Tunnels, stilt houses? Have you visited these 6 beautiful and story-rich visitor centers?

By Sharelife (Sharing Life)

Visitor centers don’t just offer local travel information and rich, fun introductions to regional culture. Local governments have gone all out to turn visitor centers into the first stop for travelers. The previous episode introduced centers in northern, central, and southern Taiwan. This time, ShareLife takes you further around the island—from the south to the east, and from the east to the outlying islands—to recommend beautiful and story-filled visitor centers.

Taijiang National Park Visitor Center (Taijiang Academy); Taiwan’s first stilt house-style visitor center

▲ (Photo / Flickr @ Guanting Chen)

Located in Annan District, Tainan City, the “Taijiang National Park Visitor Center” is Taiwan’s first stilt house-style visitor center built over a fish pond. Its design was inspired by its location at the meeting point of river and sea. Designed by architect Kuo Ying-chao, winner of the 2012 Distinguished Architect Award from the Ministry of the Interior, the center preserves the features of the original coastal wetland. It incorporates stilt houses and floating structures, along with the unique building material “oyster shell bricks.”

▲ (Photo / Flickr @ Shi Shao)

The park’s name originates from “Taijiang Inner Sea,” the name of a southwestern Taiwanese lagoon before the 18th century. There is also the “Taijiang Academy” here, which aims to become an important ecological education site in southern Taiwan. When the building is reflected on the water, it resembles a landscape painting of “mist above the water, plants below,” making it a favorite photography spot.

Address: No. 118, Sicao Blvd., Annan District, Tainan City

Beimen Visitor Center; the most romantic visitor center

▲ (Photo / Provided by Cairns Wei)

In the past, Tainan’s salt industry was once thriving. As the industry shifted, old factories were gradually abandoned and repurposed. The “Beimen Visitor Center” is one such example—it was transformed from a warehouse in a former salt-washing factory complex. Adorned with colorful murals and paired with the specially designed Beimen Crystal Church nearby, it’s considered the most romantic visitor center in Taiwan.

▲ (Photo / Provided by Cairns Wei)

The Beimen Visitor Center retains the appearance of its original gable and hip roof. The front wall features a mural of the twelve zodiac signs, allowing visitors to take photos with their zodiac sign. The back also showcases various romantic murals—some flat, some interactive—where figures blend into the art like in a fairy tale. There are many “LOVE” motifs around the center. Couples, keep your eyes peeled for signs of love.

Address: No. 200, Beimen Li, Beimen District, Tainan City

Xin Baiyang Service Station; overlooking the serene beauty of the mountains

▲ (Photo / Hualien Tourism Information Network)

Xin Baiyang, part of the Hehuanshan mountain range, sits at an elevation of 1,650 meters. Its name comes from a Truku warrior named “Bayan,” whose settlement was referred to as “Sike Bayan” by the tribe, later changed to “Kebayan,” and now known as “Xin Baiyang.” The “Xin Baiyang Service Station” is located within Taroko National Park and provides key information about the curved section of the Huanshan Historic Trail and the eastern trailhead. Inside, landscape photos introduce the park’s trails and ecology. Following the trail below Xin Baiyang leads to the tribal village. For those not wanting to walk far, the observation deck outside the service station offers stunning views of Qilaibei Peak, Banshi Mountain, and Lituomu Main Peak—scenery full of serene beauty.

Address: Approximately 142.6 km along the Central Cross-Island Highway, Xiulin Township, Hualien County

Xibulan Visitor Center (New Pacific No. 1 Store); not just a visitor center, but also a bookstore + café

▲ (Photo / Eastern Coastal National Scenic Area)

Inspired by the white, uniquely shaped limestone rocks on the bed of the Xiuguluan River, the concept of “Xiuguluan Jade Ripples” is integrated into the design of the “Xibulan Visitor Center.” The exterior is painted with pure white stone-like coating, and the sunshade differs from traditional sloped roofs—it’s woven from aluminum grilles into an elegant form that catches the eye.

▲ (Photo / Eastern Coastal National Scenic Area)

Inside, the space is operated by the Yabisi team, deeply rooted in the East Coast. Tsai Sheng-hua, an outstanding young designer of the Paiwan tribe from Taitung, incorporated tribal elements into the design, using warm wood to create a cozy atmosphere. The center also combines a bookstore and café, serving as a platform for showcasing tribal crafts and products. It aims to facilitate exchanges and sharing of East Coast tribal information through various forms of interactive events.

Address: No. 8-1, Jingpu Village, Fengbin Township, Hualien County

Wai’ao Service Area; the visitor center facing Guishan Island
▲ (Photo / Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area)

Serving as a rest stop along the “Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area,” Wai’ao Service Area features a bright yellow exterior that stands out against the blue sky and sea, reminiscent of a vibrant coastal scene. Designed by architect Kris Yao, it faces Guishan Island and incorporates shapes inspired by local activities such as paragliding, boats, and surfboards. The surrounding area includes wetland beaches. Aside from taking a seaside stroll along the walking path, visitors can also find surf schools or join paragliding activities to admire the entire service area from high above—a beautiful and spectacular view.

Address: No. 6, Section 2, Binhai Rd., Toucheng Township, Yilan County

Lieyu Visitor Center; Taiwan's only tunnel-based visitor center

▲(Photo / Provided by Cairns Wei)

Located on Lieyu, commonly known as Little Kinmen, the "Lieyu Visitor Center" is situated within a tunnel. Originally the Lieyu Hospital (commonly referred to as Jiugong Hospital), it was also the world’s only granite tunnel hospital. In 2012, the Kinmen National Park Headquarters relocated the visitor center here, converting the hospital’s internal partitions into a new space. The blast wall was painted in camouflage, perfectly matching Kinmen’s serious military image.

▲(Photo / Provided by Cairns Wei)

Stepping into the visitor center, you’ll find a tunnel that runs straight through, showcasing the geological beauty and highlights of Lieyu. The most unique part? After visiting the center, you can walk into Jiugong Tunnel, where you can listen to the echoes of the sea tide while strolling through the tunnel. Though not as famous as Zhaishan Tunnel and lacking colorful lighting, you can almost imagine the stories that unfolded here back in the day.

Address: No. 5-5, Luocuo, Lieyu Township, Kinmen County

After seeing so many visitor centers full of stories and unique designs, next time you visit a new place, don’t forget to check out the visitor center or service station. Aside from getting travel information, you might just discover some other surprises or touching moments too.

This article is published with authorization from “Sharelife分享生活”,Original article here