August 22, 2013 --- As soon as Nathan and I arrived at Hualien train station, we rented a bike from a small shop located on the left side of the train station. It cost only $NT 100 or about US$ 3.60 per bike for the entire day. Then we headed out of the station and biked along Mei Luen River until we hit the ocean and turned left to bike along the bike path toward Qixintan Beach. It took us more than an hour to reach our destination, but every single minute was very worthwhile. The ocean was sparkling blue even though the stormy clouds were still hanging above. The bike path was smooth, and the nice, cool breeze kept cooling us off from the humidity.
Qixintan Beach is a rocky-sand beach stretching many kilometers on the north side of Hualien City. I'm not sure whether or not people are allowed to swim in the ocean, but I didn't see anyone in the water while visiting. Of course, it was right after the typhoon hit the island, so nobody wanted to risk their lives at the moment. However, it was nice to stroll along the water or bike on the bike path stretching the entire length of the beach. The bike rental shop is located right on the beach too. :-)
