take you deep into this grand forest to explore Taroko’s most iconic and breathtaking sights. Ready to embark on this journey full of surprises with me? Let’s go! We’ve now arrived at one of Taroko’s most famous trails: Yanzikou Trail (燕子口步道). The gorge here is tall and steep, with sheer cliffs rising almost vertically on both sides. In spring and summer, swallows dart between the cliffs—hence the name “Swallow Grotto.” Walking along the trail, you can closely observe how the Liwu River (立霧溪) carved through the marble walls. There are viewing windows and helmets provided along the trail, making it safe and thoughtful. Though short, every meter of this trail holds millions of years of geological force. This video was filmed in late 2023, when Taroko still retained its pristine beauty. But in April 2024, a powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the Hualien (花蓮) region. Many trails and facilities in Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園) were damaged, including areas around the Tunnel of Nine Turns (九曲洞) and Changchun Shrine (長春祠). Repairs are currently underway, and many attractions are temporarily closed. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to check the official website for the latest travel information. I also hope this video can preserve the natural beauty before the disaster and keep those memories alive. Next, we arrive at the Tunnel of Nine Turns (九曲洞隧道), one of Taroko’s most incredible engineering feats. This gorge was named after its winding river path—it’s like walking into nature’s own rollercoaster. Outside the tunnel, you can clearly see massive marble fault lines and detailed geological structures. Look up and you’ll see giant boulders hanging above—stunning and a little intimidating. Walking here feels like having a face-to-face conversation with the power of nature every second. This trail was closed for years, so being able to see it now feels truly fortunate. This is Tian Hsiang (天祥), a rest stop and mountain settlement within Taroko. It was originally an Indigenous village and later became a key transportation hub in the mountains. From here, you can reach Baiyang Trail (白楊步道), Lüshui Trail (綠水合流), and other mountain paths. Up on the hill stands Xiangde Temple (祥德寺), a prominent Buddhist landmark that harmonizes beautifully with the landscape. Nearby are hotels, shops, and snack stalls—a great place to recharge and relax. Tian Hsiang (天祥) is a pause for travelers, a moment where nature and culture meet. For this trip, I took the Taroko Line bus operated by Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (台灣好行). Departing from Hualien City (花蓮市區), you can reach all major attractions without driving. Although not very frequent, the buses are well-scheduled and smooth to ride. They’re air-conditioned, announce stops clearly, and stop at Tian Hsiang (天祥), Yanzikou (燕子口), and more. Highly recommended for solo travelers, especially those who prefer not to drive. It’s budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and lets you admire the grandeur of Taroko (太魯閣) at your own pace. This small Changchun Shrine (長春祠) was built to commemorate workers who died building the Central Cross-Island Highway. Nestled beside a waterfall in the gorge, its white walls and red tiles create a poetic image. Next to the shrine, the “Changchun Waterfall” (長春飛瀑) flows year-round—it’s one of Taroko’s most iconic sights. Built into the mountainside, the shrine blends completely with nature—it’s a place of reverence and remembrance. The path to the shrine requires some hiking effort, but it’s absolutely worth it. This is not just a sightseeing stop—it’s a space for historical reflection and deep thought. Now we’re at Chongde Trail (清水斷崖), where the Pacific Ocean meets dramatic coastal cliffs. The cliffs plunge straight into the sea, reaching heights of up to 800 meters—an iconic landmark of eastern Taiwan. Walking along the trail, one side is lush green cliff, the other is deep blue ocean—utterly awe-inspiring. On clear days, the sea glows with triple-layered blues—it looks like a living postcard. This cliffside trail was once part of the old Suhua Highway (舊蘇花公路), now repurposed for sightseeing. Standing on the viewing platform, the ocean breeze washes over you, silencing all city noise. If you can only choose one spot to admire the Pacific, don’t miss Chongde Cliff (清水斷崖). Our last stop is Qixingtan Beach (七星潭), the most beautiful coastline in Hualien (花蓮). This is a pebble beach—not sandy, but soothing to walk on. The waves crash continuously, like nature’s own white noise. From here you can see Chongde Cliff (清水斷崖) in the distance—the view is vast and breathtaking. Whether it’s morning jogs, sunset watching, or night strolls—it’s incredibly relaxing. Locals come here to fly kites, go on dates, or ride bikes. Qixingtan (七星潭) isn’t just a tourist spot—it’s a part of daily life in Hualien (花蓮). This is the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park (花蓮文化創意產業園區), a former distillery turned art space. Built during the Japanese era, it was once one of Taiwan’s largest alcohol factories. Today, it retains its red brick buildings and warehouse structures, now home to art and exhibitions. You can browse handmade markets, see art installations, and shop for local creative goods. The cafés inside the park have a great atmosphere—perfect for slowing down and relaxing. This is the base for young creators in Hualien (花蓮), showcasing the city’s innovative spirit. Pine Garden (松園別館) is one of the best-preserved Japanese military officer residences in Hualien (花蓮). Built during World War II, it was once the command post of the Japanese Navy. Now it has become a space for literature and history exhibitions—peaceful and full of culture. From the park, you can see the Pacific Ocean (太平洋), framed by rows of pine trees—calm and beautiful. It also hosts concerts and poetry readings—a must-visit for art lovers. Walking through this preserved past gives you a deeper understanding of Hualien’s (花蓮) history. When night falls, Hualien City (花蓮市區) lights up, and the streets begin to buzz with energy. And the best thing to do right now? Find something delicious to eat! We came to the famous Gongzheng Baozi (公正包子), loved by locals and tourists alike—it’s always packed. These small steamed buns are chewy on the outside, juicy inside—and cost just NT$5 and up. Total bargain. Besides xiaolongbao (小籠包), the dumplings and hot-and-sour soup here are top-notch—perfect for a late-night bite. Hualien’s (花蓮) nights are not just peaceful—they’re a flavorful adventure lit up by street food. This is Xincheng Catholic Church (新城天主堂). It was originally a Shinto shrine built during the Japanese era and later converted into a Catholic church. That’s why you’ll notice architectural elements blending both Western church and Japanese shrine styles. Its spire, wooden roof, and symmetrical design create a very unique religious structure. On the walls, you’ll also see Amis (阿美族) totems, showcasing a rich mix of cultures. Standing here, you can almost feel the intertwined stories of history, faith, and local communities. Ji’an Cingsio Temple (吉安慶修院) is the most well-preserved Japanese Buddhist temple in Hualien (花蓮). Built in 1917 by Japanese immigrants to preserve their homeland faith. The architecture is minimal and elegant, with well-maintained wooden structures and gardens. Walking in feels like stepping back in time to a mountain village in early 20th-century Japan. The grounds feature stone lanterns, cleansing basins, and Japanese-language signs. It’s a perfect place for quiet reflection and a meaningful encounter with history. Lintian Mountain Forestry Center (林田山) was once Hualien’s (花蓮) busiest logging village. Since the Japanese era, it’s been a center for timber production—nicknamed “Little Shanghai.” Today, the site preserves old rail tracks, dorms, worker huts, and wooden offices. You can see massive sawmills, a vintage station, and old locomotives once used for logging. It’s like an open-air museum of forgotten industrial history in Taiwan (台灣). Strolling through the mountains here, you can almost hear the echoes of the forest’s past. This is Guangfu Sugar Factory (光復糖廠)—famous not for sugar, but for its ice cream! Built in 1939, it was one of the major sugar producers during the Japanese era. Although production has stopped, it now operates as a tourism site open to the public. Its popsicles and red bean milk ice are incredibly popular with visitors. You can also explore the old equipment and warehouses and feel the warmth of the industrial past. Ending the trip with a sweet treat is the perfect conclusion—and the tastiest memory.

Hualien (花蓮), cradled between the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range (中央山脈), is Taiwan’s (台灣) poetic east — a land sculpted by tectonic forces and enriched by deep indigenous roots and colonial memories. Here, time flows with the rivers, and every turn reveals a blend of history, geography, and quiet resilience.

The county’s most iconic landscape, Taroko Gorge (太魯閣峽谷), is a marble canyon carved by the Liwu River (立霧溪), with cliffs that rise like stone cathedrals. But beyond its dramatic beauty, the soul of Hualien pulses strongest in the East Rift Valley (花東縱谷), home to the Amis (阿美族) — Taiwan’s largest indigenous group. Their traditions of fishing, millet farming, and vibrant harvest festivals still shape daily life in villages like Guangfu (光復) and Fenglin (鳳林), where songs, dance, and craftsmanship are living heritage.

The imprint of Japan’s colonial era (1895–1945) adds another layer. Pine Garden (松園別館), once a Japanese military retreat, still stands with pines swaying above the Pacific. In the city, the former sake factory, now the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park (花蓮文化創意產業園區), has been transformed into a lively art space, blending industrial history with modern creativity.

To the north, the breathtaking Qingshui Cliffs (清水斷崖) drop straight into the sea — a sheer face that once challenged Japanese engineers who carved the perilous Suhua Highway (蘇花公路) into its side. Today, that road remains one of Taiwan’s most thrilling scenic routes.

Hualien (花蓮) is not a place of speed. It’s a place of rhythm — of ocean tides, mountain winds, and cultural continuity. A journey here is less about destinations and more about understanding the land’s quiet stories, whispered through stone, sea, and song.

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📅Photography date
March 2023

🗺️Interactive map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1kXyZDZSmTa-rTjVSaCgzmeciX-JZM3M

🎬Itinerary
00:00 Taroko Entrance（太魯閣入口）
00:58 Yanzikou Trail（燕子口步道）
18:07 Tunnel of Nine Turns（九曲洞）
30:39 Tian Hsiang（天祥）
36:09 Changchun Shrine（長春祠）
44:05 Chongde Trail（崇德步道）
54:14 Qixingtan Beach（七星潭）
1:00:57 Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park（花蓮文化創意產業園區）
1:10:48 Pine Garden（松園別館）
1:21:14 Hualien City（花蓮市區）
1:23:59 Xincheng Catholic Church（新城天主堂）
1:31:56 Ji’an Cingsio Temple（吉安慶修院）
1:48:20 Lintian Mountain Forestry Center（林田山林業文化園區）
2:09:39 Guangfu Sugar Factory（光復糖廠）

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