Museum culture in Xiulin Township, Hualien County!

Taroko National Park (Taroko Gorge)

Why Visit?

Discover the Wonders of Taroko National Park: A Museum Culture Tour

Morning: A Gateway to History and Nature

Begin your immersive journey into Taroko National Park at the Taroko Visitor Center. Just a few hours from Taipei, you can reach this marvel by taking the Hualien bus from Hualien Train Station, directly linking you to the park"s entrance. Dive into the exhibits showcasing the park’s geology, flora, and fauna, setting the stage for the natural spectacle you"re about to explore. Don"t miss the cultural displays highlighting the indigenous Truku tribe, offering a poignant glimpse into the area’s original inhabitants.

Mid-Morning: Eternal Springs and Shrines

A short shuttle ride will whisk you to the Changchun (Eternal Spring) Shrine, commemorating the workers who perished during the highway"s construction. The shrine resembles a traditional Chinese pavilion, perched dramatically above a waterfall. This spot provides not only a moment for reflection but also a perfect blend of natural beauty with historical resonance.

Lunch: Local Delights by the Gorge

Refuel with some local cuisine at one of the small eateries near the Swallow Grotto. Try the Aboriginal-style bamboo rice or the wild boar sausage, a regional specialty.

Afternoon: Marvel at Marble

Post-lunch, make your way to the Swallow Grotto, famed for its marble cliff faces that seemingly morph shapes as you walk the trail. Here, the Taroko’s geology is on full display, with the Liwu River carving through the marble, creating a dynamic landscape. Learn about the marble’s formation and its significance both commercially and culturally in Taiwan.

Late Afternoon: Reflection and Serenity at Shakadang Trail

Conclude your tour with a serene walk along the Shakadang Trail, where the crystal-clear waters and vibrant, forested pathways provide a tranquil ending to a day filled with cultural insights and natural wonders. This trail also offers a chance to spot some local crafts sold by the Truku tribe, connecting back to the cultural threads introduced at the start of your day.

How to Visit

The park is accessible year-round, and the best way to explore is via the park’s shuttle bus service, which offers hop-on, hop-off convenience. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as exploring Taroko’s beauty involves a fair amount of walking.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

East Rift Valley National Scenic Area (Huadong Valley)

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through Taiwan"s picturesque East Rift Valley, a region steeped in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Your tour begins at the fascinating Lintianshan Forestry Culture Park, located around 30 minutes by car from Hualien City. Once a bustling logging town, Lintianshan now serves as a living museum where you can explore the restored Japanese-era wooden buildings and gain insight into Taiwan"s forestry history.

Next, drive south to the Tropic of Cancer Marker Park, about an hour away. This significant geographical landmark not only marks the northern boundary of the tropics but also features an educational hall explaining the solar phenomena. It’s a perfect spot for a memorable photo!

Continue your journey to the Yuli Kecheng Iron Bridge, approximately 20 minutes by car. Here, delve into the history of the East Rift Valley"s development as you walk across this historic bridge, enjoying views of the sprawling valley and the meandering Hualien River.

Your final destination is the Bunun Cultural Museum in Wanrong Township, roughly a 45-minute drive from the bridge. Dedicated to the Bunun, one of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, this museum offers a profound look at their rich traditions, music, and crafts. Participate in a cultural workshop or enjoy a live traditional performance if your visit coincides with event schedules.

Each of these sites can be accessed by rental car, the most convenient option for exploring the valley at your own pace. Public transportation options are available but may involve longer travel times and less flexibility.

This curated museum tour not only showcases the East Rift Valley"s stunning landscapes but also immerses you in the deep cultural roots and historical narratives that shape this unique region of Taiwan.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Hualien County

Why Visit?

Day 1: Hualien County Museum Exploration

Morning: Hualien County Stone Sculptural Museum

Start your cultural adventure at the Hualien County Stone Sculptural Museum, located conveniently in the heart of Hualien City. This museum celebrates the rich stone crafting heritage of Hualien and offers a deep dive into the art of sculpting using the local marble, famously known as Hualien Stone. *Fun Fact: Hualine Stone was used in the construction of the iconic Taipei 101.*

Getting there: The museum is reachable by a short taxi ride from Hualien Train Station or via city bus lines that drop off nearby.

Afternoon: Tropic of Cancer Marker

Venture next to the Tropic of Cancer Marker, a significant geographical landmark and an excellent spot for an educational experience about global geography. The monument also features an exhibition hall that explains its astronomical significance and cultural implications in Taiwan. *Interesting Fact: The Tropic of Cancer passes through only 16 countries, and Taiwan marks it with great pride.*

Getting there: Rent a scooter or take a local bus from the Stone Sculptural Museum for about a 30-minute ride north.

Day 2: Indigenous Culture and History

Morning: Indigenous Peoples Cultural Development Centre

Immerse yourself in Taiwan"s indigenous cultures at the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Development Centre. Here, you can explore artifacts, traditional attire, and multimedia presentations that detail the lifestyles and histories of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes.

Getting there: Located in the Wanrong Township, this centre is best accessed by rental car or taxi for flexibility and ease.

Afternoon: Matai"an Wetland Ecological Park

Complete your museum tour with a visit to Matai"an Wetland Ecological Park, where you"ll find the Vicky Chen Nature Center. This center offers insights into the ecological systems of Hualian and the traditional fishing techniques of the indigenous Amis tribe.

Getting there: Drive or take a taxi from the Cultural Development Centre, approximately 20 minutes away.

This two-day itinerary offers a comprehensive view of Hualien"s rich cultural tapestry, blending natural wonders with the profound historical narratives of its local and indigenous communities.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Zhuilu Old Trail

Why Visit?

Embark on a spectacular historical journey on the Zhuilu Old Trail, a path steeped in history and breathtaking vistas, located in the heart of Taroko National Park, Taiwan. Originally built by the indigenous Truku people, it was later expanded during the Japanese colonial period for military use, offering a deep dive into Taiwan"s rich cultural tapestry.

Getting There

Begin your adventure to the Zhuilou Old Trail by arriving in Hualien, easily accessible by train from Taipei in about two hours. From Hualien, you can either rent a car or use local buses to reach Taroko National Park’s visitor center. It’s advisable to arrange your permit for the trail in advance due to access restrictions aimed at preserving its natural beauty and cultural significance.

The Trail

From the visitor center, take a short bus ride to the Zhuilu Old Trail’s starting point. The trail itself is a moderately challenging 6.2 km return trek that usually takes about 4 to 6 hours. As you ascend, you’ll traverse cliffside paths with sheer drops, offering exhilarating views over the marble-walled gorge below.

Cultural Insights

As you walk, immerse yourself in the echoes of history. The trail was a critical route for the Truku tribe, who used it to travel between villages and to access hunting grounds. When the Japanese took control of Taiwan, they saw the strategic importance of this trail and upgraded it for military purposes. Information boards along the path provide context to the artifacts and the remains of old fortifications, enhancing your understanding of this area"s complex past.

Prepare Well

Wear sturdy hiking boots, carry water and snacks, and don’t forget your camera to capture the awe-inspiring scenery. The best time to visit is from November to March to avoid the rainy season, ensuring safer trail conditions and clearer views.

Wrap up your hike with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to Taiwan’s historical and cultural landscape, making the Zhuilu Old Trail a must-visit for any museum culture enthusiast.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.