The Xiugulan River (中文版：秀姑巒溪 is a major river that cuts across in the coastal mountain range in Hualien County, Ruisui and Fengbin Townships. The river is fast moving, but generally shallow and calm, with few rapids in the 21km section from Ruisui to the Pacific Ocean. Due to the high levels of sediment moving through Xiugulan River, this river is flatter and sandier than other comparable rivers, and has many sandy beaches along it's banks. Although the navigable section of the river starts higher, most people start from either the Xiugulan Tunxi Visitors Center (秀姑巒溪遊客中心) for a full day of rafting, or Qimei Village for a half day. The first section is around 12km, it's very calm, with only one large Class II rapid. The second section is 8.5km, and has a few small Class II rapids, but nothing major. This section is narrower, with some marble canyons, and is more beautiful and interesting than the first section. There are also many large and interesting rocks in the river, which make the trip down more enjoyable.
The mouth of the river opens up into a wide lake, which then flows into the ocean. When the water levels are high, this creates Xibulan Island, and when the water levels are low, it makes a nice beach.
Although this river is calm and easy which makes it a good river to learn and practice on, it’s still important to wear life-jackets jackets and helmets, and, if it’s your first time rafting or tubing, it’s recommended to go when the water levels are low.
秀姑巒溪
花蓮縣瑞穗鄉
Xiugulan River
Hualien County, Ruisui Township
GPS： 23.48699, 121.4048