Qixingtan Beach in Hualien — Online Webcam

On the eastern coast of Taiwan, where mountains descend to the waters of the Pacific Ocean, lies a pebble beach with the poetic name Qixingtan. This online camera is installed at a viewpoint above the coastline and shows the curved shoreline, a coastal path with wooden railings, and the endless ocean expanse. The beach is located in Xincheng Township, Hualien County — one of the most scenic regions on the island.

The story behind the name: why "Seven Star Pond"

The name Qixingtan literally translates as "Seven Star Pond." The beach got its name from its shape resembling the Big Dipper constellation — in Chinese, "qixing" means "seven stars" and "tan" means lake or pond. Originally, where Hualien Airport stands today, there was a series of small bodies of water whose outlines resembled seven stars. In 1936, the Japanese government filled in the lakes to build an airport, but the name was preserved for the coastline. Today, tourists come here not for a lake but for the ocean — a paradox that only adds to the place's charm.

Geography and location

Qixingtan Beach is crescent-shaped and faces the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Swimming here is prohibited due to strong underwater currents that make bathing dangerous even in calm weather. However, this doesn't stop thousands of tourists from visiting the coast every year for walks along the pebbles and photography. The shore is covered with smooth, oval-shaped pebbles — the local tradition of stacking stone pyramids has become an integral part of the beach experience. From the upper vantage point where the camera is installed, there is a panoramic view of the curved shoreline and dark basalt cliffs framing the bay.

The pebble beach and its features

Unlike the sandy beaches of southern Taiwan, Qixingtan is covered in pebbles — small stones of various shades create a distinctive sound when waves roll in. Tourists love stacking pebbles into pyramids — this practice has become a kind of ritual for visitors. A paved coastal path runs along the shore, and wooden railings and information boards help with navigation. Grassy patches between the stones create a contrast with the dark waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Military base and fighter jets

One of Qixingtan's unique features is its proximity to a military base. A military base is located near the beach, so tourists often watch fighter jets take off right above the coastline. The roar of jet engines mixes with the sound of the surf, creating an unusual soundtrack for a beach day. For many visitors, this comes as a surprise — expecting peace and meditation, they get a military aviation show against the ocean horizon.

Cultural heritage of the Amis people

The area around Hualien was historically the land of the indigenous Amis people — the largest Taiwanese ethnic group with a rich cultural heritage. The territory around Qixingtan was historically inhabited by the indigenous Amis people, whose fishing traditions and sea festivals continue to influence local culture. Tourism development of the coast began relatively recently, and today you can find both modern cafés and authentic fishing villages preserving a traditional way of life.

Festivals and events

Qixingtan Beach is not just a place for contemplation — it's also a venue for vibrant events. Dragon boat races are held on the beach as part of the Dragon Boat Festival — colorful teams in traditional costumes compete for victory against the backdrop of ocean waves. In summer, the Hualien County government organizes a series of "Meteor Hualien" events: free stargazing and meteor watching sessions take place right on the coast, where the absence of city light pollution makes the night sky perfect for astronomy. And on New Year's, thousands of people gather here to greet the first sunrise — it's believed that dawn over the Pacific Ocean brings good luck for the entire year.

Proximity to Taroko

Qixingtan Beach lies on the way to Taiwan's main natural attraction — Taroko National Park with its marble gorges. The beach is a popular stop for tourists heading to the gorge — many multi-day tours include an evening rest on the coast before a morning hike into the mountains. On clear days, mountain ranges stretching deep into the island are visible from the beach. This strategic location has made Qixingtan one of the most visited spots in Hualien County — tourists combine beach relaxation with exploring Taiwan's natural wonders.

What you can see on the camera

The online camera is installed at a viewpoint above the beach and shows a panoramic view of the coastline in real time. In the frame — a pebble beach with a paved coastal path, wooden railings, and information boards. Sunlight reflects off the water, and fishing boats move slowly across the ocean. The camera captures grassy patches between the stones and dark cliffs framing the bay. At sunset, the sky over the Pacific Ocean turns golden and lavender hues, and in good weather, mountain silhouettes are visible on the horizon. This is a live broadcast from the coast of Taiwan — an opportunity to observe life at Qixingtan Beach from anywhere in the world.