Peek into the Underwater World of Life of Pi: Hotel Launches “Whale Spirit Fantasy Journey” Photo Exhibition

Reported by You T-Ru / Taipei




▲ Domestic hotel operators are presenting the marine photography exhibition from now until May 15. (Photo / Provided by the operator)

This year, Hanting Hualien has specially themed the four seasons around the ocean, collaborating with the Kuroshio Education Foundation to invite Taiwan’s first sperm whale underwater photographer, Jin Lei. Through his lens and imagery, guests can experience a unique underwater whale spirit journey. Hanting also offers an exclusive spring “Ocean Season – Stroll Above the Clouds: A Secret Journey Along the Su-Hua Ancient Trail” accommodation package. Starting from just NT$1,999 per person, guests can join Kuroshio experts to visit the legendary cloud-top ancient trail — the “Su-Hua Ancient Trail” — and admire the majestic beauty of the Pacific Ocean from a lofty vantage point.

The Pacific Ocean often evokes both fear and awe, yet the warmth, wonders, and the survival-of-the-fittest ecosystem beneath the waves are rarely known. Jin Lei, Taiwan’s first sperm whale underwater photographer, has loved photography since his university days, initially focusing on natural life. His deep passion for the ocean brought him to the east coast of Hualien, where he encountered mysterious whales and dolphins and became enthralled, eventually settling in Hualien as a volunteer interpreter for the Kuroshio Marine Education Foundation.


▲ Jin Lei has over ten years of experience in marine ecological photography, filling his camera with images from the surface to underwater scenes captured during travels around the world. (Photo / Provided by the operator)

With more than a decade of marine ecological photography experience, Jin Lei’s camera is filled with imagery ranging from surface scenes to underwater shots from various locations. Many of the photos in this exhibition were taken during trips to Tonga and Sri Lanka. He has endured multiple close calls, including narrowly avoiding collisions with several-ton whales or their swishing tails, even sustaining injuries, all while risking his life to capture these moments. His goal is to help more people understand the vast blue ocean around them through his work.

For accommodations, the hotel also offers an ocean-themed “Spring Limited – Stroll Above the Clouds: A Secret Journey Along the Su-Hua Ancient Trail” package. For NT$3,999 per couple on weekdays, the value-packed itinerary includes guidance by marine expert Liao Hongji, who takes guests into the Su-Hua Ancient Trail for a close encounter with the Qingshui Cliffs to witness nature’s craftsmanship. Hanting Hualien, in collaboration with the Kuroshio Marine Foundation and the Sufan Marine Foundation, offers spring tours led by marine expert Teacher Liao Hongji, taking guests to explore Hualien’s hidden gems. In summer, under the guidance of the Sufan Foundation, guests can paddle a kayak to get close to the Pacific and feel the temperature of the Kuroshio waters. Come autumn and winter, follow Liao Hongji’s footsteps to delve into traditional fishing ports and experience the life of ancient fishermen.