Qixingtan Beach

Qixingtan Beach, also known as Chishingtan or Qixingtan Beach, is a picturesque natural wonder stretching along the east coast of Taiwan in Xincheng Township, Hualien County. This beach faces the endless expanses of the Pacific Ocean, offering visitors breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere.

The main feature of Qixingtan Beach lies in its surface. Instead of the usual soft sand, you will be greeted here by smooth pebbles and stones of various sizes and shades, polished by the waves. You can also find plenty of driftwood on the shore—wood washed up by the sea—which gives this place a special, slightly wild charm. This makes it a unique and memorable place for walking and contemplation.

Qixingtan Beach is famous for its cleanliness and relatively small number of tourists. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a quiet holiday in the heart of nature, wishing to enjoy the seascape away from the noise and bustle. Here you can spend hours admiring the power of the ocean, collecting interesting stones, or simply meditating to the sound of the surf.

The natural attraction Qixingtan Beach does not have direct contact details; for up-to-date information on the beach's condition and available services, please contact the tourist information centers in Hualien City or Xincheng Township.

You can reach the beach from Hualien by public transport, taxi, or rented scooter; it is recommended to check route details and schedules locally.

Qixingtan Beach is a place where visitors can fully enjoy majestic views of the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, the water here takes on a deep blue color, offering stunning opportunities for photographers and lovers of beautiful landscapes. Walking along the spacious pebble shore, collecting and throwing stones of all shapes and sizes into the water are popular activities among vacationers. Thanks to the vast territory of the beach, everyone can find a secluded spot for nature contemplation and peaceful relaxation.

For those who prefer more active pastimes, Qixingtan Beach features cycling paths that allow you to explore the surroundings in comfort. It is important to note that swimming is officially prohibited at the beach due to strong currents, although some visitors still choose to dip into the Pacific waters in certain areas. Please keep in mind that walking barefoot on the pebble surface can be difficult, so it is recommended to bring comfortable shoes. Occasionally, dead pufferfish are washed ashore, which is another unusual natural feature that can be observed in this scenic corner.

Getting to Qixingtan Beach is quite simple, especially if you are already in Hualien City or its surrounding areas. The beach is located in Xincheng Township on the picturesque east coast of Taiwan. A pleasant bonus is its proximity to Hualien Airport, making it a convenient first or last stop on your regional itinerary if you are arriving or departing by air.

There are several ways to get to Qixingtan Beach from the center of Hualien. The most comfortable option is a taxi, which will take you directly to the shore. Public transport is also available, though it is better to check routes and schedules in advance. For those who prefer more freedom of movement and plan to explore the surroundings, renting a car or a motorcycle is an excellent solution. There is a small parking lot at the beach, which is convenient for those traveling by private or rented transport.

Another popular way to visit Qixingtan Beach is as part of an organized day tour of Hualien and its attractions. Many tour companies include this scenic beach in their itineraries, allowing you to combine a seaside break with visits to other interesting spots in the region without having to plan the logistics yourself.

Qixingtan Beach, also known by its name in the language of the indigenous Sakizaya people — Malongayangay — holds a deep historical connection to the first inhabitants of these lands. This name serves as a reminder that the area around Hualien was home to indigenous tribes long before other ethnic groups arrived, and the beach was an integral part of their life and culture.

One of the beach's notable features is its location — it is situated literally behind the Hualien Airport. This proximity makes it surprisingly accessible for travelers arriving in the city by air. Thanks to its unique scenic beauty and the fact that it has not yet become a victim of mass tourism, Qixingtan Beach is deservedly included in the lists of recommended places to visit during day trips to Hualien, especially in plans for 2025.

While Qixingtan Beach is not a typical swimming spot in the traditional sense — its shore is covered in pebbles and strong currents impose restrictions on water activities — it is highly valued for its unique natural beauty. Visitors come here to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of Taiwan's Pacific coast, admire the majestic waves, and feel the tranquility of this amazing place. It is this pristine nature that sets it apart from many other popular beach destinations.

To fully enjoy the beauty of Qixingtan Beach, located in Hualien City, a typical visitor is recommended to set aside 1 to 2 hours. This time is usually enough to take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque pebble shore, admire the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, take memorable photos, and simply relax while enjoying the sea breeze and the peaceful atmosphere of the place.

If your plans include more active recreation, such as cycling along the specially equipped coastal paths or organizing a small picnic with an ocean view, you should plan for more time. In this case, a more thorough exploration of the beach and its surroundings may take up to half a day. This will allow you to enjoy all the opportunities offered by this popular holiday destination in Taiwan without any rush.

Qixingtan Beach in Hualien is a public space, so it is open to visitors 24 hours a day, year-round. You can come here at any time convenient for you to enjoy the beauty of the coast. However, for the best views and for safety reasons, it is recommended to visit the beach during daylight hours. No special ticket booking or advance registration is required to visit the beach itself.

A small visitor center is located on the grounds of Qixingtan Beach. Although exact information about its opening hours is unavailable, it is assumed to be open during standard daytime hours, approximately from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To get the most up-to-date information regarding the visitor center's schedule, it is recommended to check the official tourism websites of Hualien or verify the details on-site.

Visiting Qixingtan Beach is undoubtedly a highlight, but Hualien City and its surroundings have much more to offer. Exploring nearby attractions will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this corner of Taiwan, discover new facets of its culture and nature, and make your trip even more fulfilling and memorable.

Don't limit yourself to just the beach, as unique natural sites, interesting museums, or colorful local spots that will complement your travel experience may be located very close by. Exploring the area around Qixingtan Beach will help you gain a more complete understanding of Hualien.