Farglory Ocean Park

Farglory Ocean Park is the largest aquarium theme park, located on the picturesque east coast of Taiwan, near the city of Hualien. Opened in 2002, it was the country's first marine theme park and has since become one of the most popular destinations for family vacations. The park successfully combines entertainment and education, offering visitors of all ages a unique opportunity to explore the wonderful world of the ocean.

The park's territory is impressive in scale, covering approximately 51 hectares and divided into eight exciting themed zones. These include lively streets styled after a 19th-century coastal carnival, the mysterious Underwater World, and Discovery Island. Such variety allows every guest to find something interesting, from thrilling rides to peaceful observation of marine life in a modern aquarium.

Besides the rides and educational exhibits, the park is famous for its spectacular shows. Be sure to visit the dolphin and sea lion performances, which showcase incredible tricks and seamless teamwork with their trainers. For ease of movement across the large area and to enjoy panoramic coastal views, the park operates a cable car. Numerous restaurants and souvenir shops round out the infrastructure, making a stay here comfortable and fulfilling throughout the day.

To find out more about park operations, show schedules, or ticket prices, it is recommended to contact the information service directly. All current contact details and a feedback form are usually available on the official website.

A rich entertainment program awaits visitors at Farglory Ocean Park, centered around breathtaking performances. The main stars of the park are the dolphins and sea lions, whose shows demonstrate incredible intelligence and teamwork with their trainers. The unique mermaid show, which creates the atmosphere of a magical underwater fairy tale, deserves special attention. It is important to note that from April 2025, a separate paid reservation system will be introduced for this show, so it’s worth planning your visit in advance.

Thrill-seekers will find a variety of attractions in the park. Among the most popular are "Fly Across the Ocean", which gives the feeling of soaring over the water, and "El Dorado Pirate", which takes you on an exciting adventure. Additionally, the park has many interactive zones where you can learn more about marine inhabitants and the importance of habitat conservation in a playful way. Safe playgrounds and educational programs are available for the youngest guests.

The educational part of the park is just as interesting as the entertainment. In the massive aquarium, you can spend hours observing the life of thousands of marine creatures. For those dreaming of full immersion, the park offers an exclusive service — an overnight stay in the aquarium. This is a unique opportunity to spend the night watching the underwater world directly from your sleeping capsule. To enjoy panoramic views, you can reach the top of the park using escalators or the cable car, where the cabins offer picturesque landscapes of the coast.

Farglory Ocean Park is located approximately 10–15 kilometers south of Hualien, making it easily accessible for tourists. One of the most convenient and budget-friendly ways to get to the park is by public transport. Hualien Buses (routes 1127, 1140, or 1145) run south from the Hualien Railway Station. The trip takes about 35 minutes and costs approximately 50 New Taiwan Dollars.

An alternative to the bus is a taxi. This option is suitable for those who value comfort and want to save time. A taxi ride from the center of Hualien to the park and back will cost about 700 New Taiwan Dollars. Additionally, it’s worth checking with your hotel — some offer special guest transfers or can help organize an excursion to the park, which is also a very convenient solution.

If you are traveling through Taiwan by train, the nearest railway station to the park is Ji'an. From there, you can easily reach Farglory Ocean Park by local bus or taxi. Once inside the park itself, escalators and a scenic cable car with stunning coastal views help you move between its various levels located on the hillside.

The history of Farglory Ocean Park began in April 1999, when ambitious construction started on the picturesque coast of Taiwan. Completed in December 2002, the project became one of the largest in the region, with a total cost of approximately 160 million US dollars. From the very beginning, the park was envisioned not just as an entertainment complex, but as a unique space where every guest could touch the mysteries of the ocean.

The creators' key idea was a harmonious blend of entertainment and education. The park was designed not only to provide thrills but also to introduce visitors to the marine ecosystem and increase interest in environmental protection. Since its opening, it has quickly become one of the most important tourist attractions in Hualien, attracting travelers from all over the world.

Another interesting fact lies in the design approach. The park's architecture and themed zones were developed using global best practices to create the most engaging and educational environment for guests. This is why Farglory Ocean Park is interesting for visitors of all ages — from toddlers to adults — making it a truly universal place for family vacations and discovery.

To fully enjoy everything Farglory Ocean Park has to offer, it is recommended to plan a visit of at least 4–6 hours. This will be enough time to see the main areas of the park, watch one or two shows, and ride a few attractions without rushing.

However, if you want to get the most out of your experience and not miss anything interesting, it's better to set aside a full day for your visit. This approach will allow you not only to see all the spectacular shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and mermaids — whose schedules may vary throughout the day — but also to explore the large aquarium at your own pace. Additionally, you'll have time for the queues at popular rides, lunch at one of the cafes, and a leisurely cable car ride offering magnificent coastal views.

Farglory Ocean Park is generally open to visitors year-round. Standard operating hours are 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. However, it’s worth noting that schedules may change during weekends, public holidays, and summer vacations. For example, on weekends, the park may open earlier, at 9:00 AM. To avoid any inconvenience, it is highly recommended to check the official website for current opening hours immediately before your planned trip.

While pre-booking is not always mandatory for general admission, purchasing tickets online can help save time by skipping the ticket office queues. For some exclusive performances, such as the popular mermaid show, a separate paid reservation may be required. It is also recommended to book in advance for group visits. Given the park's popularity, planning ahead will make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable.

Visiting Farglory Ocean Park is a highlight in itself, but exploring its surroundings can make your trip to Hualien even more rewarding. The coast of Taiwan is famous for its picturesque landscapes and cozy spots located very close to the park.

Exploring nearby attractions will allow you to dive deeper into the region's atmosphere, discover new panoramic views, learn about local culture, and simply add variety to your travel itinerary. Below is a list of interesting places located nearby.