The train station wins an international architecture award with its striking design, a must-visit photo spot

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team | Photos by East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration

The nearly century-old Hualien Fuli Station was rebuilt in 2016 as part of the East Rift Valley Railway Service Enhancement Project, transforming into a uniquely designed architectural landmark. Recently, Fuli Station was awarded the 2017 Silver Prize in the Transport and Infrastructure category at the Hong Kong Institute of Architects’ Architectural Design Awards for China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. As Fuli is famed for its rice, which enjoys a strong reputation in Japan, the design was inspired by a granary on the land, blending the station environment seamlessly with the landscape. From a distance, it resembles a miniature rice silo.

Located at the southernmost tip of Hualien, adjacent to Chihshang in Taitung, Fuli benefits from clear water, fresh air, and beautiful scenery, producing rice that is highly regarded in Japan under the trademark “Fuli Rice.” Designed by Taiwan’s OASI Studio (Taiwan Constant Architecture), the station features a simple and elegant design with muted colors that complement the backdrop of the Central Mountain Range. Through efficient spatial planning, it meets environmental requirements while serving not just as a stop along the railway but also as a key symbol of local character.