Qixingtan Beach is an arc-shaped pebble bay in Xincheng Township, Hualien County, officially designated as the county's only county-level scenic area, with a coastal cycling path and views extending to Qingshui Cliff. Despite the "tan" (pool) in its name, it is a pebble coast rather than a lake, and its dawn sunrise and dusk silhouette of the Central Mountain Range are the most sought-after sights for visitors and photographers.
Qixingtan is Hualien County's only county-level scenic area (per Hualien County's official tourism website), located around Dahan Village, Qixing Street, in Xincheng Township. The bay faces the Pacific and its beach is composed of dark rounded pebbles. A coastal cycling path runs through the area — official materials cite a total length of about 21 km, connecting sites such as Nanbin Park, the Stone Sculpture Museum, and the Stargazing Plaza. The "tan" in the name is a holdover from an old place name and does not refer to an actual lake — the site is a pebble coast.
Highlights of Qixingtan Beach
Qixingtan is actually a pebble coast — the character "tan" (潭, meaning pool or pond) in its name is a carryover from an old place name and does not refer to a lake. The gravel beach is made up of rounded stones shaped by years of wave action, ranging in color from deep gray to dark brown, making a distinctive sound underfoot. The natural arc of the bay takes on completely different tones at different times of day: clear days bring a deep blue sea, cloudy days shift it to gray-green, and the sound of waves washing over the pebbles is a characteristic natural soundscape of this coast.
Qixingtan is best known for its dawns. The morning glow and sun disk rising from the Pacific surface are reflected on the pebble beach, and on a clear day, turning around after sunrise reveals the entire ridge of the Central Mountain Range bathed in golden morning light. At dusk, the mountains shift to a silhouette against the sunset afterglow — one of the widest mountain-and-sea panoramas in Hualien County with the greatest depth of field. A cycling path connects Qixingtan to Hualien City, approximately 7 to 8 km away.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Time
- Located around Qixing Street in Xincheng Township, about a 15–20-minute drive from Hualien City. The coastal cycling path from Hualien City is also an option.
- The beach is open at all hours with no entry fee. The parking lot is at the northern entrance to the beach — it fills up quickly on weekends and during peak travel season. Arriving early or coming by bicycle is advisable.
- Spring (March to May) generally has calmer seas. During summer typhoon season, sea conditions can be rough. Pay attention to water safety and do not go near areas where waves are breaking.
Nearby Connections
- Heading south from Qixingtan connects to the coastal cycling path into Hualien City. Heading north about 8 km brings you to Xincheng Township, where you can continue to Xincheng Catholic Church.
- Several breakfast spots with ocean views are nearby — a natural follow-up after the sunrise is to walk over and have breakfast, rounding off a complete morning coastal experience.
Sources: Hualien County Tourism Bureau; Qixingtan Scenic Area Management Station. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qixingtan actually a lake?
No, despite the "tan" in its name, Qixingtan is a pebble coast, not a lake — the character is a holdover from an old place name.
What tier of scenic area is Qixingtan?
It is officially designated as Hualien County's only county-level scenic area.
How long is the coastal cycling path at Qixingtan?
Official sources cite a total length of about 21 km, connecting several sites along the coast.
Sources
- 七星潭海岸風景特定區 - 花蓮觀光資訊網 — 花蓮縣唯一縣定風景區、自行車道21公里等官方資訊