Courtesy of Editorial Office
In winter, Hualien feels as if it is wrapped in a halo of happiness. As Christmas approaches, the entire city shimmers with festive light. When night falls, the glow of the season weaves a dreamlike atmosphere straight out of a fairy tale. Traveling through the townships, it is easy to find quiet little churches - symbols not only of faith, but of hope and blessing woven gently into the spirit of Hualien. The cool sea breeze, the majestic mountain silhouettes, and the city’s serene yet steadfast charm together create a warmth of hope and happiness - one that comforts travelers and lights the beginning of a new year.
Light and Shadow in the Tianxiang Valley｜Stepping Into Taroko’s Quiet Churches
Located within the Tianxiang Recreation Area of Taroko, Tianxiang Catholic Church was built in 1961 and consists of two buildings, both constructed of gray stone and red brick. Though modest in scale, it offers a peaceful and solemn sanctuary framed by lush gardens and dramatic mountain views. Climb up to the polygonal rooftop chapel and the vistas open wide - mountains layering into the horizon like a painted scroll. While Tianxiang Catholic Church no longer holds mass, it provides affordable lodging and remains a cherished hidden spot for backpackers.
A short walk toward the Tabido Trail lies another retreat - the guesthouse of Tianxiang Church - tucked deeper into the forest. Here, in this even quieter setting, visitors can feel a long-lost sense of peace and renewed hope in the meeting of nature and faith.
注意
Notice
太魯閣國家風景區受到震災影響，天祥至太魯閣口，採06:30-08:00、10:00-10:05、12:00-13:00、15:00-15:05、17:00-17:30 等5 次放行。
Due to earthquake damage within Taroko National Park, controlled openings are in place between Tianxiang and the Taroko Arch Gate. Passage is permitted at: 06:30-08:00, 10:00-10:05, 12:00-13:00, 15:00-15:05, and 17:00-17:30.
INFO｜Tianxiang Catholic Church
Address: No. 33, Tianxiang, Xiulin Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8691122
Where Culture Meets Time｜Xincheng Catholic Church
Before becoming a Catholic church, Xincheng Catholic Church was originally the Xincheng Shinto Shrine, built in 1937. After Taiwan’s restoration, the shrine was transformed into a church while retaining its original architectural framework. Walking inside feels like stepping across layers of history - experiencing both the tranquil solemnity of Shinto architecture and the gentle radiance of Catholic faith. Together, they reflect Hualien’s rich cultural diversity. The chapel’s exterior, covered in vines and greenery, resembles a verdant vessel living in harmony with its surroundings. The interior is simple, elegant, and filled with quiet charm. The stained-glass windows are full of imaginative details, including a depiction of a figure in Qing-dynasty Manchu official robes—a striking testament to the era’s cultural blending.
Just nearby, Etude Bookstore has created a safe and comforting space where local children can eat, read, and do homework. Its name comes from the belief that “life is an étude - always in practice.” Books here are for borrowing, not for sale. Travelers may browse freely, enjoying the gentle strength woven from words, faith, and the land.
INFO｜Etude Bookstore
Address: No. 252, Xinyi Rd., Xincheng Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8651177
Business hours: 08:00-19:00
Lavatory: No
INFO｜Xincheng Catholic Church
Address: No. 64, Boai Rd., Xincheng Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 0929-102286
Business hours: Open all day
Lavatory: No
Meilun’s Spiritual Landscape｜Mei-Lun Baptist Church
Completed in 2005, the 1,300-ping (approx. 4300 m²) Mei-Lun Baptist Church is one of Hualien’s most iconic examples of modern church architecture. Its gray-white façade and Gothic spires create elegant lines - impressive yet gentle in presence. The outdoor trumpet-shaped staircase resembles open arms, symbolizing welcome and inclusion. The church’s design draws inspiration from the “miracle of the five loaves and two fish”: the five floors represent sharing and blessing, while the fish-shaped roof structures symbolize abundance and hope. For its congregation, it is more than a church - it is a sanctuary for the spirit and a place where generosity becomes part of everyday life.
Strolling along the Hualien Harbor cycling path, the warehouses and sea breeze whisper stories of the port’s shifting past. As adaptive-reuse projects continue, what was once an industrial landscape is gradually transforming into a distinctive cultural-creative hub unique to Hualien.
INFO｜Mei-Lun Baptist Church
Address: No. 52, Minzu Rd., Hualien City
Telephone: 03-8222075
Business hours: 08:00-22:00（Open Monday from 13:00）
Lavatory: Yes
Tranquility in Jian｜QingFeng Taiwan Presbyterian Church
Strolling along Jian Road in Jian Township, visitors encounter a charming stone-built structure exuding rustic elegance - QingFeng Taiwan Presbyterian Church. Originally funded by parishioners, the church was first built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1962. Its exterior walls, meticulously stacked with individual stones, make it one of the township’s most iconic buildings. During construction, parishioners transported the stones all the way from Xiulin Township by hand-drawn carts - a laborious process fueled by faith and community spirit. The pointed-arch design and classical tall windows give the church an air of dignity and grace, making it a worthwhile stop for travelers seeking the serene charm of a stone-built sanctuary.
Jian Township, once a Japanese-era immigrant village, still retains a strong historical atmosphere. Nearby, Jian Qingxiu Temple offers a different form of tranquility, inviting visitors into a reflective space across time.
INFO｜QingFeng Taiwan Presbyterian Church
Address: No. 373, Sec. 2, Jian Rd., Jian Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8525940
Business hours: Open all day
Lavatory: Yes
INFO｜Jian Qingxiu Temple
Address: No. 345-1, Zhongxing Rd., Jian Village, Jian Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8535479
Business hours: 08:30-17:00(Closed on Mondays)
Lavatory: Yes
Prayers Amid Mountains and Water｜Virgin Mary at Biho Lake
Tucked within the mountains of Wanrong Township, the Thgahan community’s Biho Lake feels like a forgotten sanctuary. Biho Lake’s waters are perfectly clear, like a glassy mirror, reflecting the surrounding green hills and drifting clouds. Walking along its edge, visitors are enveloped in a serene, almost magical landscape - an ideal spot to pause, breathe, and soak in the quiet beauty of nature. Initially farmland, Biho Lake was created when Chief Bihwalilis donated land for a dam, later restored and fed by mountain springs through the efforts of his son - shaping the serene lake we see today. At its center, a small floating island bears a statue of the Virgin Mary, quietly watching over the waters and surrounding hills. A walk along the loop trail, taking about ten minutes, feels like a gentle pilgrimage, where calm, reverence, and nature blend seamlessly.
Heading toward the foot of the mountains, travelers can visit Lintianshan Forestry Cultural Park, once Taiwan’s fourth-largest forest operation. Established by the Japanese in 1918, the site featured railways, dormitories, schools, and welfare facilities, forming a complete mountain-town community. From the sacred waters of Biho Lake to the nostalgic charm of Lintianshan, this area offers calm away from the bustle - a place where time itself invites reflection.
INFO｜Biho Lake
Address: Mingli Village, Wanrong Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8751321
Business hours: Open all day
Lavatory: No
※Travelers should proceed with care on narrow, winding roads.
Tafalong Tribe - The White Spire of Hope and Renewal｜Futian Catholic Church
In Guangfu Township, the pure-white spire of Futian Catholic Church immediately draws the eye. Located within the Tafalong Tribe, the church serves as both the community’s spiritual center and a popular photo destination for travelers. Its European-inspired architecture contrasts beautifully with the green fields and blue sky. Inside, biblical stories encircle the walls as murals, while columns feature Amis totems - merging Western religious tradition with local cultural aesthetics. Even after recent floods, the church stands steadfast, symbolizing hope and resilience for the community.
A ten-minute walk from the church, along country paths, leads to Mataian Wetland Ecological Park at the foot of Mt. Maxi. Known as Hualien’s “green heart,” it is the county’s largest ecological wetland. Along the boardwalk, visitors can ride bicycles amid bird songs and gentle breezes, and experience the traditional “Palakaw fishing technique,” learning how the Amis people use natural terrain and ecological principles to fish.
INFO｜Futian Catholic Church
Address: No. 16, Futian 1st St., Guangfu Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 03-8702338
Lavatory: Yes
The Power of Faith Made Tangible｜Fumin Catholic Church, Ruisui
Located near TRA Fuyuan Station, Fumin Catholic Church has served local communities for over 70 years. The old church was rebuilt in 2013 in classical Baroque style, its position amid rice fields enhancing its beauty. When foreign priests first brought the faith to the tribes, they understood that only by respecting local culture and embracing the spiritual wisdom of tribal rituals could the Gospel truly take root. Over time, language, music, attire, and ceremonial practices gradually intertwined with Catholic traditions, giving rise to a church culture imbued with indigenous spirit. A notable example is the integration of the Amis Harvest Festival into Sunday Mass at Fumin Catholic Church, a unique expression of faith that honors both tradition and community. Visitors can also enjoy the nearby Golden Trumpet Trees of Fuyuan, which bloom spectacularly in late March.
INFO｜Fumin Catholic Church, Ruisui
Address: No. 150, Sec. 1, Zhongzheng Rd., Ruisui Township, Hualien County
Telephone: 0977-153082
Lavatory: Yes
A Pilgrimage to a Hidden Sanctuary｜The Stations of the Cross, Olaw, Hegang, Ruisui
In Hegang, Ruisui Township, the Olaw community layers faith and culture like the surrounding hills, quietly telling the stories of its people. Here, there is no urban clamor, only birdsong and mountain breezes. A “Giant Cross” hidden in the forest serves as a spiritual landmark for locals. Climbing the stone steps of the “Stations of the Cross,” the winding path takes about 15 minutes, with each of the fourteen turns representing a stage of Christ’s Passion. At the summit, a monumental cross stands against the sky, symbolizing redemption and hope, while the pavilion offers sweeping, breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Originally the endpoint of the Easter Stations of the Cross ritual, this mountaintop has now become the tribe’s most spiritual hidden pilgrimage site - a tranquil sanctuary where visitors can reflect and find peace amidst stunning natural scenery.
Visitors to Olaw Village in Hegang, Ruisui can also experience a unique aspect of local culture: the “Lumberjack Dance (Milikilangay).” This traditional dance originated in the tribe’s historical practice of collectively lifting logs weighing over 100 kilograms. The movements convey the sweat, strength, and resilience of the community, offering a performance that is both solemn and full of vitality - a living legend of Taiwan’s eastern mountains.
INFO｜Stations of the Cross Trail, Olaw Village, Hegang, Ruisui Township
Address: Olaw Village, Hegang, Ruisui Township, Hualien County
Business hours: Open all day
Lavatory: No
※Visitors are advised to park outside the village to avoid disrupting local life and to keep noise to a minimum.