Hualien's "mirror of the sky" sand buggies: racing, mirror photos and river driving, worth it?
Looking for something exciting and photogenic in Hualien? The "mirror of the sky" sand buggies in Xincheng are probably one of the best-value options: drive your own buggy across sand and through the woods, and the instructor even takes "mirror of the sky" perspective photos for you. The iTour team tried it out, and here's the process and what to watch out for.
- Price: about NT$900–1,200 per buggy for two (same price if you ride alone; cheaper when booked online, more expensive on site or on long weekends)
- Booking required; there are several operators locally
- Driver requirements: adults only; beginners welcome
- What to wear: bright clothes + flip-flops
- Check in 15 minutes early (to practice riding first); there are no toilets on site, so go beforehand
- Runs in light rain; not recommended for pregnant women, people over 70 or those with cardiovascular conditions
※ Prices and rules vary by operator; check the operator's information when booking.
Where are the buggies, and what should you watch out for?
The buggy course is in Xincheng, Hualien, some distance from the city, and the nearby attractions are mostly small or purely scenic. Companions who aren't riding may get bored; they can ride in the instructor's big buggy instead (about 4 people in the back) for the same price.
There are sand buggies in quite a few places in Taiwan, but having tried it, we recommend this spot in Hualien because the scenery is beautiful and great for photos.
How it actually goes
- Check in 15 minutes early: sign, fill in your insurance details and read the rules on the wall. These 15 minutes matter because you need to practice first.
- Practice: drive in circles until you're comfortable, then get ready to go. Don't be late, or you won't have time to practice.
- Off you go: besides straights and curves, the instructor takes you into narrower, twistier woods; you'll hear screaming the whole way.
- Photos: once you're through the course, tidy yourself up a bit (you'll be looking pretty shaken by then), and the instructor takes "mirror of the sky" photos and perspective shots using steps and rocks.
- River driving: drive the whole buggy straight into the stream. In winter the water is freezing; in summer it's wonderfully refreshing. The instructor keeps shouting "don't stop in the water."
- Finish: back at check-in, clean your hands and feet and get your photos from the whole ride (no problem if you can't get them right away; the operator posts them on its Facebook page for a day to download).
Is the "mirror of the sky" real?
Honestly, that "mirror of the sky" reflection is created with a mirror and the instructor's photography skills, not a real reflection on wet ground. Finding out is a little disappointing, but the photos really do look amazing. The whole thing takes about 2 hours: racing on the sand, great photos, sea views, and plenty of the instructor's humorous (sometimes very blunt) jokes. A lot of fun.
Hualien sand buggies: FAQ
Can beginners really drive themselves?
Yes, you practice first; anyone who doesn't want to drive can ride in the instructor's big buggy for the same price.
What should I bring if I'm worried about the sun and getting dirty?
Bright clothes (better photos), flip-flops, sunscreen and a change of clothes; you'll get sand and water on you the whole way.
Can a company group do it together?
Yes, but book enough buggies in advance and check how many people the course can handle that day; it's safer to let a travel agency book it all together.
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This post is adapted from an iTour Pixnet article.