Directed by Chen Huai’en of “Island Etude”! Top 5 Must-Visit Cultural Attractions in Hualien City

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Hualien

“Some things, if not done now, will never be done in your lifetime!” The famous line from the 2007 Taiwanese film “Island Etude” touched the hearts of many travelers in Taiwan. The movie opens with a cycling journey along the East Coast, and Hualien—a healing destination—features prominently in several scenes. Recently, the film’s director, Chen Huai’en, was invited by HowToTrip’s Hotel J’s Hualien to curate a list of must-visit spots and shops in the city, personally leading cyclists on a tour through Hualien.

1. General’s Residence


 
▲ The Japanese-style building complex of the General’s Residence by Me] Creek has a history of 90 years. Five unrestored old residences retain the original vintage wooden ambiance. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

Director Chen Huai’en, leading the ride, brought travelers to the General’s Residence by Me] Creek in Hualien. This Japanese architectural complex, with a 90-year history, earned its name as it was once a residential area for Japanese officers. After retrocession, it became a military dependents’ village. The five unrestored old houses preserve the original vintage wooden feel, and one of them has been renovated by the county government as a “Community Revitalization Center” that is open to the public. The Cultural Affairs Bureau also holds a “Yukata Festival” here, allowing visitors to try on yukata for free.

2. Time 1939

 
 
▲ Time 1939 is a quaint shop set in a renovated historic building. Visit “Time 1939” and listen to the director’s filmmaking stories—the hands of time seem to stand still here. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

A young woman in Hualien fell in love with this 1939-built old building, so she invested heavily to renovate this “rented” space. Because she loved it so deeply, even though she couldn’t own it, she poured all her heart into restoring it. A group of stray cats she adopted also often wander around, becoming some of the most photogenic sights for visitors. At “Time 1939,” with afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows, listen to the director share his filmmaking tales—the hands of time seem to freeze here.

3. Meiqi Grilled Corn

 
▲ Director Chen Huai’en’s personal recommendation, Meiqi Grilled Corn, is a 50-year-old shop. Its traditional grilling method and pure-brewed sauces have earned high praise from the director. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

“I can hardly ever get any when I come!” What kind of grilled corn makes the director stop by every time he visits Hualien? Meiqi Grilled Corn may look like an unassuming street stall, but it holds onto 50 years of dedication to perfecting each ear of corn. The second-generation owner, Mr. Shui, said: “Fifty years ago, there were many corn stalls in Hualien, all using the most traditional methods—but we’re the only ones left.” To save costs and time, most corn vendors have abandoned the original grilling technique, but Meiqi Grilled Corn uses native soil-white corn, grilling it from raw to cooked without taking shortcuts like steaming. The sauce is also pure-brewed, and its unique flavor is what the director misses the most—even if he often finds it sold out, he keeps coming back for more.

4. Century Cake


▲ Century Cake is another shop the director secretly recommended, but his daughter’s favorite buttery crisp “Today Sold Out” left them empty-handed this trip. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

The Century Cake shop was personally recommended by Director Chen Huai’en’s daughter. It’s a local Hualien favorite, lovingly baked by the community. Their signature item is the Snow Roll (custard roll), but what his daughter loves most is the buttery crisp—its crispy texture won her over at first bite. She always reminds her dad to buy “buttery crisps” from this cake shop.

5. Railway Cultural Park

 
 
▲ Travel with the director and even pick up some photography tips along the way. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

The “Railway Cultural Park” at Hualien City’s old train station is the best-preserved narrow-gauge railway site in Taiwan’s history. It includes structures from the Japanese colonial era such as the Hualien Port Branch Office, the Railway Hospital, the Railway Maintenance Police Section, and the residential dormitories of the time, creating a uniquely atmospheric area beloved by railway enthusiasts. In addition to the preserved site, you can also see the ticket counter, ticket cabinets, and platforms from the old station days.


▲ Director Chen Huai’en will personally lead the cycling tours. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

 
▲ Hotel J’s Hualien has planned the “Autumn Island Etude – Cycling Journey” accommodation package from now until January 31. On November 15, December 20, and January 17, 2015, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Director Chen Huai’en will share stories from filming the movie, personally lead a bicycle ride to explore Hualien’s cultural sites, teach photography techniques, and more.(Cycling route: Hotel J’s Hualien → AziPao → General’s Residence → Time 1939 → Hualien Cultural and Creative Park), During the event period, photography works by Chen Huai’en will also be exhibited inside the venue. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

General’s Residence
Address: No. 622, Zhongzheng Road, Hualien City, Hualien County
Phone: (03)822-7121

Time 1939
Address: No. 16, Lane 80, Minguo Road, Hualien City
Phone: (03)832-1939
Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed on Thursdays), 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM for brunch / 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM for afternoon tea
Payment method: Minimum consumption of one drink or meal per person

Meiqi Grilled Corn
Address: No. 396, Zhongzheng Road, Hualien City, Hualien County (in the alley next to the former Meiqi Theater, now beside Jieshi Hotel)
Phone: 0933─798─385

Shiji Cake Shop
Address: No. 30, Section 1, Zhongzheng Road, Ji’an Township, Hualien County
Phone: (03)853-5970
Railway Culture Park
Address: No. 71, Zhongshan Road, Hualien City, Hualien County
Phone: (03) 833-8061

%The location is quiet and suitable for leisurely sightseeing.