Hualien, Taiwan

Hualien is located in eastern Taiwan, bordered by the Central Mountain Range to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Its dramatic and diverse land-scapes—from the Qixingtan coastline and Taroko Gorge to the East Rift Valley—showcase the beauty of nature. Covering 4,628 square kilometers, Hualien is Taiwan's largest county. With its varied terrain and pristine environment, it has become a dream destination for travelers and athletes alike.

Hualien County, home to about 320,000 people, is a melting pot of diverse cul-tures. The Amis, Truku, Sakizaya, Kavalan, Bunun, and Seediq peoples live in harmony alongside Minnan, Hakka, and mainland Chinese communities. Re-nowned for their warmth and hospitality, the locals express a vibrant spirit through festive dances, traditional music, and handcrafted arts—allowing visi-tors to experience the unique charm of harmonious coexistence between peo-ple and nature.

Hualien's subtropical climate provides pleasant temperatures year-round (av-erage 22–24°C; August 25–32°C). With blooming springs, sunny summers, and mild autumns and winters, it is an ideal destination for outdoor activities and sports competitions. The fresh ocean breeze and lush green mountains make Hualien a natural arena for athletic pursuits.

Hualien's cuisine blends diverse ethnic influences with the gifts of nature. From Indigenous-style dishes and mountain vegetables to local snacks, every plate reflects a deep love for the land and a spirit of creativity.

The 2026 International Youth Games, themed “Together We Shine in Hualien,” symbolizes young people from around the world shining under Hualien's sun. This event is not only a sports competition but also a celebration of cultural ex-change and heartfelt connections. We look forward to young athletes making friends, challenging themselves, and experiencing Hualien's spirit of Sustainabil-ity, Nature, and Friendship.

Hualien warmly invites you and your city delegation to gather here in the sum-mer of 2026. Between the mountains and the sea, let us witness together the power of youth, the warmth of friendship, and the hope of the world.

KEY DATES

• NOVEMBER 2025

  6

  INVITATION SENT TO:

  1. MEMBER CITIES, SISTER CITIES, FUTURE HOST CITIES
  2. START OF REGISTRATION – INTENT TO PARTICIPATE
  3. PAYMENT STARTS FOR ICG PARTICIPATION FEE

  13

  REGULAR ATTENDEES

  20

  ALL OTHER CITIES

• JANUARY 2026

  31

  1. DEADLINE FOR CONFIRMATION OF INTENT TO PARTICIPATE
  2. DEADLINE FOR ENTRY BY NUMBER AND SPORTS
  3. DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT

• FEBRUARY 2026

  1

  START OF NAMING REGISTRATION

• MARCH 2026

  31

  DEADLINE OF NAMING REGISTRATION

• AUGUST 2026

  01

  OFFICIAL ARRIVAL DATE

  02

  1. PRACTICE DAY
  2. TECHNICAL MEETINGS
  3. OPENING CEREMONY

  03~05

  COMPETITIONS DAYS

  05

  CLOSING CEREMONY AND PARTY

  06日

  OFFICIAL DEPARTURE DAY

PARTICIPATION

Delegation

A city Delegation is made up of athletes, coaches, a Team Manager and a City Representative. Each Delegation may consist of maximum 24 (1 City Rep, 1 Team Manager, 18 athletes and up to 4 coaches) and minimum of 10 (7 athletes). Delegations of less than 10 in total will require official ICG approval prior to payment being accepted and registration accepted. Athletes of both male & female genders should be represented in all city Delegations where possible. Delegations can only enter a maximum of 4 sports/competitions.

Athletes (up to 18)

Must reside or attend school or be a member of a club, in the city in which they represent. Athletes must be 12 years old by 1st January, in the year of the Games and must still be 15 years old on 31st December, in the year of the Games. Athletes can only participate in one sport and represent one city.

Sport Coaches (Up to 4)

There can only be one coach per sport/team and they will be the lead contact for their nominated sport. (See General Technical Rules). They have the responsibility for ensuring the welfare of athletes. As there should be athletes of both male & female genders, each city must ensure that their coaches also represent both male & female genders.

The Team Manager (TM)

Is the main contact with the Organizers during the Games. They will also be responsible for ensuring the registration of the city, for meeting deadlines and for organizing their city Delegation during the Games. TMs will stay at Athletes’ accommodation for the duration of the Games and, in small Delegations, this person will be one of the coaches. This will be decided by ICG.

City Representatives / VIP

Each City attending ICG 2026 can bring 1 City Representative as part of their travelling delegation. This individual will gain access/ tickets to the VIP events during the Games along with access to the Games transport system. They will be allocated accommodation at the VIP hotel which will include breakfast, lunch, and evening meals.

Visiting City Guest

There is an opportunity for a visiting city to fund ONE additional guest of the City Representative to share a double occupancy room (subject to room availability) or book an additional single occupancy room (subject to room availability), with meals and local transportation as part of the VIP Group. If so, this will need to be registered and paid in advance, details of which will be available from e-mail 2026icg@hlc.edu.tw and will be subject to room availability.

Visitors / Supporters

All other visitors such as city officials, parents, family members, chaperones etc. are welcome to attend the Hualien ICG at their own or participating city´s expense.

There is no guarantee that these extra city officials or representatives can be accommodated in the VIP Hotel.
For more information and accommodation options please visit the official website:https://2026icg.hlc.edu.tw/

Registration

Number Registration (Phase 1) Hualien 2026 will open on 6 November 2025 and close on 31 January 2026.
Cities will receive an invitation to participate in the Games. Upon acceptance of this invitation and payment of the ICG Participation Fee by credit card, they will be provided with a login and password details for the registration process (number registration). Delegations of less than 10 will require ICG approval in order to progress.

Naming Registration (Phase 2) Hualien 2026 opens on 1 February 2026 and closes on 31st March;
these deadlines will be strictly enforced.。

Insurance

This is the responsibility of the visiting city. Travel and medical insurance are a requirement in registering and participating in Hualien 2026.

Catering

During the Hualien Games, free meals are provided for city reps/VIPs, coaches, and athletes as follows:

1. First free meal:Dinner on August 1, 2026 (for early arrivals, meals may be available upon request at the appropriate cost.)
2. Last free meal:：Breakfast on August 6, 2026. International menus will be offered.

Accommodation

1. Check-in: August 1 from 3pm onwards.
2. Check-out: August 6 by 12 noon.

The participating cities that would like to arrive early (one day maximum) and/or leave late, (one day maximum) must arrange in advance with Hualien ICG, and be fully responsible for the reservation they make and for any additional costs.

Extended stay Check in from 3pm onwards on 31 July, 2026 and check out on 7 August by 12 noon.
More information, including the room rate and payment, will be provided when the Phase 2 registration begins.

Transportation

1. Arrival of delegations:August 1,2026
2. Departure of delegations:August 6,2026

Free transportation between point of entry, accommodation sites, and competition venues will be provided during the Games.
The official points of entry for the Hualien International Children's Games will be Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei Songshan Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport, Hualien Airport.

🚐 Shuttle Bus Service — Arrival Day (August 1, 2026)：

Time	Location
08:00－18:00	Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei Songshan Airport, Hualien Airport.
08:00－16:00	Kaohsiung International Airport.

🚍 Shuttle Bus Service — Departure Day (August 6, 2026)

Time	Route	Estimated Arrival
07:00－12:00	Hualien Railway Station → Kaohsiung Railway Station	Scheduled arrival between 12:00 and 17:00.
07:00－11:00	Athletes’ Village → Taoyuan International Airport	Scheduled arrival between 12:00 and 16:00.
07:00－11:00	Athletes’ Village → Taipei Songshan Airport	Scheduled arrival between 12:00 and 16:00.
07:00－11:00	Athletes’ Village → Hualien Airport	Scheduled arrival between 12:00 and 16:00.

⚠️ Notes

Further details and updates will be announced on the official website.
Please provide accurate travel information and make a request for transportation on the final registration. Once the final registration is submitted without a request for shuttle service, no additional amendment shall be made later.If we are not informed in advance of changes to agreed arrival/transportation times, we cannot guarantee transportation. In this case, each Delegation will be responsible for their own arrangements and costs.

Uniform

Each participating city must ensure that its athletes are dressed in an appropriate competition uniform as representatives of their city.

Extra fees and damage deposit

Upon arrival City Representatives/VIPs will be requested to guarantee their hotel rooms by credit card to the hotel. Any additional costs incurred by individuals, e.g. phone calls and room services, must be personally settled with the hotel before departure.

Team Managers will be required to submit credit card details to the organizers as security against loss or damage to property. An amount of 500 euros will be blocked on the account during the Games and it will be released 7 days after the Games if no loss or damage occurred.

Dietary requirements

Please inform the organizers of any special dietary or other needs for your delegation during the registration process to ensure the appropriate arrangements are made in time for the event.

PARENTAL CONSENT RELEASE & WAIVER OF LIABILITY

All completed and signed forms must be submitted with your registration.

Photo / Film

Please note photographs and imaging will be taken during the event and used by all official partners of the International Children's Games in all global media (Press, TV/Streaming & social media). By completing and returning the above forms you agree to the participant featuring in all forms of coverage.

Medical

A declaration of all medical conditions/ allergies will be requested including details of medication. Parents/Guardians are requested to sign their consent for the Waiver of Liability, as well as their consent for Team Managers to authorize the medical treatment of participants, should it be required. This form will be sent to the Team Manager by email.

Code of Conduct for athletes & coaches

The International Children's Games are committed to the highest standards of sport and expect all athletes to honor sport and ICG regulations, and the ICG Code of Conduct. Athletes and coaches attending the Games must accept and adhere to this standard. Any violation of these standards may result in disqualification and being asked to leave the Hualien Games.

Safeguarding

The Local Organizing Committee of the Hualien International Children's Games 2026 is committed to the highest standards in Safeguarding practice. Visiting cities must ensure that they follow their own city/ country guidelines in ensuring that the selection of coaches and their athletes is conducted appropriately. All necessary ratios and gender supervision requirements must be met.

ICG Participation Fee Payment

Upon receiving the formal invitation letter and once Phase 1 commences, cities are required to pay the International Children's Games participation fee:

1. Member cities 750 Euros (member cities are cities that have hosted the Games).
2. All other cities 1000 Euros.

The payment must be made at the start of the registration process. Payment of participation fee can only be done by credit card. The participation fee is non-refundable.