Hualien & Yilan day trip from Taipei: Four coastal and lake stops

Four distinct coastal and lake stops in a single day from Taipei

A private car tour from Taipei to Yilan and Hualien visits Qixingtan Beach, Liyu Lake Scenic Recreation Area, Tofu Cape Scenic Area, and Nanfangao Lookout over a full day. You travel by air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off, guided by an English or Chinese-speaking driver who handles the route while you move between pebble shores, lakeside trails, tidal pools and harbor views. A moderate amount of walking connects each stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Yilan and Hualien natural wonders

• Visit Qixingtan Beach and stroll shore
• Optional visit to Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum
• Relax and lunch at Liyu Lake
• Explore Tofu Cape rock formations
• Enjoy views at Nanfangao Lookout

The experience

The tour starts with hotel pickup in Taipei and heads to Qixingtan Beach, where pebble shores meet clear water and the Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum sits nearby if you want to step inside local history (museum entry is separate). From there the route moves to Liyu Lake, where you break for lunch, you cover your own meal costs, and can rent a bike to circle the water or walk the trails at your own pace. The day continues to Tofu Cape, named for rock formations that resemble tofu blocks, where tidal pools and ocean views give way to a quieter stretch of the Pacific.

The final stop is Nanfangao Lookout, positioned above the fishing port with views across the harbor and coastline. This is where most travelers pause to photograph. The whole route takes 12 to 13 hours including drive time, and you'll need comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket. Cash is useful for any stops along the way. The driver handles fuel, parking and tolls, and travel insurance is included in the price. You'll need to provide passport details (name in English, gender, number, expiry date, country) when you book.

Weather and traffic can shift the order of stops or timing, and the itinerary adjusts to keep you safe. Pickup and drop-off happen only within Taipei City at your hotel address, so confirm your location when you reserve. One luggage per traveler is the limit. Oversized bags won't fit.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within Taipei City.
• air-conditioned private vehicle for the full day.
• English or Chinese-speaking driver guide.
• fuel, parking and toll fees.
• travel insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 09:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (9 to 92 years) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Justaiwantour

Is this one for you?Book this if you're comfortable with a full day of moderate walking across four stops and need hotel pickup within Taipei. The private vehicle and Chinese/English guide handle navigation while you focus on the coastal and lake scenery.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 8 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Qixingtan Beach like when you arrive?

Qixingtan Beach has a pebble shore where clear water meets the coastline, and the Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum stands nearby if you want to learn about local fishing culture and history (though museum entry costs extra and is not part of the tour).

Can you swim or wade at any of the stops?

The tour includes stops at Qixingtan Beach and Tofu Cape where you can explore tidal pools and the water's edge, but swimming is not the focus. Most travelers walk the shores and take photographs instead.

What happens at Liyu Lake during the lunch break?

Liyu Lake is where the tour pauses for lunch, and you can rent a bike to circle the lake, walk the scenic trails, or sit by the water. You choose how to spend the time and pay for your own meal at a nearby vendor or restaurant.

How much walking is involved across the four stops?

A moderate amount of walking connects the stops. You'll stroll Qixingtan Beach, walk around Liyu Lake (or bike if you prefer), explore the rock formations and tidal pools at Tofu Cape, and move around Nanfangao Lookout, so comfortable shoes are essential.