Hualien Tourism Service NetworkHualien Tourism Service Network

Beside Meilun River on Zhongzheng Road, Hualien City, there is a row of Japanese-style wooden dormitories. These dormitories used to house the military officers stationed in Hualien during the period under Japanese rule. The tidy building cluster comprises a complete, small-scale residential area. The “General’s House” situated in the center was built in 1936 and was home to Colonel Nakamura, the Commander in Chief in Hualien. Differing from other wooden dormitories that are duplex houses, the General’s House is a single-detached house with a higher foundation, showing that the rank of this house is higher than the others. 

In recent years, with the effort of the government and community residents, the General’s House and its surrounding dormitories have been designated as a historic landmark by the county government. After the renovation, the place was opened to the public. It also provides a tour guide service with local volunteers acting as docents, whereby the tourists can learn more about the history of the General’s House. Despite from the quaint appearance, the interior is exquisite, with Japanese-style rooms and long hallways. Even the cypress cabinets are kept intact and emanate rich fragrance.