Earthquake in Taiwan

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       Hualien County Is a Quiet, Scenic Tourist Destination The area, known for a famous gorge and aquamarine waters, sits on several active faults.

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       Rice fields in Hualien County in 2021. The scenic area is one of the most sparsely populated parts of Taiwan.Credit...Ashley Pon for The New York Times

       By Victoria Kim

       April 3, 2024Updated 3:27 a.m. ET

       Hualien County on Taiwan’s east coast is a scenic, sleepy tourist area tucked away from the island’s urban centers, with a famous gorge and aquamarine waters. It also happens to sit on several active faults, making it prone to earthquakes.

       The county has a population of about 300,000, according to the 2020 census, about a third of whom live in the coastal city of Hualien, the county seat. It is one of the most sparsely populated parts of Taiwan. About three hours by train from the capital, Taipei, the city describes itself as the first place on the island that’s touched by the sun.

       Hualien County is home to Taroko National Park, one of Taiwan’s most popular scenic areas. Visitors come to explore the Taroko Gorge, a striated marble canyon carved by the Liwu River, which cuts through mountains that rise steeply from the coast. The city of Hualien is a popular destination as a gateway to the national park.

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       Victoria Kim is a reporter based in Seoul and focuses on breaking news coverage across the world. More about Victoria Kim

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