Qixingtan

This beach forms a beautiful crescent-shaped bay, hence it is also known as Crescent Bay. The water is pristine and deep blue, and the black pebbles are crystal clear. From here, one can admire the lush green mountains and the winding coastal road in the distance. Qixingtan, a name imbued with poetic charm, was reportedly once an area around Hualien Teachers College (now National Dong Hwa University Hualien Campus) and Hualien Airport, where scattered lakes were found in earlier years before being filled in due to construction needs. Today, Qixingtan generally refers to the area north of Meilun Industrial Park and Hualien Airport, which features a strait formed by a fault line and a magnificent crescent-shaped bay, boasting abundant natural and cultural landscapes. At Qixingtan, visitors can gaze at the distant Qingshui Cliffs and, at night, enjoy the twinkling lights of Xincheng and Chongde areas. The region also offers numerous attractions for relaxation and enriching experiences. The Qixingtan Scenic Area is traversed by a network of bicycle paths, serving as its main artery. This 21-kilometer journey, stretching from Hualien City's Pacific Park, through Hualien Port, and Siba Highlands, to the Qixingtan Scenic Area itself, offers a variety of picturesque views. The Hualien County Government has further enhanced the area with recreational facilities like a star-gazing plaza. Near the fishing grounds, visitors can find interpretive signs on marine ecology and protective windbreak forests, highlighting the rich diversity of flora and fauna. An educational visit here is certainly a worthwhile experience. Qixingtan Visitor Center: 10:00-17:00. Tel: (03)8225898. Address: No. 32, Qixing Street, Xincheng Township, Hualien County 97143.