The Puyuma Express got us to Hualien fast. It’s a tilting train on the east coast line, and the journey down from Taipei takes about two hours. After that we slowed right down. The weather stopped us getting to Taroko Gorge, so we took it easy at the Kadda Hotel, which is themed around cycling.
In the evening we went to Dongdamen Night Market, which runs every evening, and worked our way through plenty of local snacks with the salty sea air coming in off the coast. Among the stalls is a wall made of bottles.
Good to know
- Puyuma Express: a tilting train on the east coast line, taking about two hours from Taipei to Hualien. There are no standing tickets, so book a seat. Tickets go on sale on the Taiwan Railway site up to 28 days ahead. Taiwan Railway
- Taroko Gorge: by early 2026 the visitor centre, Tianxiang, the Chongde Trail and several other areas had reopened after the April 2024 earthquake. The Shakadang, Swallow Grotto and Baiyang trails aren’t due to reopen until 2031. Check what’s open with Taroko National Park before you plan a day there.
- Dongdamen Night Market: it runs every evening, roughly 5pm to 11pm. Most stalls are cash only.
We checked these times and prices in October 2026. They do change, so it's worth a quick look at the official sites before you go.