When you think of Hualien attractions, what comes to mind? Meilijia? The East Rift Valley? Today we’re going to introduce you to a powerhouse among Hualien attractions — that’s the Hualien Railway Cultural Park! Sounds a bit unfamiliar? But for train enthusiasts, this place holds immense significance! So let’s take a look at the history of the Hualien Railway Cultural Park together! And at the end, we’ll also recommend some great Hualien accommodations so you don’t have to worry about where to stay — just make up your mind and let’s head to Hualien this weekend!
Hualien Railway Cultural Park
The Old East Line Railway Has Seen Prosperity and Change
Centered around the Hualien Port Office as a hub, the Hualien Railway Cultural Park also includes related institutions such as the Engineering Section and Police Section. Since 1909, it has shouldered the heavy responsibility of railway transport on the east coast; and these all-wooden buildings, after being restored, have become living lessons witnessing the past prosperity of the East Line Railway in Hualien. Every blade of grass and every sight in the park bears traces of the old days.
Building a railway network system that spans the entire island was one of the important policies of the authorities during the Japanese colonial period, which also included the plan for the East Coast Railway. In 1908, after years of investigation, the Governor-General of Taiwan finally obtained approval to construct the East Coast Railway, using narrow-gauge tracks, making it the most completely preserved narrow-gauge railway base site in Taiwan.
To handle office operations, the Hualien Port Office was also built in 1909, overseeing all east coast railway transport management, including its affiliated units and facilities such as the Engineering Section, Police Section, and Mechanical Plant, which were established one after another, acting like the Ministry of Transportation for the east, playing an important role.
The Hualien Port Office was equivalent to the brain of the eastern railway network; all matters such as scheduling, driver training, and maintenance had to be handled and decided by it. Mr. Ye Riyang, Head of Planning at the Taiwan Railways Administration and a professional tour guide, has deep feelings for the Hualien Port Office. He once served as the Chief Clerk here and knows every plant in the park like the back of his hand.
In 2002, the Hualien County Government listed the Hualien Port Office, Engineering Section, and Police Section as historical buildings and carried out restoration before opening them to the public. Currently, they are designated as the First and Second Building zones; the First Building is the Office itself, while the Second Building consists of the office buildings of the Engineering Section and Police Section. The two zones are connected and within walking distance.
Railway Office — A Fusion of Japanese and Western Styles
The Office (meaning the administrative center) is a building laid out in a traditional Chinese courtyard style, featuring a fusion of Japanese and Western architectural styles. Since the first-generation building was destroyed by artillery fire during World War II, its current appearance was reconstructed based on the 1949 design. It differs slightly from the original plan but still retains a Japanese aesthetic.
The First Building serves as the Railway Culture Museum, displaying railway artifacts. It was originally the office space for various departments of the Office. In front of the main gate, there are century-old trees providing ample shade, including banyan, camphor, and cinnamon trees. Mr. Ye pointed out that after the decision to shut down the Office was made, these trees also fell ill, as if mourning the disappearance of the institution. These little stories symbolize the local people’s nostalgia and emotional attachment to the old buildings.
The front of the building features a row of long wings, with a Gothic-style high tower in the center — this section and the rear Zhongshan Hall both have hip-and-gable roofs; the eastern side building has a simple gabled roof. According to a photo taken in 1931, a dormer window could be seen next to the tower, which does not exist in the rebuilt structure. The roof tiles are all Japanese black tiles, and during restoration, new and old tiles were used together; the main old tiles were concentrated on the Zhongshan Hall.
Zhongshan Hall — Design Beauty in the Details
The office spaces were planned mainly for functionality, with designated rooms for positions such as the Chief’s Office, Deputy Chief’s Office, Locomotive Division, and Accounting Division. The large wooden-framed windows allow plenty of light indoors, and working here, one can enjoy the greenery and blue sky of the courtyard — surely boosting efficiency.
Most of the design aesthetics in the museum can be found in the Zhongshan Hall, the gathering venue, such as the small round windows on the walls and the diamond-shaped glass windows on the wooden doors, bringing a touch of design to the park. This place was originally used for training locomotive personnel, and later also served as a recreational space — Mr. Ye once organized dance and singing groups, and this hall was their practice venue.
The buildings were all constructed from hinoki cypress sourced from the Lindai Mountain or Chinan Forest areas. During restoration, no excessive protective coatings were applied to the Zhongshan Hall, so the subtle fragrance of hinoki wafts lightly through the surroundings.
Display of Old Railway Artifacts — Take You Back in Time
For train enthusiasts, the display of old railway artifacts here is absolutely breathtaking. Early tickets exude the glow of history; although Hualien Port Station has disappeared, a large three-dimensional model still allows you to envision its appearance during that era.
Regarding train scheduling, veteran railwayman Mr. Ye Riyang skillfully picks up red and green flags to explain flag signals and the function of signal lamps — all are aspects of railway culture you can deeply appreciate while visiting these historic buildings.
The Second Building belongs to the administrative area of the Engineering Section and Police Section, primarily responsible for the maintenance and security of the East Coast Railway. The park contains five buildings, including the Engineering Section Office, Police Section Office, Track Gang Workshop, Blacksmith Workshop, and Detention Room. The first four are wooden structures, with the Engineering Section Office featuring a rain shelter and the Police Section Office having buttresses, both showcasing unique styles. The Track Gang Workshop is a warehouse for storing repair materials, while the Blacksmith Workshop is used for forging iron parts. This area plans to introduce specialty shops through business leasing in the future, allowing visitors to enjoy food and shopping along with exploring historical architecture.
All About Hualien Railway Cultural Park
#Architecture Tour Expert
Planning Director of Taiwan Railways AdministrationYe Riyang,From Fuli Township, Hualien County, a veteran railway worker, after retirement he served as an advisor to the Taiwan Railways Union and taught related courses, continuing to contribute wholeheartedly to Taiwan’s railway development.
#LDT103
A transport train produced in 1942 by the Tokyu Company specifically for the East Coast narrow-gauge railway, it was a main mode of transportation during the Japanese colonial period. Only four were produced, with a total weight of 40.48 tons and a tractive effort of 8,600 kilograms; the four driving wheels belong to the tender car, making it the only large narrow-gauge steam locomotive in Taiwan.
#Train Order Board
The instruments and equipment that regulate train access to and from the railway station include electric tablet block instruments, metal tablets, and electric tablet covers. Among these, the electric tablet cover is an item that must be checked and confirmed by both the driver and the station master before departure.
# Information about the Hualien Railway Cultural Park
Address: No. 71, Zhongshan Road, Hualien City, Hualien County
Phone: (03) 833-8061
Operating Hours: 10:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00, closed on Mondays
Website: www.facebook.com/HualienRailway
Recommended Accommodations in Hualien
Hualien Charming City Hotel
Hualien Charming City Hotel is located near Hualien Railway Station, just a 5-minute walk away, making it very convenient for families and travelers who arrive by train without a car. The hotel offers a variety of room types, including family suites suitable for families, as well as simple and deluxe rooms. The decor is European-inspired, with a minimalist and elegant atmosphere that makes you feel relaxed the moment you step into your room. Some rooms are also equipped with sauna facilities and Jacuzzi bathtubs to help you wash away the fatigue of the day. What could be happier than this?
- Facilities -
? Rooms: Wet and dry separated bathrooms, LCD TV, hairdryer, wired/wireless internet, refrigerator, coffee machine, central air conditioning. Some room types include sauna ovens and Jacuzzi bathtubs.
? Restaurant: Free Chinese and Western breakfast
? Others: 19th-floor bar, café, fitness center, meeting rooms, children’s play area, large outdoor space
- Services -
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, wired internet, Hualien travel itinerary consultations, car rental services, bicycle rental, thoughtful loan items, parking lot
? Phone:(03) 835-3355
? Address:No. 19, Guoxing Second Street, Hualien City
? Transportation:Hualien Railway Station, a 5-minute walk
Fullon Hotel Hualien
Fullon Hotel Hualien is about a 15-minute drive from Hualien Railway Station and is close to the sea. The rooms offer direct views of the blue ocean and Hualien City. Waking up in the morning and pulling back the curtains to see such a view is like a beautiful painting for those of us living in the city. It's also convenient to travel to downtown Hualien from the hotel. For those who prefer not to drive, the hotel thoughtfully provides a shuttle bus service to the city area—just inquire at the front desk. This relaxing yet travel-friendly hotel is definitely a top choice for those visiting Hualien for sightseeing purposes.
- Facilities -
? Rooms: Bathroom, hairdryer, wired/wireless internet, LCD TV, ocean view, refrigerator, electric kettle, private electronic safe, wet and dry separated bathtub, 110V/220V power outlets.
? Restaurant: Chinese, Western, and Japanese breakfast (complimentary upon check-in), local Hualien cuisine
? Others: SPA, sauna, multifunctional entertainment center, outdoor areaSwimming pool, fitness center, business center, meeting rooms, banquet hall, bar
- Services -
24-hour reception, bicycle rental, Hualien city shuttle bus, laundry service, wired internet, Wi-Fi.
? Telephone:(03) 823-9988
? Address:No. 51, Minsheng Road (Coastal Road), Hualien City
? Transportation:Hotel shuttle bus | Hualien City Bus No. 1123, get off at Stone Sculpture Museum Station, walk 10 minutes
Author Profile
Text / Jiang Mingli
Formerly a reporter for multiple travel media outlets, she has traveled the world on assignment, including Japan, the Netherlands, Germany, Thailand, the U.S. and Canada, China, Russia, and Egypt, with a particular focus on China and Japan. Currently specializes in reporting on travel and food in Taiwan. Her published works include "Tailor-Made Homestay Stays," "A Century of Good Shops," "Selected Authentic Taiwanese Snacks: Southern and Eastern Editions," "A Wonderful Little Trip to Yilan," "A Wonderful Little Trip to Hualien," "A Wonderful Little Trip to Chiayi," "A Wonderful Little Trip to Kaohsiung," "A Wonderful Little Trip to Miaoli," and over 10 other titles. She is currently a freelance writer and regular contributor to HERE Magazine.
Photography / Ho Chung-cheng
Born in Pingtung, he loves to travel and has been a freelance photographer for many years, hoping to convey love and care through his images.
Parts of this article are excerpted from the book"A Stroll Through Japanese-Style Houses: Exploring Japanese Architecture and Stepping into the Nostalgic Townscapes and Everyday Life of Old Taiwan", courtesy of Shan Yue Publishing House.