Travel Guide: Taroko Susi Little Space, Hualien County

Introduction

Nestled in the quiet coastal town of Xincheng, just minutes from the northern entrance of Taroko Gorge, Taroko Susi Little Space (太魯閣蘇西小空間) is the ideal home base for travelers eager to explore Hualien’s dramatic mountain and coastal landscapes. This cozy, family-run guesthouse balances laid-back local charm with thoughtful amenities, making it a favorite for solo backpackers, couples, and family groups alike. Whether you’re here to hike Taroko’s jade-green gorges or soak up sun on Hualien’s empty Pacific beaches, this welcoming property checks every box for a relaxed Taiwanese mountain getaway.

Hotel Overview

Located at No. 20, Zhongzheng Road, Xincheng Township, Hualien County, Susi Little Space puts you within a 10-minute drive of Taroko National Park’s main entrance and a 15-minute walk from Xincheng Train Station. The property offers a range of accommodation to fit every group size, including spacious non-smoking family rooms, all fitted with crisp linens, air conditioning, and complimentary fast Wi-Fi available across the entire guesthouse. En-suite bathrooms come stocked with free toiletries, towels, a hair dryer, and all basic essentials, so you can pack light for your hiking adventures.

Convenient added perks include free, no-reservation-required private parking for guests driving in from Hualien City or Taipei, plus paid airport shuttle service to and out Hualien Airport. Shared amenities include a common lounge with TV, a fully equipped public kitchen for preparing your own meals, paid access to a scenic garden, and barbecue facilities for group cookouts under the stars. The guesthouse also offers paid activity bookings, bicycle rental, and guided canoe trips, plus a multilingual staff that speaks English, Spanish, and Chinese, and a paid tourist information desk to help you plan your itinerary. Guests consistently rave about the hearty, homemade breakfast served daily.

Local Attractions

Taroko Gorge itself is the star attraction, just 10 minutes’ drive north. This 19-kilometer marble canyon carved by the Liwu River features dramatic cliffside trails, turquoise water pools, and iconic landmarks like the Eternal Spring Shrine and the narrow, cliff-hugging Swallow Grotto Trail. It is easily explored by bicycle or car, and the guesthouse can arrange trail guidance.

Just 10 minutes west of the guesthouse, Qixingtan Beach is a sweeping crescent of black pebbles along the Pacific coast. It’s perfect for sunrise walks, kite flying, and watching crashing waves against dramatic coastal rock formations, far less crowded than Hualien City’s more popular beaches.

For a taste of local culture, Xincheng Old Street is a 5-minute walk from the property. This preserved 100-year-old street is lined with traditional wooden shophouses serving famous local Hualien treats: handmade mochi, taro balls, and wild honey lemon tea, plus small art galleries showcasing local aboriginal art.

Travel Tips

Book canoe trips and bicycle rental directly through the guesthouse for better rates than third-party platforms—their guided canyon canoe tours on the Liwu River are well worth the extra cost. If you’re arriving by train, ask the front desk to arrange pick up from Xincheng Station for a small fee, it’s far more convenient than hauling hiking gear on foot. Remember the entire property is non-smoking aside from the designated smoking area, so plan accordingly. Finally, arrive hungry for breakfast—local reviews confirm the homemade scrambled eggs and house-made youtiao are not to be missed. For hikers heading into Taroko early, the guesthouse can often arrange an early breakfast service on