Qixingtan Beach is composed of smooth, naturally tumbled marble and schist pebbles brought down from the mountains by river systems.
The name Qixingtan, meaning 'Seven Star Lake,' historically referred to a series of smaller lagoons that were filled in during Japanese colonial era airport construction.
The beach is part of a high-energy coastal zone, resulting in steep drop-offs at the shoreline that make swimming strictly prohibited.
The square is oriented to face the Pacific Ocean directly, providing a direct line of sight for observing the moonrise and sunrises.
The surrounding area is part of a designated coastal scenic zone intended to protect the local geological features from industrial development.
Qixingtan Stargazing Square is a specialized coastal viewing platform located directly along the crescent-shaped coastline of Hualien's Qixingtan Beach. The square features elevated wooden decking and stone paved areas designed to provide unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and the night sky. It serves as a focal point for the Qixingtan Scenic Area, which is famous for its unique pebble beach rather than sand. The site is situated within the Xincheng Township, Hualien County. The area is intentionally designed to minimize light interference, making it a primary destination for amateur astronomers and visitors interested in meteor showers. It is an open-air public space accessible throughout the day and evening.
The center of the square looking out toward the horizon where the Pacific Ocean meets the sky.
Bring a picnic mat to sit on the pebble beach safely away from the tide line.
Use a headlamp or flashlight if visiting at night to navigate the uneven stone terrain.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear, as walking on loose, shifting pebbles can be difficult in sandals.
Do not attempt to collect or take pebbles home as souvenirs, as this is prohibited by local environmental regulations.
Swimming and water activities are strictly forbidden due to strong undertows and steep shoreline drop-offs.
