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In the early days, the Amis people lived in what today is Jian Township and called it Cikasuan. During the period of Japanese rule, Hakka from the west came to Jian to grow tobacco and cultivate farmland and the town retains many examples of traditional Hakka culture and gourmet food.
When visiting Jian, in addition to walking around the Japanese Zen garden-style Keixiuyuan and roaming the maple forest trails, there are many other places worth exploring. Visitors can drop by Jian Hakka Art Village, Hakka Cultural Center, Jian AMIS Sea Festival Plaza and other places, or attend local festivals. Be sure to try Hakka delicacies such as sweet rice cakes and vegetable rice cakes. For those who enjoy cycling explore the Jian Mountain Line Bicycle Trail, admire the century-old irrigation canal, pass through acres of green farmland, and experience the history and warm hospitality of the Jian Hakka community.
Fun activities
- Chinghsiu Temple is currently the best preserved Japanese temple in Taiwan. After years of changes its simple architecture and quiet elegant gardens are deeply loved by tourists.
- Cikasuan Forest Park, which was an air force base during the period of Japanese rule, is another popular attraction in Jian Township.
- From the Mugua River Bicycle Path, visitors can see the main peak of Qilai Mountain towering above the mountain range. With its colorful guardrails on the left and right, it has become an eye-catching new leisure check-in landmark.
- Jian Hakka Art Village was formerly Jiye immigrant village under the Japanese. Today it integrates images of tung flowers to present Jian's rich historical texture and diverse culture.
- The white main body of Huilan Bridge is paired with red cables. The design was inspired by the shape of the "Bozai Boats" used by Hakka settlers, showcasing different spectacles when seen during the day or at night.
- The simple settlement and quiet neighborhoods of the No. 1 Hakka Village in the rift valley include many items unique to Hakka cultural heritage, as well as eye-catching 3D interactive painted walls and waterwheel images. It is a highly recommended place to visit.
- Starbucks Huilan branch is Taiwan's first and Asia's first container house Starbucks store built with actual "containers." It is the latest and most popular check-in tourist attraction in Hualien.
- Jixiang Haozong is a famous store that travelers will definitely want to visit when in Hualien. The interior decoration is imbued with Hakka style. The rice dumplings are made entirely of local ingredients, but the most distinctive feature is the addition of Hakka preserved vegetables as ingredients.
