11 Jun 2025

Celebrating the Highlights of Hualien

Today we enjoyed some of the spectacular scenery of the Taiwan’s stunning Hualien area. Surrounded by high mountains, we were given an understanding of the severe impacts of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake here one year ago. Those on the city tour were given a hands-on Takoyaki cooking class and learning about the history and process for fermenting and preserving the finest Bonito.

Onwards to the Gang Tian Temple, one of many religions, floors, gods, and well wishes with our tour concluding the tour with the Jiang Jun Fu 1936 (Manor House) and then Pine Gardens with a strategic view of the coastline.

While some enjoyed the city, others traversed the newly re-opened Taroko Gorge Road which was devastated due to rockfalls during the earthquake last year. With a ride through the Gorge itself, a walk to the Shrine and Macaques to capture our focus. All were impressed by the sheer scale of recovery led by the Taiwanese to restore the region so quickly after such a tragic event.

Images © C. Finch & C. Perry, Heritage Expeditions