population: 0.33 million

extension: 29.41 square kilometers

Museums

One place you could visit in Hualien is the Hualien County Stone Sculptural Museum, which showcases various stone carvings from around the world. Additionally, there is also the Hualien Cultural Creative Industries Park, which features a variety of cultural exhibits and creative workshops.

If you are looking for similar places to visit, you might consider checking out the National Palace Museum in Taipei or the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts in Kaohsiung. Both of these museums offer a wide range of exhibits showcasing Taiwanese art and culture.

Food

Some popular and typical dishes to eat in Hualien according to local people include:

1. Mochi: A type of sticky rice cake that comes in a variety of flavors, including peanut, sesame, and green tea.

2. Dongdamen Night Market snacks: This bustling night market offers a variety of snack foods such as fried chicken, oyster omelets, and fresh seafood.

3. Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan): A savory dish made with chunks of pork belly that have been slow-cooked in soy sauce and other spices, served over a bowl of steaming white rice.

4. Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup: A hearty soup made with tender chunks of beef, chewy noodles, and a savory broth flavored with aromatic spices.

5. Salt & Pepper Fried Chicken: Juicy pieces of chicken coated in a crispy batter and seasoned with salt and pepper.

6. Sesame Oil Chicken: Tender pieces of chicken cooked in a rich and flavorful broth made with sesame oil, ginger, and other ingredients.

7. Pineapple Cake: A sweet pastry filled with a paste made from pineapple and sugar, often given as a gift or souvenir.

Activities

Some fun activities that locals enjoy in Hualien include:

1. Exploring Taroko National Park, which is known for its breathtaking scenery and hiking trails.
2. Visiting the Tzu Chi Cultural Park, where you can learn about the philosophy of Buddhism and participate in hands-on workshops.
3. Sampling local cuisine at the Dongdamen Night Market, which is famous for its seafood dishes and traditional Taiwanese snacks.
4. Relaxing on Qixingtan Beach, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a popular spot for swimming and surfing.
5. Taking a bicycle ride along the coast to enjoy the scenic views and sea breeze.

These are just a few examples of fun activities that locals enjoy in Hualien.