No need to fly to Japan！Wear a yukata and explore an old-fashioned market for a free experience

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family / Zhang Yawen, compiled and reported
 
The Hualien General’s Mansion Yukata Festival takes “Old-Fashioned Market” as its experience theme, designing a series of nostalgic activities from August 21 to 26. Entering its eighth year, the beautiful] Riverside Yukata Festival is inspired by the quaint traditional “kōnā-ya” (old-time grocery store), setting up an old-fashioned market in the Japanese-style General’s Mansion by the riverside, where you may even get to enjoy a free yukata experience.

From August 21 to 24, an old-fashioned market will be set up from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM daily, selling a variety of nostalgic candies, toys, puppet show figurines, mystery grab bags (dòngdònglè), and pull-tab toys (chōuchōulè), bringing back memories of childhood snacks and the old-time grocery store atmosphere. On August 25 and 26, there will be a vintage flea market where you can find all kinds of antique crafts.

The General’s Mansion is located at the mouth of the Meili River, by the Pacific coast, serving as a gateway along the harbor corridor, showcasing the unique cultural and historical charm of an east-coast port city. On the 26th, visitors to the General’s Mansion can explore the historical ambiance with the guidance of experts. Additionally, during the event period, visitors who spend a cumulative total of NT$300 on nostalgic experiences at the General’s Mansion can enjoy a free yukata experience.

The General’s Mansion was the residence of Japanese military officers stationed in Hualien during the Japanese colonial period and is the most intact Japanese-style building preserved in Hualien City. Built with hinoki cypress and designed as a detached single-family home, its foundation is also higher than that of other nearby dormitories, indicating the high status of its former resident. At the time, local residents believed a great general lived here, hence the name “General’s Mansion.”