Hualien History

Si Hua

Prehistorical Period

The most significant archaeological relics of the Neolithic Age is in Beinan. The Saoba stone pillars left 5000 years ago at Wuhe Terrace are the representatives to prove that prehistorical humanity existed in Hualien area.

The Amis were the first settlers in Hualien, they arrived at the area of Takangkou. This tribe settled and cultivate. Because of the precipitous terrains, many unique traditional ceremonies are kept.

Rcecntly

After the aborigines, the Hans didn't come until Ching Dynasty. Emperor Kangxi conquered Taiwan and this island attracted many immigrants from Fujian and Guangdong, but most of them settled at the west. Because of the difficulties of traveling, the development in Hualien was not started until Baochen Shen suppressed the rebellions. Many settlers then entered the east.

The Japanese influence is very obvious in Hualien, can be seen on many buildings in various villages. The forest on Lintian Mountain, the cane sugar mill in Guangfu, Chinghsiu Temple in Chi-an, the tobacco buildings in Fenglin and Fengtian. Japanese developed Hualien greatly and left a lot of historical sites.

With help and efforts of various people, we can see the historical relics and the happy characteristics of these people.