Hualien history

Origins and First Settlements

The history of Hualien is rooted in the deep past, when these lands were inhabited by indigenous peoples, specifically the Amis and Sakizaya tribes. Initially, the area was known as "Kiray". The first significant settlement of Chinese immigrants dates back to 1851, when a group of farmers arrived here by sea to cultivate new territories.

The modern name of the city is linked to a geographical feature at the mouth of the local river. The turbulent waters meeting the ocean were called "Huilan" (whirling waters), which over time phonetically transformed into the more euphonious "Hualien".

Key Development Factors

The transformation of a small settlement into a major city on the east coast was driven by several factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated on a narrow strip between the Pacific Ocean and the Central Mountain Range. For a long time, the mountains served as a natural barrier, which helped preserve the unique local culture.
• Infrastructure Breakthrough: A decisive stage began in the early 20th century with the initiation of a deep-water port and railway construction. This brought the region out of isolation.
• Administrative Status: In 1909, the region was designated as a separate administrative unit, which accelerated urbanisation and the planning of city quarters.

Early Economy and Cultural Lifestyle

The economic life of early Hualien was built on the utilisation of rich natural resources. The foundation consisted of logging (especially camphor extraction), sugar cane cultivation, and coastal fishing. The region also attracted gold seekers, who mined the precious metal in local riverbeds.

The cultural environment formed as a complex fusion of indigenous traditions and the customs of settlers. This interaction created a distinct ethnographic character, which remains the city's calling card to this day.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1851: Arrival of the first organised group of settlers led by Huang A-feng and the establishment of a permanent settlement.
• 1875: Lifting of the ban on entry into mountain areas and the start of road construction connecting the east and north of the island.
• 1909: Establishment of a separate administrative unit — Karenko Prefecture (the Japanese name for Hualien), separating from Taitung.
• 1920: Official approval of the name, which is phonetically close to the modern one, and the formation of the city structure.
• 1926: Completion of the Eastern Railway Line, linking the city with southern districts.
• 1939: Completion of the modern port construction, allowing for the reception of large vessels and the development of trade.
• 1946: Official formation of Hualien City as the administrative centre of the county of the same name.
• 1951: A series of strong earthquakes, leading to large-scale reconstruction and renewal of urban architecture.
• 1963: Opening of Hualien Port for international shipping, which spurred industrial development.
• 1980: Launch of the North-Link Railway, ensuring a direct and fast connection with the capital, Taipei.
• 1986: Creation of the nearby Taroko National Park, turning the city into a key tourism hub.
• 2014: Completion of railway electrification, significantly reducing travel time for tourists to the east coast.

Stages of Development and Their Significance

The evolution of Hualien is a journey from an isolated settlement to the main tourism and industrial centre of Eastern Taiwan. Each milestone in the city's history brought fundamental changes to the lifestyle, economy, and appearance of the region.

• Administrative Formation (1909–1920): The designation of the region as a separate prefecture and the implementation of planned urban development laid the foundation for modern Hualien. During this period, a clear grid of streets was formed, and the first local government bodies were created, turning chaotic settlements into an organised city.
• Industrial Leap (1963): The opening of Hualien Port to international vessels was a turning point for the economy. The city became a centre for the export of marble, cement, and gravel. This event not only created thousands of jobs but also secured the region's status as the industrial heart of the east coast.
• Overcoming Isolation (1980): The launch of the North-Link Railway was arguably the most significant infrastructure project. Until then, reaching the capital was difficult and time-consuming. Direct connection with Taipei opened the floodgates for a massive flow of people and goods, integrating Hualien into the national economy.
• Shift to Tourism (1986): The establishment of Taroko National Park changed the city's image. While Hualien was previously perceived mainly as an industrial port, the creation of the park made it a world-class tourist destination. The city's economy began to reorient towards the service sector, hospitality, and eco-tourism.
• Revitalisation and Creative Spaces (2000s): In recent decades, the city has been actively reimagining its heritage. Old industrial facilities, such as the historic brewery complex, have been transformed into cultural clusters (for example, A-Zone Park). This symbolises a transition to a creative economy and the preservation of historical memory.
• Recognition of Indigenous Culture: In the modern development of the city, official support and promotion of the traditions of the Amis, Atayal, and other tribes play a huge role. This has not only enriched cultural life but also created a unique ethnographic brand that attracts travellers interested in the authentic culture of the island.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The built environment of Hualien bears the imprint of the island's complex history and harsh natural conditions. Unlike the metropolises of the west coast, low-rise buildings prevail here, dictated by the region's high seismic activity. The urban landscape presents a mosaic of Japanese colonial heritage, Chinese classicism, and bold modern experiments.

Historical Eras and Styles

The architectural fabric of the city was formed in several key stages, each leaving its visual mark:

• Japanese Colonial Period (1895–1945): The time of the city's master plan creation. Japanese engineers introduced a regular block grid ("chessboard pattern"), which remains to this day. The architecture of this period varies from wooden residential structures to administrative buildings in an eclectic style, combining Western elements with Japanese restraint.
• Post-War Period (from 1945): Characterised by the establishment of Chinese Classicism (Palace style) in official and religious buildings. In civil construction, utilitarian functionalism dominated — concrete structures capable of withstanding typhoons and earthquakes.
• Modernity (21st Century): The era of postmodernism and eco-architecture. Modern projects in Hualien often play on the theme of nature or the industrial past, using recycled materials and open spaces.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

The look of Hualien is defined by several iconic landmarks that serve as living illustrations of architectural evolution:

• Pine Garden: The former Japanese Naval Administration (1942). The building is executed in a colonial style with modernist elements. The austere concrete walls harmonise with century-old pine trees, and the structure itself is one of the best examples of military architecture of that era in Taiwan.
• A-Zone Creative Park: A complex of a former historic brewery, representing an example of industrial architecture from the early 20th century. Authentic wooden warehouses and concrete workshops have been preserved here, carefully restored and adapted for modern needs (loft spaces).
• Hualien Martyrs' Shrine: A vivid example of Chinese Palace style (Renaissance of Chinese culture). The complex, with massive curved roofs covered in bright tiles and traditional pailou gates, was erected on the foundation of the former Japanese Karenko Shinto shrine.
• Container Starbucks (Hualien Bay Mall): An iconic object of postmodernism, designed by the world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma. The structure of 29 shipping containers, stacked in a chaotic order, resembles tree branches and references the city's port identity.
• Hualien Railway Station: After reconstruction, the station became an example of modern eco-design. Huge canopies ("Garden Umbrellas") made of wood and steel symbolise the connection of urban infrastructure with the majestic nature of the mountains and forests surrounding the city.

Distinguished Figures of Hualien

Hualien is the birthplace of many talented individuals whose achievements have brought fame to this region far beyond Taiwan. Among them are world-renowned philanthropists, writers, athletes, and artists.

• Master Cheng Yen
  Buddhist nun, philanthropist, public figure
  Founder of the international humanitarian organisation "Tzu Chi Foundation", headquartered in Hualien. Thanks to her efforts, the city has become a global centre for humanitarian aid and volunteer movements, as well as the site of an advanced medical centre and university.
• Yang Mu
  Poet, essayist, scholar, and translator
  One of the most significant Taiwanese literary figures of the 20th century. Born and raised in Hualien, he often used images of his homeland (Mount Qilai, the Pacific Ocean) in his works. His creativity played a key role in shaping modern Taiwanese literature.
• Chen Li
  Poet, translator, educator
  A native of Hualien, known for his innovative poems and translations of world poetry. He is the founder of the annual Pacific Poetry Festival in Hualien, turning the city into an important point on the literary map of Asia.
• Umin Boya (Ma Chih-hsiang)
  Actor, director, screenwriter
  A film figure from the Seediq tribe, born in Hualien County. He gained wide recognition as the director of the historical film "KANO" and as an actor in the epic "Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale". He actively promotes the culture and history of Taiwan's indigenous peoples through cinema.
• Ku Chin-shui
  Track and field athlete (decathlon, pole vault)
  An outstanding athlete from the Amis tribe. He became a gold medallist at the 1990 Asian Games in the decathlon, inspiring a whole generation of young athletes from the eastern regions of the island.
• Chin-hui Tsao
  Professional baseball player (pitcher)
  The first Taiwanese pitcher to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the USA. His success paved the way for many Taiwanese baseball players to top world leagues and strengthened Hualien's status as a "forge of baseball talent".
• Lala Hsu (Hsu Chia-ying)
  Singer, songwriter
  A popular performer born in Hualien. Winner of numerous prestigious Golden Melody Awards. Her success demonstrates the region's contribution to modern pop culture.