Where are Taiwan and Hualien?

There is an array of islands off the Eastern and Southeastern coasts of mainland Asia; from Sakhalin Island in Russia, to the spray of luminous tropical islands framing Indonesia. Taiwan, the island of Formosa, is situated between Japan and the Philippines.

There is an array of islands off the Eastern and Southeastern coasts of mainland Asia; from Sakhalin Island in Russia, to the spray of luminous tropical islands framing Indonesia. Taiwan, the island of Formosa, is situated between Japan and the Philippines.

Life In Hualien

One of the SAFEST places on EARTH!

Students arriving from foreign lands can rest easy when coming to Taiwan: in 2020, Taiwan was ranked the 2nd SAFEST country in the WORLD, and in 2018, it was deemed 1st IN QUALITY OF LIFE on the PLANET! Here, crime is virtually non-existent, and mainly limited to the hustle and bustle of big cities like Taipei and Taichung. Violent crime in particular is extremely rare, as consideration and conscientiousness are prevailing aspects of the island culture here. And as Hualien rests in the pristine countryside surrounded by astounding natural beauty in the Land of Great Love with Tzu Chi at its heart; students blessed enough to live and study here can feel totally safe and at home, as if pursuing their dreams in paradise!

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A City of Lights in Paradise

Situated between the pristine mountainous forestry depicted in centuries of epic Chinese traditional paintings; and the breezy, unreal glacier-colored coastline of the Pacific Ocean; with all manner of river lines, lotus ponds, hibiscus brush, and tropical fruit trees in between; Hualien can easily be called “paradise on Earth.” In fact, we share the same latitude as Hawaii. Combine the relaxing and astounding nature of paradise with the luxury and amenity of a vastly connected modern city of lights and nightlife; amongst amazing people who champion respect, regard, and gratitude in their everyday way of life; and incomparable fresh local cuisine at a rate of next to nothing (cost-of-living-wise): and you will understand why Hualien has become one of the top travel destinations for both local and international tourists. Can you imagine LIVING here?

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Transportation

There are many ways to get around in Taiwan to Hualien. Public transportation options include flights, trains, and buses: and there are no restrictions between regions. The train from Taipei to Hualien normally takes just over 2 hours and a ticket one way should be about $440 TWD. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance. Feel free to contact us for support!

Once in Hualien, the main modes of local transportation are more limited. Most people get around on their own bike, scooter, or car (or on foot, as it is a limited area; your destination is likely to be within walking distance). Public buses around the region are available but limited. Local cabs are usually quite cheap and are definitely an option! Rentals for transport are also available in the city. And wherever you go, you are sure to find a beautiful view along the way.

BUS

A feasible alternative to trains when tickets are sold out. Travel time by bus is typically 3.5 hours or more to get to Hualien from Taipet.

AIRPLANE

Hualien has its own an international airport; however due to the impact of COVID-19, only domestic routes currently operate. It takes about 40 minutes from Taipei; or about 1 hour from Taichung or Kaohsiung.

TRAIN

It is the most popular and affordable way to get to Hualien from anywhere in Taiwan. Express trains (Taroko or Puyuma) will take you to Hualien in about 2 hours, while non-express trains can take about 3-4 hours.