A City Rich in Culture and Excellence｜Hualien City
#Highest Population Density
#The First Area to Be Developed
#Rich in Cultural and Historical Landmarks
#A Culinary Haven with Diverse Local Delicacies
#An Essential Stop for Any Hualien Traveler
Hualien City covers an area of approximately 30 square kilometers. From the Qing Dynasty to the Japanese era, this area was the most important in Hualien County. The city retains many historical and cultural buildings, and is a hub for exotic cuisine and street snacks. Travelers arriving at Hualien Station will find themselves navigating a city where the old and new coexist, creating the stunning landscape of present-day Hualien.
The Story Begins a Long Time Ago｜Sixteen Shares and Early Settlement in the Qing Dynasty
Hidden in the alleys near Shiliugu Blvd is the Hualien Koxinga Temple. According to the temple records, it was founded in 1851 during the Qing Dynasty’s Xianfeng era by wealthy farmer A-Feng Huang from Tamsui District, who gathered 16 shares and recruited over 2,000 tenant farmers to open up the Qilai Shiliugu settlement (Sixteen Shares settlement), thus starting the development of the Qilai Plain (the former name of Hualien City). It has a history of over 160 years.
As time progressed, following the arrival of the Japanese in Taiwan in 1895, many of the city's important historical buildings and landmarks were shaped during that period. The Hualien Port Office, which was responsible for overseeing the construction and operation of the Hualien-Taitung Railway, is now preserved as the Hualien Railway Cultural Park. The former Hualien Winery, after renovation, has transformed into a key venue for arts and cultural events, now known as the Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park. Nearby, Gouzaiwei, once a bustling area known as "Zaokiao" or the "kitchen" of Hualien, is now a vibrant district surrounded by Boai Street, Ziyou Street, and Mingyi Street. This area is now home to a blend of indie boutiques and longstanding traditional shops. Today, Sunrise Boulevard stands as a symbol of the fusion between old-world charm and contemporary trends.
There's Always Something to Do｜Activities Throughout the Year
In the 1970s, Hualien's marble processing factories and mines were the largest in Asia. Today, Hualien is home to many public artworks crafted by local artists from marble, especially the Hualien Stone Sculpture Museum, Taiwan’s first museum dedicated to stone carvings. In Dachen 1st Village, Meilun, you can find the Dachen Story House, which tells the story of the tumultuous period of the Chinese Civil War. The Kuo Tzu Chiu Memorial House, dedicated to the famous musician Tzu-Chiu Kuo, preserves many of his personal artifacts. The newly opened Hualien Disaster Prevention Education Center offers fun, interactive installations to teach visitors about disaster preparedness.
Hualien City also hosts many large-scale events throughout the year. In the summer, the Hualien Summer Festival and Pacific Austronesian Joint Harvests Festival take place, while around New Year's, the Hualien Happy Christmas Land and Hualien New Year's Eve Party bring festive cheer. The Lunar New Year Street Market and the Hualien Pacific Ocean Lantern Festival, which attracted much attention this year, offer memorable experiences for travelers at any time of the year.
A Fusion of International Cuisine and Local Delicacies｜The United Nations of Food in Hualien
Hualien is a city known for its fusion and inclusiveness. Various international cuisines cater to both local residents and travelers. Little Pulau Penang, known for its Southeast Asian flavors, serves a delicious Singaporean laksa, while "Rrawaddy Myanmar Restaurant," run by a former resident of Myanmar's Myitkyina, has been serving local favorites for over 30 years. "Show Green Pizza Focaccia" brings authentic Italian pizza and pasta to Hualien. Hualien’s strong sense of local connection is not just talk. Open Sesame, a popular eatery specializing in set meals, is run by an owner from Shikoku, Japan, who has been living locally for 20 years. Meanwhile, Mahi & Mandi’s Curry Corner serves authentic Indian curry and naan, offering true flavors from the heart of India.
Street food is also abundant, with "Tatung Lanyang Rice Noodle Soup" and "Mingli Road Lin’s Scallion Pancake" winning the 500 Bowls Award. The Dongdamen Night Market, a must-visit for any traveler, won the 2025 "King of Night Markets" title. With signature snacks like boneless beltfish rolls, mashed potato omelets, Yuli stinky tofu, and A Wol A Hemay Toron (bamboo rice), visitors can enjoy a delightful culinary journey filled with Indigenous and local flavors.
Immigrant Tracks and Agricultural Hakka Villages｜Jian Township
Jian Township, located next to Hualien City, was once regarded as a satellite city of Hualien. Many people lived in Jian but worked in the city, making it the second most populous area in Hualien and the second largest township in Taiwan. Though most of its land is flat, Jian Township is nestled between mountains and the sea and was once ranked as one of Taiwan’s best towns for retirement.
#Jian Qingxiu Temple
#Most Ideal Place for Retirement
#Hualien’s Exclusive Summer Paradise
#Jian's Three Treasures
#Hualien’s First Hakka Township
Significant Historical Sites of Japanese Immigrant Settlements｜Jian Qingxiu Temple
Jian Township is home to four main ethnic groups: Southern Min (Hokkien), Hakka, Mainland Chinese, and Indigenous people. The first historical mention of the area dates back to the Kangxi era (1696) in the "Records of Taiwan Prefecture”, recording the settlement of the "Zhi Jiao Xuan" (now known as Cikasuan). The name "Cikasoan," used by many travelers, is a transliteration from this Chinese name.
During the Japanese occupation, the Japanese government strengthened local administration by introducing large numbers of immigrants from Tokushima Prefecture, establishing well-planned model villages. Immigrants had to build everything from scratch and required spiritual solace, which led to the establishment of the Koyasan Shingon-shu Yoshino Temple in 1917. This temple, along with the 88 stone Buddhas from the Shikoku pilgrimage, became the precursor to the Jian Qingxiu Temple. Today, Jian Qingxiu Temple is a designated Level 3 historic site and one of Taiwan’s best-preserved Japanese-style temples. Jian’s Hakka population now exceeds 30%, and it is the most prominent Hakka township in Hualien. In addition to Hakka-related cultural festivals such as the Tung Blossom Festival, the local township office has been actively expanding Hakka affairs and infrastructure, welcoming visitors with the slogan "Come Together."
Promoting Jian’s Tourism Appeal｜Cikasoan and New Paradise Park
When people from Hualien mention Cikasoan, they are more likely to think of the "Cikasoan Forest Park" rather than its former name. This expansive park, which features seasonal flower plantings, is a popular place for relaxation. In the summer, it is a favorite spot for locals to cool off in the water.
Located along County Highway No. 193, New Paradise Park made a splash when it first opened, quickly becoming a hotspot. It featured one of the most unique Starbucks locations at the time—the Starbucks Huilan Store (Container Store)—and was envisioned as the trendiest shopping destination in Hualien, boasting a wide selection of well-known brands. One of its standout features is the world’s largest mosaic mural, incorporating elements of Amis Indigenous culture and covering an area equivalent to 2.5 soccer fields. Additionally, the park is home to the Guinness World Record-holding longest indoor slide, making it a major attraction that has drawn visitors from near and far, boosting tourism in Jian Township and Hualien. Beyond shopping and entertainment, Jian offers a variety of scenic spots for locals and visitors alike. The Maple Tree Trail is a favorite for leisurely strolls, while the Jian Waterfront Bicycle Route stretches from Jian Coast Park toward Hualien Bridge, lined with golden rain trees. In autumn, these trees transform into a breathtaking display of golden and reddish-brown hues, creating a picturesque landscape.
Premium Agricultural Products｜The Three Treasures and the Emperor’s Rice
Blessed with fertile soil and nourished by the pure mountain springs of Mount Qilai, Jian Township has long been known for its high-quality, meticulously cultivated agricultural products. Among them, leeks, taro, and dragon beard vegetables stand out as Jian’s signature crops, collectively earning the title “The Three Treasures of Jian”. Travelers driving along Provincial Highway No. 9 and venturing into the surrounding countryside will often see lush fields of dragon beard vegetables and taro growing side by side. Jian Township leads the nation in both production volume and cultivation area of dragon beard vegetables, while leeks thrive year-round. In particular, during the eighth lunar month, leek blossoms bloom in succession, creating a unique landscape exclusive to Jian.
During the Japanese colonial era, Japanese settlers crossbred Kikuchi River rice with Taiwan’s native rice varieties, resulting in the Yoshino No. 1 rice. This variety was characterized by its plump grains and distinct white core, resembling the Japanese flag. After being presented as tribute to the Emperor of Japan, it was dubbed the “Emperor’s Rice”. However, due to limitations in mass production, the Jian Township Farmers’ Association later developed a new generation of rice, known as Hualien City No. 16 Rice, also referred to as Jian Rice. With its pure white, full-bodied grains and unique fragrance and chewy texture, it continues Jian’s legacy of premium rice cultivation.