Taiwan also has its own version of Cambridge beauty — Top 5 European-style photo hotspots in Hualien

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Hualien boasts countless magnificent and spectacular landscapes, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and relax both body and mind. Below are five handpicked European-style spots in Hualien, featuring exotic architectural designs and breathtaking scenery rivaling that of Europe, making them perfect for photography and light travel getaways.

1. National Dong Hwa University
Known as one of the most beautiful universities in Taiwan, National Dong Hwa University features three man-made lakes: Donghu, Huahu, and Xiaohuahu. The poetic lake views create an ambiance reminiscent of England’s Cambridge University, attracting many visitors for photoshoots and serving as a filming location for popular idol dramas.

2. Sun Square
Located about a 15-minute drive from downtown Hualien, Sun Square boasts colorful rainbow houses in a Southern European style, along with exquisitely charming European architecture that paints a romantic coastal vibe. The square is also adorned with various cute ocean-themed painted walls, resembling a mini French village in Taiwan with a strong ocean aesthetic.

Once a traditional and rather chaotic fishing harbor, Hualien Fishing Port has gradually transformed into a multifunctional tourist attraction in recent years. The Southern Mediterranean-style architecture of Sun Square creates a striking contrast with the adjacent fishing port. Unlike the usual noisy and crowded spots, this place offers a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere where you can connect with nature and enjoy the comfort brought by sunlight and sea breeze.

3. Sei-Po Elementary School
Nestled within Taroko National Park, Sei-Po Elementary School is not only the only elementary school located inside the national park but also the first institutional forest experimental elementary school in Taiwan. Having won Taiwan’s Architecture Award and being ranked among the “Top 100 Unique Elementary Schools” by a weekly magazine, Sei-Po Elementary School has no walls — the surrounding mountains and forests are its campus. Its unique geographical location and multicultural background make it the only elementary school in Hualien County that practices a dormitory system.