Hualien City One-Day Itinerary｜A Guide to Cultural Attractions and Historic Japanese-Era Buildings
Many visitors to Hualien head straight for the mountains or the coast, but the city itself is also home to many historic houses and buildings dating back to the Japanese colonial period.
From former military officers’ residences and an old winery to railway heritage sites that preserve the story of transportation in eastern Taiwan, many of these historic spaces have gradually been transformed into cultural and creative hubs unique to Hualien.
Scattered throughout the lively city center, these attractions are all relatively close to one another. They’re perfect for an easy family outing, a romantic walk for couples, or a simple self-guided itinerary for backpackers looking to explore Hualien’s most photogenic city sights.
This time, we’ll set out from Finders Hotel Hualien Station and explore the historic houses, local heritage, and creative spaces that reveal another side of the city.
Recommended One-Day Itinerary in Hualien City
Suggested route: Pine Garden → General’s House 1936 → Hualien Disney → Another Village Cultural and Creative Park → Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park → Hualien Railway Culture Park → Dongdamen Night Market
Nearly all the stops on this route are located within central Hualien, making them easy to reach by rental scooter, car, or local bus.
The attractions are close to one another, so you won’t need to spend too much time traveling between stops. This route also works perfectly as the city portion of a two-day, one-night trip to Hualien.
Stop 1｜Pine Garden
Legends of Kamikaze Pilots and a Historic Western-Style Building Among Century-Old Pines
Located on the slopes of Meilun Mountain, Pine Garden is one of Hualien’s best-preserved buildings from the Japanese colonial period.
The first thing you’ll notice upon entering is the peaceful atmosphere. The sound of the wind rustling through the pine trees, the timeworn Japanese-era building, the hillside setting, and the lush greenery all give this place a relaxed feeling far removed from the city.
On a clear day, you can also enjoy distant views of Hualien Harbor and the ocean—one of the reasons many visitors like to slow down, take a leisurely stroll, and spend some time here.
Built in 1942, Pine Garden once served as an important Japanese military facility. The air-raid shelter within the grounds now features stories about the kamikaze pilots. Reading the displays on its walls feels almost like stepping back in time.
Rather than a typical tourist attraction, Pine Garden feels like a place that invites you to slow down, wander among the old trees, and take in the beauty of its historic buildings.
Pine Garden Visitor Information
Address: No. 65, Songyuan Street, Minqin Village, Hualien City, Hualien County
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (last admission at 5:30 PM)
Closed: The second Tuesday of each month and Lunar New Year’s Eve (open daily during the July–August summer holiday period and on national holidays)
Admission Fees
General Admission: NT$60
Concession Ticket: NT$50
Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please refer to on-site announcements for the latest information.
Stop 2｜General’s House 1936
A Historic Japanese Residential Compound Reimagined for Modern Hualien
After leaving Pine Garden, continue toward the city center to General’s House 1936.
Located along the Meilun River, General’s House 1936 was originally a residential compound built in the 1930s. The site consists of several wooden Japanese-style buildings and is now one of Hualien’s most iconic historic attractions.
Following its restoration, the site has been transformed into a historic cultural park featuring dining, exhibitions, and creative spaces.
As you explore the grounds, you’ll notice many preserved elements of traditional Japanese architecture, including wooden corridors, black-tiled roofs, and Japanese-style gardens. The atmosphere feels more relaxed and unhurried than that of a typical tourist attraction.
During the day, sunlight filtering through the wooden buildings makes the grounds an especially lovely place for a leisurely stroll and photos.
The park is now home to several popular Hualien brands and businesses, including Jia Curry, Teichi Fishery Sandaime, FUJO, and OOA General’s House × Chen Yao-Hsun Bakery.
Beyond its dining options, the park also features souvenir shops, curated boutiques, and occasional themed exhibitions.
Exploring the grounds offers more than a glimpse of Hualien’s historic architecture—it’s also a relaxed way to discover the city’s contemporary lifestyle and local culture.
Rather than simply being a historic attraction, General’s House 1936 feels like a place where heritage architecture and modern life have been thoughtfully brought together.
Visitor Information
Address: No. 6, Lane 622, Zhongzheng Road, Hualien City, Hualien County
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM (hours may vary by business)
Closed: Please refer to announcements from the park and individual businesses.
The grounds are open to the public and free to explore. Purchases are required at individual restaurants and shops.
Stop 3｜Hualien Disney
A Must-Visit Photo Spot in Eastern Taiwan and One of the Island’s Five Quirkiest Attractions
After leaving General’s House 1936, make a quick stop at “Hualien Disney,” a quirky landmark that has attracted plenty of attention on social media in recent years.
The site was originally an abandoned military bunker. It was saved from demolition through the efforts of former Hualien mayor Wei Mucun, who invited sculptor Yu Wangqiu to transform the original bunker structure into the landmark seen today.
After its makeover, the enormous design resembling Mickey Mouse immediately drew attention. Its unusual appearance later earned it a place among Taiwan’s “five quirkiest attractions,” inspiring many travelers to visit simply to take a memorable photo.
Visitor Information
Address : No. 38, Xinxing Road, Guoguang Village, Hualien City, Hualien County
（Please watch for passing vehicles and stay safe while taking photos.）
Stop 4｜Another Village Cultural and Creative Park
A Former Monopoly Bureau Dormitory Transformed into a Mini Creative Hub
Back in the city center, our next stop is Another Village. The site was once a residential complex for employees of the Taiwan Tobacco and Wine Monopoly Bureau. After standing vacant for 30 years, it underwent a two-year restoration and was transformed into a small cultural and creative hub inspired by Taiwan’s military dependents’ villages.
As soon as you enter the park, you’ll notice many features preserved from the original dormitories, including low-rise bungalows, wooden window frames, and vintage furnishings and décor. Together, they recreate the atmosphere of everyday life from a bygone era.
The park is also home to a selection of curated shops and independent craft brands, with occasional markets held throughout the year. If you enjoy handmade goods, it’s a lovely place to browse at your own pace and discover a few hidden treasures.
The park even has its own exclusive duck mascot, Yaya. If you visit, be sure to look out for it!
Visitor Information
Address: No. 2, Lane 104, Ren’ai Street, Hualien City, Hualien County
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM–9:00 PM (closed every Tuesday and Wednesday)
Opening hours may change during summer and winter school holidays. Please check the official announcements for the latest information.
Stop 5｜Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park
Hualien City’s Most Iconic Arts and Exhibition Venue
Known locally as “Huachuang,” Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park is one of the city’s most iconic arts and cultural spaces.
Located right next to Another Village Cultural and Creative Park, it’s an easy walk between the two. If you’re planning a walking tour of central Hualien, these neighboring attractions are perfect to visit together.
Huachuang was originally the Hualien Winery. It was officially designated a historic building by Hualien County in 2002 and transformed into a cultural and creative industries park in 2006.
Today, Huachuang is an important venue for many of Hualien’s major events and exhibitions, and the park becomes especially lively on weekends. Creative markets, brand pop-ups, art exhibitions, live music, and local festivals are all frequently held here.
One thing I really like about Huachuang is that it’s more than just a place to see exhibitions.
Many people come to relax in the plaza, walk their pets, or browse the markets. The laid-back atmosphere perfectly captures Hualien’s slower pace of life.
Visitor Information
Address: No. 144, Zhonghua Road, Zhugong Village, Hualien City, Hualien County
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (closed every Monday)
Stop 6｜Hualien Railway Culture Park
A Historic Site Preserving Old Trains and Hualien’s Railway Heritage
The Hualien Railway Culture Park was originally home to the Hualien Harbor Branch Office, which oversaw the Hualien–Taitung railway and was responsible for the construction, operation, and management of the Eastern Line.
After restoration, the site was transformed into the railway culture park seen today and designated as one of Hualien County’s historic buildings.
The park still preserves many spaces from its railway days, including the former director’s office, archives, administrative offices, detention room, and blacksmith’s workshop. Together, they create a distinctly nostalgic atmosphere.
The park also includes exhibition spaces and a small theater showing films about the history of the Hualien–Taitung railway. Visitors can also take part in a railway-themed costume experience.
The entire park is steeped in vintage charm. If you enjoy old train stations, historic architecture, or railway heritage, it’s well worth stopping by for a leisurely walk and a few photos.
Visitor Information
Address: No. 71, Zhongshan Road, Minzu Village, Hualien City, Hualien County
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (closed every Monday and Tuesday)
Stop 7｜Dongdamen Night Market
End Your Day in the City with an Evening Stroll Through Dongdamen Night Market
Located right next to Hualien Railway Culture Park, Dongdamen Night Market is one of Hualien’s best-known attractions and a must-visit for night-market lovers.
The market is divided into several sections, including Futing Night Market, Indigenous Cuisine Street, Street of Provincial Cuisines, and Heart of Huilan, with around 400 food and shopping stalls in total.
Compared with a traditional night market, Dongdamen feels remarkably spacious. Alongside its many food stalls, you’ll also find carnival games and plenty of places to sit and rest.
Indigenous Cuisine Street features a variety of Hualien specialties and Indigenous-style food stalls, giving it an atmosphere unlike that of a typical night market.
In the evening, you may also come across live bands, buskers, and other performances, creating a lively atmosphere as you explore the market.
After a full day of walking around Hualien City, Dongdamen Night Market is the perfect final stop. Enjoy dinner as you browse the stalls, or pick up some late-night snacks to take back to your hotel.
Return to Finders Hotel Hualien Station｜The Perfect End to Your Day in Hualien
After completing this one-day tour of Hualien City, it’s time to return to Finders Hotel Hualien Station for some well-deserved rest.
This itinerary isn’t about rushing from one attraction to the next. Instead, it invites you to slow down and discover the history of the city at a leisurely pace.
Staying near the lively Hualien Railway Station makes everything convenient, whether you’re exploring the city on foot, cycling, or renting a vehicle. Even if you feel like heading out again in the evening to shop for some uniquely Hualien souvenirs, you’ll find plenty of options nearby.
If you’re looking for a slower-paced way to experience Hualien, be sure to save this one-day itinerary for your next trip.
