Things To Do
in Xiulin
Xiulin Township sits on the eastern edge of Taiwan in Hualien County and is best known as the gateway to the dramatic marble cliffs and gorges of Taroko National Park. The landscape alternates between steep, forested mountains, deep river valleys and a short stretch of Pacific coastline, offering powerful scenery and outdoor activities. Xiulin has a mix of Han Chinese and Truku indigenous communities, and you’ll find small mountain villages, temples and seasonal agricultural life.
Visitor services are concentrated near major trailheads and scenic areas, so plan logistics in advance when traveling between sites.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure in Taroko National Park, soaking in the breathtaking views along the Central Cross-Island Highway. Hike the Shakadang Trail, where you'll be surrounded by stunning marble cliffs and crystal-clear rivers. Capture memorable photos of the natural beauty that defines this iconic location.
After lunch at a local eatery, venture to the Eternal Spring Shrine, marveling at its historical significance and the picturesque waterfall nearby. Continue your hike along the Baiyang Trail, which features a series of tunnels and breathtaking scenery. Don't forget to take a moment to appreciate the peace that envelops this serene environment.
Wrap up your day with a visit to a cozy restaurant offering local Hakka cuisine. Enjoy a hearty meal while recounting the day’s adventures with friends or family. As night falls, take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank to bask in the tranquil ambiance.
Begin your day by visiting a nearby indigenous village, where you can learn about the rich culture and traditions of the Amis tribe. Participate in a traditional weaving workshop, where locals will teach you the art form and its significance in their heritage. Savor an indigenous breakfast that incorporates local ingredients and flavors.
Attend a cultural performance showcasing traditional dance and music, offering insights into the vibrant lifestyle of the indigenous people. Spend time interacting with local artisans and browse handmade crafts that reflect their artistic heritage. Don’t miss the chance to buy unique souvenirs that support the local community.
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant recommending indigenous fusion dishes, blending traditional ingredients with modern culinary techniques. Share stories around the table, savoring the rich flavors of the meal. End your night with a cozy campfire experience, learning more about local legends and myths under the star-lit sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (10–20 min) | $6-15 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / hostel | $20-50 |
| 🎟️Guided hike or activity (per person) | $30-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class natural scenery (Taroko Gorge, marble cliffs, Qingshui Cliffs).
- Excellent outdoor activities: hiking, river valley exploration and photography.
- Rich indigenous Truku culture and mountain-cuisine specialties.
- Limited services and cash-only vendors in remote areas.
- Weather can be unpredictable (typhoons, heavy rain, landslides) and some trails close seasonally.
- Transport between sites often requires a car, taxi or timed bus—public transit is limited.
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (Xièxie)" - Thank you
- "請問廁所在哪裡？ (Qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "多少錢？ (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does it cost?
- "可以刷卡嗎？ (Kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?)" - Can I pay by card?
- "不好意思，我不會講中文。 (Bù hǎoyìsi, wǒ bù huì jiǎng Zhōngwén.)" - Sorry, I don't speak Chinese.
- "請問最近的車站在哪？ (Qǐngwèn zuìjìn de chēzhàn zài nǎ?)" - Where is the nearest station?
Places to Visit in Xiulin
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic cliffside gorge with narrow walkways and carved rock faces—excellent for dramatic canyon and river shots in morning light.
A photogenic shrine built by the mountainside with water flowing through, framed by suspension bridges and steep marble cliffs.
High, narrow cliffside trail with sweeping panoramic views of the Liwu River—permits required, and the viewpoint is spectacular at sunrise.
Sheer coastal cliffs dropping to the Pacific—best for wide-angle landscape and sunset photography from dedicated overlooks.
Crystal-clear river pools and carved marble beds along Shakadang Trail offer close-up water and rock texture shots.
Food in Xiulin
Xiulin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh fish, squid and shellfish are often simply grilled with soy or local spices; best found in coastal stalls near the Hualien/Xincheng area or small seaside restaurants.
Must-Try!
Indigenous preparations featuring braised mountain greens, millet or bamboo rice and sometimes wild boar—look for family-run tribal eateries or cultural centers in the region.
Soft, chewy rice cakes available at specialty shops in Hualien city and Xincheng—ideal as a sweet snack after a day of hiking.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The largest nearby night market (in Hualien City) offering seafood, fried snacks, stick skewers, mochi shops, and Taiwanese street-food staples—best place for variety after exploring Xiulin.
Small roadside vendors near Xincheng railway station and the highway sell bento boxes, dumplings and grilled items—convenient for travelers arriving by train.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Follow park rules, stay on trails, don’t remove rocks or plants and pack out trash—Taroko National Park enforces conservation measures.
When visiting Truku communities or cultural sites, ask permission before photographing people, buy crafts directly from vendors, and be respectful of ceremonies and sacred places.
Politeness, small bows or nods and using polite phrases in Mandarin will be appreciated; remove shoes where indicated and keep noise low in guesthouses and temples.
Safety
Tipping in Xiulin
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan and is generally unnecessary; small gestures of appreciation are fine but not expected—higher-end hotels may include a service charge.
Cash (New Taiwan Dollar, NTD) is widely used in Xiulin and essential for small vendors; credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, but remote areas and trailhead stalls may be cash-only. Mobile payments (LINE Pay, Apple Pay) are increasingly common in cities but less reliable in remote mountain areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings mild temperatures and blooming mountain flora; trails are pleasant but still watch for sudden rain; a great time for hiking and fewer tourists than autumn.
June–August is hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and the typhoon season peaking between July and September—expect trail closures for safety and prepare for heavy rain and leeches on wet trails.
September–November is generally the best period: cooler, clearer skies, lower rainfall after typhoon season and excellent visibility for photography.
December–February is cooler in the mountains with misty conditions and occasional cold snaps; low tourist numbers but be ready for damp, chilly mornings and limited services in remote areas.
Xiulin at Night
Hiking in Xiulin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A dramatic cliff-side trail with expansive views of the Liwu River and gorge—permit required and can be strenuous; consider guided options if unfamiliar with the route.
A relatively easy, well-maintained trail along the blue-green Shakadang River with clear pools and rock formations—family-friendly and excellent for close-up nature photography.
A cave and waterfall trail that includes river canyon scenery and the famous water curtain cave; sections may close after heavy rain so check conditions.
Short coastal trails and viewpoints at Qingshui Cliffs offering unobstructed Pacific vistas; suitable for sunrise and sunset photography.
A quieter trail option offering forested scenery and valley views—good for birdwatching and less crowded hiking.
Airports
How to reach Xiulin by plane.
Small domestic airport with flights to/from Taipei and Orchid Island; from the airport take a short taxi or bus to Hualien city and then train/bus to Xiulin.
Major international gateway; from Taoyuan you can take a high-speed rail or bus to Hualien (via transfer) or fly to Hualien—train from Taipei Main Station to Hualien takes ~2–3 hours on the eastbound TRA service.
Taipei domestic airport with some regional flights; convenient for domestic connections before transferring to rail or bus to the east coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Xiulin and surrounding areas, engaged in farming, service industries and tourism.
An important indigenous group in the region with distinct language, crafts and cultural practices—many cultural sites and community-run businesses offer authentic experiences.
Domestic and international visitors who come primarily for Taroko National Park, hiking and scenic drives—peak seasons see higher tourist density near trailheads and viewpoints.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the most popular local activity—residents and visitors alike enjoy mountain and trail walking in Taroko National Park.
Road cycling along the East Rift Valley and coastal routes is popular for both day rides and multi-day touring.
As across Taiwan, baseball is a beloved spectator and participatory sport, especially in towns and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Xiulin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in remote parts of Xiulin; Hualien city and larger inns often offer vegetarian or Buddhist-style meals—carry snacks and check ingredients (many dishes use fish sauce).
Vegan and strict gluten-free choices can be challenging outside Hualien; communicate restrictions in Mandarin (or show a translated note) and shop for packaged snacks or cook at guesthouses when possible.
Halal-certified restaurants are rare in Xiulin; Muslim travelers should plan to eat at Hualien city restaurants with halal options or rely on seafood and vegetarian dishes while confirming preparation methods.