Hualien

Hualien (花蓮 Huālián) is a city in Taiwan situated near the spectacular Taroko Gorge.

Hualien Halal Explorer

Located on a strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range, Hualien is considered one of the most pleasant cities in Taiwan. Many tourists visit the city to enjoy the scenery and fresh air and also to tour the famous Taroko Gorge, which is located a few miles north of the city.

• Visitor Information Center - 23.99185, 121.60187 in front of Hualien Station (right side) ☎ +886 38360634 - It is hosted by Taiwan Hospitality and Tourism College, that has been authorized, by the Hualien County Government to operate and manage the Visitor Information Center (VIC) at Hualien Airport and the Hualien Railway Station. These two centers provide general services such as tourism guide and tour bus information, home-stay information, bi-lingual traveling brochure, travel inquiry, emergency handling and so on.

Travel as a Muslim to Hualien

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Hualien

There are frequent trains from Taipei, and depending on the type of train, the journey can take from two to four and a half hours. Express trains (Taroko Express) take 2 hours and cost NT$440. The train follows the coast for part of the journey, and the left side of the train offers the best views.

There are also frequent trains to Taitung (about 3 h ours and NT$400) and, less frequently, to Kaohsiung and then Tainan.

During peak travel season, train tickets are sometimes are hard to get. It is recommended to book your trip early to ensure your seat. There is also the option to take a bus to Luodong and switch to the local train to Hualien. Combined tickets for bus and train can be purchased at the Kamalan counter at Taipei bus station and the Capital bus counter at City Hall Station. The trip costs around NT$220 and buses and trains are frequent, so there is no need to book in advance.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Hualien

• Hualien Airport IATA Code: HUN 24.023056, 121.617778 - Hualien Airport Taiwan HuaLien Airport 2 eHalal Reference: QQ03921 Domestic airlines connect Hualien with all of Taiwan's major cities. It a thirty minute flight to Hualien from Taipei's Sungshan Airport. In Dec 2009 there were also irregular (charter) flights to Yonaguni Island and Ishigaki Island in Okinawa (Japan) and a regular service to Ishigaki Island is being planned. Also, there are regular flights between Hualien and Hong Kong offered by HK Express. Flights on this route tend to be cheaper than between Taipei and Hong Kong.

How to get around in Hualien

The city center is small and easy to navigate on foot, although scooters are available for rent several places around town for about NT$400 a day. Pony rental near chin yen hotel (across from the train station) is the only rental agency that will rent scooters to Foreign Muslims. Getting around by scooter is the best way to see the gorge.

Hualien is a small city without an extensive public transport system, and so it is worth considering taking taxis to areas outside the city center. Hualien station is at least a thirty-minute walk from the center of town.

What to see in Hualien

• Chishingtan Scenic Area - Qixingtan Scenic Area / 七星潭 - 24.028488, 121.631431 North of Hualien City. Follow the bike path from Nanbin Seashore Park. ☎ +886 3 8221592 2022-00-00 eHalal Reference: QQQQ90300 Qixingtan Beach One of the most popular attractions of Taiwan, although maybe not the most spectacular one. Crescent bay and clear blue waters with a beach full of colorful agates. This used to be a small fishing village but has now multiple scenic trails, pagodas, beach pavilions, and a star-gazing square. Excellent vistas of the ocean, delicious seafood, friendly people and a restaurant specializing in goat milk coffee. The beach is not popular for swimming as the tides and currents are quite dangerous, the bottom drops off steeply, and doesn't have much sand (mostly pebbles). It is important to stay near the coast.

• The Abode of Still Thoughts | This small Buddhist temple at the foot of Mount North Jialiwan is the original facility of the world-famous Tzu-zhi Buddhist foundation]. In keeping with the foundation's ideals, the temple is very simple, and incorporates a Japanese style garden. Information on Tzu-chi's international activities is also available at the temple.

• Yenpin Prefectural Temple | Near Zhongyang Road, sec 4. - Established in the Qing Dynasty, this is the oldest temple in Hualien.

• Pine Garden | Zhongmei - A peaceful garden with 63 pine trees.

• Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum - At the Hualien County Cultural Center. Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM NT$20 Displays both traditional and contemporary stone sculptures.

• Beibin Seashore Park, Nanbin Seashore Park and Meilun Seashore Park. A scenic area of palm trees and landscaped greenery that runs the full length of the city's foreshore. The views over the Pacific Ocean are especially spectacular at sunrise.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Hualien

The activities in and around Hualien include mountain hiking, beaches, thermal spas (Muslim Friendly)), river tracing, whale and dolphin watching and a lot of other wild places. Ask around with the local travel companies.

• Hualien Ocean Park | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9AM Monday - 5PM, Saturday to Sunday 8:30AM Monday - 5PM Adults NT$890, children NT$790 Hualien's biggest man-made tourist attraction. As well as ferris wheel and cable car, the park contains eight zones showing different aspects of marine life. Children, in particular, will have an enjoyable time but for the more adventurous or those wanting a more local experience, there are many places that are much cheaper and provide a better experience of Taiwan.

Study as a Muslim in Hualien

• Mandarin at Tzu-Chi University, 701 Jung-yang Road, sec. 3. ☎ 856-5501 Ex.7689. (email: [1])

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Hualien

• Woven cloth. Hualien is a good place to pick up hand woven cloth in traditional aboriginal designs.
• Stone Hualien's stone market is near the old bus station on Mingyi Road, and they sell everything from jewelery to tea-pots all carved out of stone.

Halal Restaurants in Hualien

• Dongdamen Night Market - Hualien Night Market | 23.97237, 121.61101 from the train station south, following the primary street towards the beach, 40 min walk - Not quite as spectacular as other larger cities night markets, the Dongdamen Night Market still exudes a fun and frenetic vibe and offers a huge number of activities and culinary treats. The back lane is dedicated to indigenous aboriginal vendors and features live music and dance performances on weekends.

Dishes

• Zhu tung fan (竹筒飯) - rice steamed in a bamboo tube is a specialty of the local aborigines.
• Muaji (麻薯) - In Europe commonly called Mochi, are glutinous rice filled (or sometimes covered) with various flavors, such as peanut, sweet red and green bean paste, sweet sesame paste, coconut or fruit.
• Wonton (餛飩) - Hualien's wontons are very famous throughout Taiwan
• Laguardia. Good breakfast cafe across from the big post office near the train station on Chung Shan Rd. Amazing Hamburgers. Try the bacon cheese beef burger or the cod burger.

• Country Side 23.9906, 121.60152 accross the library, near train station. - A breakfast restaurant serving a big range of burgers, omelettes, toasts. English menu available.

• Tosca Pasta 95-7 Jung Mei Road - European style restaurant with European prices.

• Irrawaddy Myanmar Restaurant 11-1 Min Chuan Rd ☎ +886 3-831-0077 - Popular with many foreigners in Hualien.

• Kalilaska Belarusian Cuisine - 白俄羅斯餐廳~傳統菜餚 | 花蓮市大同街54號 ☎ +886 963-413744 Opening Hours: noon-9PM Serves traditional Russian and Belarusian food.

Hualien has an abundance of tea houses, cafes and bars, and also many stores specializing in locally produced tea.

• Cafe Jade - 璞石藝文空間 | ☎ +886 3 834-5968 - 8 Ming-li Road (花蓮市明禮路8號). A spacious and very pleasant art cafe offering regular live music and art exhibitions. Open: Monday to Thurs 8AM Monday - 6Pm Fri-Sun 8AM Monday - 10:30PM

• Wang Ji Tea House 565 Jong-Shan Road
• Bon Appétit - 邦娜比堤 | bonappetit1014@ No.1, Ln. 176, Mingren 2nd St., Ji’an Township, Hualien County ☎ +886 987059559 Opening Hours: daily 8AM Monday - 9PM - Serves espresso, spaghetti, handmade waffles and other brunch items.

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Hualien

eHalal Group Hualien is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Hualien. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Hualien.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Hualien ensures that customers have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000, these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Hualien. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Hualien, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Hualien are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million, these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Hualien

• Amigos Hostel - No.68, Guolien 2nd Rd. (國聯二路68號) ☎ +886 3 8362-756 Dorms: NT$450 Free WiFi, close to train station, complimentary sandwich breakfast, friendly and helpful staff.

• Big Bear Hostel - 100@ No. 16, Guomin 9th Street, Hualien City 23.99441, 121.60566 ☎ +886 978 650819 Dorm bed from NT$221 Cheapest hostel in the city, but smelly toilet and three level bunk beds. However, the common area is nice. You probably have to book online to get the best price. /Taiwan.Hualien.Big.Bear.Hostel/ FB.

• Chan Tai Hotel (east of the train station, on the first corner past the Visitors Centre). ☎ +886 3 8330 121/3. The more expensive rooms have a/c, TV, refrigerator ADSL and are double, with ensuite. They are very clean. Advertises with "as affordable as nearby hostel", which of course it is not, so do not fall for that. 24h reception. Double from NT$1000.

• Colorful Taiwan Hostel | colorful@ No.121, FuQiang Rd (富強路121號) ☎ +886 955703456 (west [rear exit of the train station, about 7 minutes' walk). Staff is very friendly, helpful and able to give tips about Hualien (transport included), that are the most economic for backpackers. Rooms are very clean and spacious, with bright & colorful decoration. Dorm rooms from NT$520, with long stay discount.

• Formosa Backpackers Hostel 206 Jian Guo Road ☎ +1 886 913-810828 600 books in English library, beautiful Art Deco living room with exhibition show all year around, a room with tropical garden, friendly staff. Twenty minutes walking distance from the train station and conveniently located in the city. Free WiFi, tea, etc. Don't let the "clean" look deceive you, there is a bed bug problem. NT$400 (Student NT$350).

• Hualien Student Hostel 40-11 Kungyuan Road ☎ +886 3 832-4124 - Offers dorms and twin rooms.

• Hualien Monkey Surfing Backpackers Hostel - 猴子衝浪背包客棧 | No.5-1, Jinfeng Street (台灣 花蓮市 進豐街5-1號) Bars area, Downtown, near the 7-Eleven (No.258, Linsen Road), located along a quiet street on Lin-Sen Road. ☎ +886 938921330 Dorm bed per day NT$498. Hostel is peaceful, spacious, clean and cozy. Beds are safe with sturdy wooden bed frames instead of metal. Every room has a private toilet equipped with strong shower jets.

• Mini Voyage Hostel - No. 103, Guolian 1st Rd., Hualien City 23.99111, 121.60264 out of the train station, take the primary street to the right for about 80 m ☎ +886 3 8321150, +886 987238150 Dorm bed from NT$240 Overall great ratings and even if they have a 16-bed dorm, it is far less scary than you think. New interior and great common area. One of the cheapest options in the city and conveniently located near the train station.

• Police Hostel 15 Shuren Street behind the main police station ☎ +886 3 834-9433 ~5. Officially for officers of the law, this clean and pleasant hotel is also open to the public. Twin room - NT$1,000, double bed with single bed - NT$1,300.

• Sleeping Boot Hostel - No.73, Jinfeng StAbout 10 min walk from the train station. Watch out for the house number 73, the hostel is not obviously visible ☎ +886-978-093-273 Dorm rooms for NT$430 This hostel offers free WiFi, internet PC, kitchen, lobby with TV plus a very helpful and friendly owner who knows his way around the city.

• Yihua Daily Accommodation jape811@ located in Downtown, 10 minutes to Nanbing Night Market - Single/Twin: NT$1,000; Double bed: NT$1,200 Clean and convenient room type. Contact: Jackie.

• Ching Yeh Hotel, 83 Kuolien-1 Road, ☎ 833-0186. Near the train station. From NT$1,300.

• Hua Tong Hotel 165 Minkuo (Minguo) Street ☎ +886 3 834-7568 A pleasant and centrally located hotel.

• Your majest B&B (King Hotel) - No.13, Jieyue St ☎ +886 38 322666 - Quirky rooms decorated in individualistic styles. Close to night market and general downtown. Deep bathtubs good for soaking sore muscles. All rooms have ethernet, but wifi is limited. Friendly, helpful staff - if you have a Mandarin speaker in the party. Mid-week rate from NT$1,500 do not include breakfast.

• Fuyuan B&B - The Rosestone Inn | 48, Haibin Avenue ☎ +886 3 8542317, +886 903 133711 - Built in the style of a traditional Chinese house with courtyard.

• Fisherman's Inn - zacattack1313@ 10 Chong Shan Rd ☎ +886 9 55537142 # Sec. 1, Lane 115, Jian, Contact: Zac Harper. Weekend and weekday prices are the same, NT$2240/2640 for two person rooms, and NT$3040 for our 4 person room.

• Sheep house B&B (hualien minsu) - @imney.com ☎ +886 931-297-277 - Country style guesthouse with a beautiful garden and the lovely cottages in the site of the Sheep House, within 10 minutes you can also get to all the famous sightseeing spots in Hualien by car. BBQ area, bicycle and motorcycle rental, free breakfast, WiFi, free shuttle service to train station. Room rate NT$1800-3000.

• Bellevista Hotel - 18 Shanling, Yanliau Tsuen, Shoufeng Shiang ☎ +886 3 812-3999 +886 3 812-3988

A sprawling resort-style hotel offering spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean.

• Parkview Hotel - ☎ +886 3 222-2111 - 1-1 Lin-Yuan. One of Hualien's most luxurious hotels.

Telecommunications in Hualien

• Area code: The Hualien dialing code is 03. For calls made from overseas, dial: +886 3 XXXXXXX

Explore more Halal Friendly Destinations from Hualien

• Taroko Gorge – An impressive 19-km-long canyon, and the name, Taroko, means the "magnificent and splendid" in the language of Truku, the aboriginal tribe residing in the area.
• Hualien County#Do|RueiSuei – Famous for its Hot Springs and the Siouguluan River Basin.
• Hualien County#Do|Hehuan Mountain – A fantastic journey through the wonders of Taroko Gorge and past, ending in a treeless, absolutely different ecosystem.
• River Valleys – The might of typhoons and heavy rains have, over millions of years, carved out of the soft bedrock magnificent river valleys. If you find a river valley (Mugua RIver, for example) and follow it and hike along some tributaries, you are in for a wonderful adventure. No gift shops or 7-Elevens here, just the wonders of Taiwan.
• Hualien County#See|Tongmen – South of Hualien City, between Jian and Liyu Lake, lies Taroko's little brother.
• Highway 11 – Rent a scooter and hit the road. The beauty of the coastline in Hualien can be enjoyed from this gorgeous stretch of highway. Although many buses and cars are also drawn here and many cite this as a cause for safety concerns, this is by most accounts false. Take care, drive responsibly, and always be careful when around traffic, but do not let anyone deter you from this drive. Pack a lunch and picnic on the coast with the turquoise ocean lapping at the coastline below. Buses and taxis will take you along this road also. Taxis are more personable (they will stop when you say 'stop') but buses are much cheaper. However, both pale in comparison to the experience of driving yourself.

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