In recent years, Hualien has consistently ranked among Taiwan's most rapidly shrinking local economies. Surprisingly, however, it also ranks at the top in surveys of residents 'reported quality of life. It's also a favorite getaway spot and the epicenter of Taiwan's "LOHAS" (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) movement.
近年來，花蓮總是列名全台灣財富縮水最嚴重的縣市之一，奇妙的是，它也是居民生活滿意度調查中，評價數一數二的市鎮，更是都會居民嚮往的避世、樂活勝地。