Qixingtan (Chihsingtan Beach)Qixingtan is a coastal bay and beach on the Pacific coast of Eastern Taiwan, set in a half-moon gulf that opens to the ocean. The name comes from the site’s original shape, said to resemble the Big Dipper; historical changes to the shoreline include landfilling during the Japanese era that altered the original pools.
The beach is noted for its spacious outlooks across the Pacific and is a popular local and tourist spot for walking and watching sunrises. It sits within the broader coastal region of Eastern Taiwan and is often combined with other Hualien-area itineraries.
Nearby attractions include the Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum and the approach from the nearby railway makes it accessible without a car. The site has seen proposals and some private development in recent years, so facilities and the immediate shoreline feel more developed than in the past.
- Half-moon bay panorama: The curved bay frames long views of the Pacific and is the defining landscape feature of Qixingtan.
- Sunrise over the Pacific: Early mornings offer clear vistas of the sun rising from the ocean on calm days.
- Historic Big Dipper association: The beach takes its name from an earlier shoreline shaped like the Big Dipper; accounts note that land reclamation changed the original ponds.
- Chihsing Tan Katsuo Museum: A small museum near the beach focused on local catches and coastal culture lies within easy walking or cycling distance.
Nearby Attractions to Qixingtan (Chihsingtan Beach)#
Best Time to Visit Qixingtan (Chihsingtan Beach)#
Qixingtan has a subtropical climate with a pronounced wet season; aim for months outside the peak typhoon and heavy-rain period for the clearest coastal views.
Weather & Climate near Qixingtan (Chihsingtan Beach)#
Qixingtan (Chihsingtan Beach)'s climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 15°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2103 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 15° - 21° | 18° | 79 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.7h |
| February | Good | 15° - 21° | 18° | 101 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.2h |
| March | Very Good | 17° - 23° | 20° | 97 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 20° - 26° | 23° | 112 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.6h |
| May | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 204 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.5 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.2h |
| June | Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 209 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.9 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.5h |
| July | Good | 25° - 32° | 33° | 162 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 4.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.4h |
| August | Good | 25° - 31° | 32° | 246 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.9h |
| September | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 333 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Very Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 329 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.5h |
| November | Good | 19° - 25° | 22° | 155 mm | overcast | 80% | 5.3 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 10.8h |
| December | Very Good | 16° - 22° | 19° | 76 mm | overcast | 79% | 4.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.5h |
How to Get to Qixingtan (Chihsingtan Beach)#
The nearest city is Hualien City; the closest airport is Hualien Airport and the easiest rail access is Beipu Station on the Taiwan Railways. According to local directions, the beach is within walking distance east from Beipu Station.
If you are coming from Hualien City or Hualien Train Station the last stretch is usually covered by a short taxi ride or local bus; many visitors also arrive on foot or by bicycle from nearby coastal roads. Check local timetables and options on the day you travel.
Tips for Visiting Qixingtan (Chihsingtan Beach)#
- Arrive early for sunrise and fewer crowds, especially on weekends.
- Bring a windproof layer - sea breezes can be strong even on mild days.
- Check the weather and typhoon warnings during summer and early autumn before planning a beach visit.
- Walking from Beipu Station is convenient, but expect more visitors and limited parking near peak times.
- Swimming conditions can be changeable; check safety information locally before entering the water.