Hualien One-Day Tour (4): From Driftwood Workshop to Aquatic Park::Ji'an

 

Recommended Attraction: Adike Driftwood Workshop

Originally running an auto repair shop, Mr. Adike has the artistic blood of the Amis people flowing through his veins. After retiring, he decided to devote himself entirely to driftwood creation. He collects uniquely shaped and beautiful wood pieces from the seaside and then sculpts them in his workshop into beautiful lamps and other highly creative handicrafts.

Address: No. 360, Haian Road, Ji’an Township, Hualien County

Phone: 0937-079-115

 

 

Recommended Attraction: Sheng'an Temple (Goddess Wangmu Temple)

Sheng'an Temple is located in the western suburbs of Hualien City. With its solemn and magnificent architecture, it is one of Taiwan’s most renowned Taoist sacred sites and a local spiritual hub. The main deity worshipped here is “Goddess Wangmu,” so during her three major festivals each year, believers flock here from all over Taiwan. During the Lantern Festival, the temple hosts lantern competitions, riddle guessing, and lantern viewing activities.

Address: No. 118, Cihui 3rd Street, Shengan Village, Ji’an Township, Hualien

Phone: 03-853-2775

 

 

Recommended Attraction: Cihui Hall

Cihui Hall stands next to Sheng'an Temple and is also a popular and bustling temple. The main deity enshrined here is the Golden Mother of the Jade Lake (also known as Goddess Jinmu), hence there is a folk belief that the two temples actually share the same origin. Cihui Hall is even regarded as the main hall for worshipping Mazu and is considered the only folk religion originating in Taiwan. During the birthday celebrations of the Golden Mother, dragon and lion dance festivities are held, creating a lively atmosphere.

Address: No. 136, Cihui 3rd Street, Shengan Village, Ji’an Township, Hualien

Phone: 03-853-1941

 

 

Recommended Attraction: Keisyu Temple

Ji’an Township was originally a Japanese immigrant village. In 1972, a missionary named Kawabata Mitsujii built a Japanese Shingon sect (Koyasan) temple called “Kino Bunkyo Sho” here to ease the homesickness of the Japanese residents. This is today’s Keisyu Temple—an elegant and serene Japanese-style Buddhist hall filled with Zen atmosphere.

Address: No. 345-1, Zhongxing Road, Ji’an Township, Hualien County

Phone: 03-852-9905

 

 

Recommended Attraction: Chuying Aquatic Ecological Park

Connected to the mountain-hugging bike path along the Central Mountain Range, you can head south to reach the approximately 1.6-kilometer-long Chuying bike path. Chuying Aquatic Ecological Park is located near the junction of the two paths. This narrow park features many aquatic plants, and nearby are water-growing bald cypress forests and pastures. The surrounding mountain and forest scenery and rural charm are very pleasant.

Location: Between Nanhua Village and Gancheng Village, Ji’an Township, Hualien County (on the Chuying bike path)