Chixing Lake, also known as Qixing Lake or Seven Star Lake, is a hidden gem located in Hualien County, on Taiwan’s scenic east coast. This tranquil coastal lagoon, surrounded by wetlands and the Pacific Ocean, is part of the Qixingtan Beach area, renowned for its dramatic pebble beaches, cycling paths, and breathtaking ocean views. Unlike Taiwan’s more famous Sun Moon Lake, Chixing Lake offers a quieter, less touristy experience, making it ideal for nature lovers, cyclists, and those seeking serenity. This guide will help you plan a memorable visit to Chixing Lake and its surroundings.
A Travel Guide to Chixing Lake
Why Visit Chixing Lake?
Chixing Lake is a haven of natural beauty, where the calm waters of the lagoon meet the rugged waves of the Pacific. The area is famous for its Qixingtan Binhai Bicycle Road, a scenic coastal trail ranked among Taiwan’s top cycling routes. The lake and its wetlands are home to diverse birdlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Nearby, the pebble-strewn Qixingtan Beach offers stunning sunsets and a chance to relax by the ocean. With its proximity to Taroko Gorge and Hualien City, Chixing Lake is a perfect stop for a day trip or a relaxing getaway.
How to Get There
Chixing Lake is located in Xincheng Township, about 6 kilometers north of Hualien City. Here are the main ways to reach it:
From Taipei: By Train: Take a TRA train (Taroko or Puyuma Express) from Taipei Main Station to Hualien Station. The journey takes 2–3 hours and costs NT$400–600. From Hualien Station, transfer to a local bus or taxi to Qixingtan. By Bus: Direct buses from Taipei to Hualien (e.g., Kamalan or UBus) take about 3.5–4 hours (NT$400–500). From Hualien Bus Station, proceed to Qixingtan via bus or taxi.
From Hualien City: By Bus: Take Hualien Bus #301 or #310 from Hualien Station to Qixingtan Beach (15–20 minutes, NT$30–50). The bus stops near the Qixingtan Visitor Center, a short walk from the lake. By Taxi or Ride-Hailing: A taxi from Hualien City costs NT$150–200 and takes 10–15 minutes. Apps like Uber or Taiwan Taxi are available. By Scooter or Bicycle: Rent a scooter (NT$300–500/day) or bicycle (NT$100–200/day) in Hualien for a scenic ride to Qixingtan. The flat coastal road is beginner-friendly.
By Car: Rent a car in Hualien (Avis or local agencies, ~NT$2,000/day) and drive along Provincial Highway 11 to Qixingtan. Free parking is available near the beach and visitor center.
Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to Taroko National Park (30 minutes by car), as Qixingtan is often a stop on Taroko day tours.
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round Appeal: Chixing Lake is accessible year-round, with mild temperatures in Hualien (15–30°C). The lake’s wetlands and beach are always scenic, but weather affects the experience.
Spring (March–May): Pleasant weather (20–25°C) and blooming wildflowers make this ideal for cycling and photography.Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and cooler temperatures (18–25°C) offer the best conditions for outdoor activities.
Summer (June–August): Warm (25–30°C) but prone to typhoons and heavy rain. Check forecasts, as trails may close during storms. Winter (December–February): Cooler (15–20°C) and windier, but great for birdwatching, as migratory birds flock to the wetlands.
Weather Tip: Avoid visiting during typhoon season (June–August) if possible, as rough seas and rain can disrupt plans. Always check trail conditions at the Qixingtan Visitor Center.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Admission: Chixing Lake and Qixingtan Beach are free to visit, including the wetlands and cycling paths. The Qixingtan Visitor Center is also free and provides maps and information.
Opening Hours: The area is open 24/7, but the Visitor Center operates from 8:30 AM–5:00 PM daily. Cycling and beach activities are best during daylight hours for safety.
Bike Rentals: Available near the Visitor Center or beachfront shops, costing NT$100–300 for 2–4 hours, depending on the bike type (standard, tandem, or electric).
What to See and Do
Chixing Lake and the Qixingtan area offer a range of activities for all interests:
Cycle the Qixingtan Binhai Bicycle Road: This 21-km coastal trail is a highlight, rated 4.4/5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #4 of 63 things to do in Hualien City. The flat, well-maintained path stretches from Qixingtan Beach to Nanbin Park, offering stunning views of the Pacific and Chixing Lake’s wetlands. Rent a bike at the Qixingtan Visitor Center or nearby shops. A leisurely ride takes 1–2 hours one way. Tandem bikes are great for families or couples.
Explore Qixingtan Beach: The pebble beach, with its smooth, colorful stones, is perfect for a relaxing walk or sunset viewing. The crashing waves and distant mountains create a dramatic backdrop. Try stone stacking, a popular activity, but avoid taking pebbles as souvenirs to preserve the environment.
Birdwatching at Chixing Lake Wetlands: The lake’s marshes attract egrets, herons, and migratory birds, especially in winter. Bring binoculars and visit early morning for the best sightings. The Visitor Center offers birdwatching guides and maps.
Visit the Air Force Base Viewpoint: Near the beach, an old air force facility provides a unique vantage point to watch waves and spot occasional military planes. It’s a short walk from the lake and popular for photography.
Enjoy Local Food Stalls: Food stalls near Qixingtan Beach serve Hualien specialties like scallion pancakes (chong zhua bing), mochi, and fresh seafood. Prices range from NT$50–150. Try the grilled squid or bubble tea for a quick snack.
Where to Eat
On-Site: Food stalls and small cafes near Qixingtan Beach and the Visitor Center offer affordable Taiwanese street food, such as pork belly buns (gua bao), grilled corn, and bubble tea. Expect to spend NT$100–200 per person.
In Hualien City: For a proper meal, head back to Hualien’s Dongdamen Night Market (15-minute drive), where you can sample dishes like stinky tofu, coffin bread, and fresh sashimi. Budget NT$200–400 per person.
Recommendation: Try Starbucks Qixingtan, a scenic beachfront location with ocean views, perfect for a coffee break (NT$100–200).
Where to Stay
While Chixing Lake is typically a day trip, staying nearby enhances the experience, especially if exploring Hualien or Taroko Gorge:
Hualien City (6 km away): Budget: Lakeshore Hotel Hualien (NT$1,500–2,500/night) or Meci Hotel (NT$1,200–2,000/night), both near Hualien Station with easy bus access to Qixingtan. Mid-Range: Azure Hotel (NT$2,500–4,000/night), known for modern rooms and proximity to Dongdamen Night Market. Luxury: Silks Place Taroko (NT$6,000–10,000/night), a 5-star resort closer to Taroko Gorge but only 20 minutes from Qixingtan.
Qixingtan Area: Limited options exist, but guesthouses like Qixingtan B&B (NT$2,000–3,000/night) offer ocean views and a peaceful vibe.
Booking Tip: Use Booking.com, Agoda, or Klook for deals, and book early during peak seasons (spring and autumn).
Tips for a Great Visit
Dress Comfortably: Wear sturdy shoes for cycling or walking on the pebble beach. Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the coastal area has little shade. Pack Light: A small backpack with water, snacks, and a raincoat (for sudden showers) is ideal. Lockers are available at the Visitor Center for NT$20–50.
Respect Nature: Avoid disturbing wildlife in the wetlands and refrain from littering or removing pebbles from the beach. Combine Your Trip: Pair Chixing Lake with a visit to Taroko Gorge (30-minute drive) or Hualien’s Pine Garden and Hualien Cultural & Creative Industries Park for a full day of exploration.
Language Tip: Basic English is spoken at the Visitor Center, but learning a few Mandarin phrases (e.g., “Zixingche” for bicycle) can be helpful.
Final Thoughts
Chixing Lake and the Qixingtan area offer a refreshing escape into Taiwan’s east coast beauty, blending coastal splendor with peaceful wetlands and vibrant cycling trails. Whether you’re pedaling along the Pacific, stacking pebbles on the beach, or spotting herons by the lake, this destination promises a rejuvenating experience away from Taiwan’s busier tourist spots. Plan your visit for a clear day, bring a camera for the stunning vistas, and let Chixing Lake’s natural charm captivate you.
Happy travels!
