Songyuan Guesthouse is the only surviving military building from the Japanese colonial period in Hualien, making it a must-visit Hualien attraction. In the past, it was not open to the public. It wasn’t until recent years that it was opened for visits. Today, in addition to preserving historical traces, it has added some cultural and creative shops, as well as displays of works by many literati, instantly giving visitors a literary and artistic vibe. Want to know more? Let’s dive in and explore this must-visit Hualien attraction and recommended Hualien accommodations.
Songyuan Guesthouse
The Only Surviving Japanese Colonial-Era Military Building in Hualien
With the outbreak of the Pacific War, the Japanese authorities focused their efforts on war preparations, including the construction of command centers. Songyuan Guesthouse was then the Hualien Port Army Military Affairs Department, built in Showa 17 (1942), located on the secluded slopes of Meilun Mountain. The Military Affairs Department included the front office building, rear dormitories and guardhouses, and an officers' gathering hall, making it a rare military historical site in Taiwan.
During the Pacific War from 1941 to 1945, Japan was a major participant, and there was an urgent need for soldiers, leading to conscription across the country. Taiwan was no exception. At the time, to recruit soldiers and manage military service, the Hualien Port Army Military Affairs Department, the predecessor of Songyuan Guesthouse, was established in Hualien. It was specifically chosen for its location on the mountainside of Meilun Mountain, overlooking the mouth of the Meilun River. Here, over 130 wind-resistant, salt-tolerant, and sand-fixing Ryukyu pines were planted in large numbers in 1921. The green pines formed a natural barrier, which was one of the reasons for selecting this site for the Military Affairs Department.
The office building of the Military Affairs Department features an eclectic architectural style.
The entire Hualien Port Army Military Affairs Department complex, along with nearby broadcasting stations, coastal radio stations, and water treatment plants, formed a tightly integrated system. It was a restricted area in the early years and an untouchable secret base in the hearts of Hualien residents. Only after the guesthouse was renovated and opened did it unveil its mysterious veil, allowing people to glimpse the past and present of this military stronghold.
The complex spans over one hectare, with four buildings surrounded by old pines, including offices, dormitories, and small wooden houses.
The front office building is a two-story RC hybrid brick-and-wood structure, featuring an eclectic style. Its black tiles and arched corridors blend Eastern and Western aesthetics, while its minimalist design also hints at modern minimalism.
During the Japanese colonial period, the first floor housed offices, kitchens, pantries, and laundry rooms, while the second floor served as officers' quarters. Notably, both the front and rear had connecting verandas, and the eastern section of the second floor was enclosed, likely modified by a later occupying unit.
Additionally, the central staircase was designed with evacuation convenience in mind, featuring a uniquely connected front and rear passage, which is one of its distinctive features.
Officers' Gathering Hall and Guardhouse
The Japanese-style architectural charm of the guesthouse is showcased in the rear area. Connected to the office and located at the back, Songyuan Restaurant was formerly a soldiers' dormitory, specifically for lower-ranking soldiers. It had a simple, single-row layout with a gable roof. Due to years of neglect, most of it was destroyed. After restoration by the Ministry of Culture, only the roof and Y-shaped columns remain, with the space now used as an open dining area. The main dishes include indigenous-style meals and Chinese cuisine, with the signature drink being freshly pressed five-needle pine juice, complementing the surrounding pine scenery for a relaxing experience.
Next to the restaurant is an ecological pond planted with various native Taiwanese plants. This area served as a fire pond in the past, used for extinguishing fires nearby. The standalone wooden cabin is also a preserved relic, originally an officers' gathering place, later repurposed as a lecture and exhibition space for the guesthouse. The guardhouse is located east of the office, connected by a wooden passageway. Now, only the roof remains, with the original black tiles replaced by glass to enhance transparency.
Old Spaces Filled with Cultural & Creative Goods
To breathe new life into old buildings, the operating entity Xianglong, a seasoned exhibition company, collaborates with local independent creators to introduce uniquely styled cultural and creative products. These include hand-sewn owl fabric dolls by designer Tsai Yueh-ei, handmade glassware by Jiang Tong, and Taroko series textiles by Nadalan Workshop—each worth a closer look.
Songyuan Guesthouse was designated as a historic building in 2002. Since then, the old house has transformed, connecting time and memory through art, literature, and poetry. Since 2006, the annual Pacific Poetry Festival held in October and November has become a highlight of the area. The once-rigid military base has taken on a distinctly different flavor under the influence of cultural creativity and literary ambiance.
The poetry study room on the west side of the second floor displays numerous literary works by poets such as Yang Mu, Yu Guangzhong, Zheng Chouyu, Huang Chunming, Chen Li, and Xi Murong. The presence of these poets once illuminated the charm of the base. Sitting on a retro sofa chair along the sea-facing corridor, listening to the whispers of the sea breeze, is a truly leisurely and relaxing experience.
All About Songyuan Guesthouse
#Architecture Tour Guide
Director Luo Manling | Director of Songyuan Guesthouse and CEO of operating company Xianglong. She has an in-depth understanding of Songyuan Guesthouse. She knows every plant, brick, and tile in the complex, as well as the cultural and creative goods on display. She is also a key promoter of the Pacific Poetry Festival.
#Roof Skylight
The front cement building features a gable roof covered with Japanese black tiles. Originally without windows, skylights were added during restoration to improve lighting and ventilation. Movable glass panels were installed, and when sunlight shines through, it casts dappled shadows of the pines, creating a warm ambiance.
#Window Ventilation
Japanese architecture emphasizes ventilation and smooth airflow, reflected in the design of doors and windows. This is the window of the front cement building at Songyuan, where the lower part features movable wooden panels to effectively control the timing of airflow exchange.
#Songyuan Guesthouse Info
Address: No. 65, Songyuan Street, Hualien City, Hualien County
Phone: (03) 835-6510
Business hours: 09:00 ~ 18:00, closed on the second Tuesday of every month
Admission: NT$50 for general admission
Website: www.pinegarden.com.tw
Recommended hotels in Hualien
Classic City Resort
Classic City Resort is located less than 500 meters from downtown, allowing you to freely explore Hualien city. The hotel mainly uses marble and granite for its decor, striving to create a noble ambiance in order to provide guests with the most prestigious experience — a truly classic holiday. Not only is the hotel close to the train station, but there are also bus stops within 500 meters, making it easy to get around Hualien even without a car. In addition, the resort offers foreign currency exchange services, which is convenient for guests traveling with international friends.
-Facilities-
?Rooms: Bathroom, hairdryer, wired/wireless internet, refrigerator, tea maker, coffee machine, sofa, lavender bath set
?Restaurant: Free buffet breakfast (Chinese and Western options). (7:00 a.m. ~ 10:00 a.m.)
?Other: Gym, cafe, meeting rooms, business center, lounge
-Services-
Free Wi-Fi, foreign currency exchange, 24-hour front desk, parking, multilingual staff, bellhop, laundry service, shuttle service, newspapers and magazines, bicycle rental
?Phone:(03) 835-9966
?Address:No. 139, Guolian 5th Rd., Hualien City
?Transportation:Hualien Railway Station, a 5-minute walk
Lishiuan Hotel
Lishiuan Hotel is located in Hualien’s prime tourist area, about a 10-minute drive from the train station. It is also close to many famous Hualien attractions such as Songyuan Guesthouse, Qingshui Temple, Qixingtan Beach, Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park, and the Dongmen Night Market — all within a 10–20 minute drive, allowing you to easily explore Hualien. A unique feature of Lishiuan Hotel is its sky garden, accessible to guests, where you can enjoy mountain and ocean views during the day. Have a cup of coffee in the morning, take in the scenery, and breathe fresh air — isn’t this the vacation you’ve been dreaming of?
-Facilities-
?Rooms: Free Wi-Fi, LCD TV, cable TV programs, separated wet and dry bathroom facilities, 110V and 220V power outlets, complimentary mineral water, tea bags, and coffee packets
?Restaurant: Serves Chinese and Western buffet breakfast, breakfast vouchers provided according to room type
?Other: Lounge (reservation and fee required), SPA hot spring area, business center, sky garden, gym, chess and recreation room (reservation required)
-Services-
Free Wi-Fi, self-service laundry, free shuttle service (reservation required 2 days in advance, includes one free pick-up and one free drop-off)
?Phone:(03) 8246-898
? Address: No. 99-1, Zhongmei Road, Hualien City
? Transportation: Hotel shuttle (recommended) | Take bus 1123 from Hualien Railway Station, get off at Zhongxin Hotel stop, and walk 2 minutes.
Author Profile
Text by / Jiang Mingli
Formerly a journalist 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, she specializes in reporting on travel and food in Taiwan. Her published works include “Tailor-Made Homestay Stays,” “Century-Old Favorite 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 more than 10 other titles. She is now a freelance writer and a regular contributing reporter for HERE Magazine.
Photography by / He Zhongcheng
Born in Pingtung, he loves to travel and has been engaged in freelance photography for many years, hoping to convey love and care through imagery.
Parts of this article are excerpted from “A Stroll Through Japanese-Style Houses: Exploring Japanese Architecture, Stepping into the Nostalgic Settlements and Daily Life of Old Taiwan,” courtesy of Shan Yue Publishing.