Qixingtan Beach is a crescent-shaped pebble bay in Xincheng Township, just north of Hualien City, facing the Pacific with the Central Mountain Range behind it. The water turns deep blue close to shore, and the beach is one of Hualien’s favourite places to watch the sunrise.
It was not damaged in the 2024 earthquake and is open as normal. Note that the waves and steep drop-off make it unsuitable for swimming.
Plan your visit to Qixingtan Beach
- Entry: free
- Open 24 hours (public beach)
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
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History of Qixingtan Beach
The name Qixingtan (“Seven Star Lake”) originally belonged to a group of small lakes near today’s Hualien Airport. In 1936 the Japanese authorities filled them in to build the airfield, and the residents who moved to this bay kept the old name in memory of their village. Today the former fishing community is a quiet coastal scenic area.
Attractions at Qixingtan Beach
- Pebble beach: a long arc of smooth stones with views north towards the Qingshui Cliffs.
- Star-watching square: an open seafront plaza that is popular after dark.
- Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum: a small museum and shop about the local dried-bonito (katsuobushi) trade.
- Coastal bike path: a cycle path runs along the shore towards Hualien City.
Things to Do at Qixingtan Beach
- Watch the sunrise: arrive before dawn for the best light.
- Walk or cycle the seafront: rent a bike in Hualien and ride the coastal path.
- Photography: the bay, the mountains and planes landing at the nearby airport.
- Stargazing: on clear nights from the seafront square.
- Stay out of the water: strong waves and a steep drop-off make swimming dangerous.
Qixingtan Beach – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
Qixingtan is a public beach with free entry and no opening hours. Early morning and late afternoon are the most pleasant times, and the museum and shops keep their own hours.
Tours
- Private car charter (Qixingtan, Qingshui Cliffs, Taroko): on Klook
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How Long to Spend at Qixingtan Beach
Allow 1 to 2 hours, or a half day if you cycle the coast path. It combines well with Taroko National Park and the Qingshui Cliffs on a day trip.
How to Get There
- By train: Beipu Station on the Taiwan Railway is within walking distance of the beach.
- By taxi: about 15 to 20 minutes from Hualien Station.
- By bike or scooter: rent one in Hualien City and follow the coast north.
- From Taipei: take an express train to Hualien (about 2 to 2.5 hours), then continue as above.
Arriving at Taoyuan Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer to your Taipei hotel, then take the train to Hualien.
Eateries Nearby Qixingtan Beach
There are small cafés and snack stalls along the seafront at Qixingtan. For a proper meal, head back to Hualien City, where Dongdamen Night Market has a huge choice of local street food.
Other Attractions Nearby Qixingtan Beach
- Taroko National Park: partly reopened after the 2024 earthquake.
- Qingshui Cliffs: sea cliffs north of Taroko.
- Dongdamen Night Market: Hualien’s best-known night market.
- Hualien Cultural and Creative Park: a former winery turned arts space in the city.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Hualien: several seafront hotels and guesthouses sit right on the bay.
- Get a Taiwan eSIM on Klook before you land (unlimited data, Chunghwa Telecom network).
Qixingtan Beach is an easy, free stop near Hualien: a pebble bay with clear blue water and mountain views, best at sunrise. Enjoy it from the shore rather than swimming.
Combine it with Taroko National Park and the Qingshui Cliffs for a classic Hualien day.
