Hualien General House

General House is a Japanese complex by the Meilun riverbank in Hualien, where several officers were said to reside during the Japanese Colonial Era. Locals didn’t really know who they were except for the fact that they seemed to be some high-ranking generals, hence the name “General House.” There were fourteen Japanese dorms in total, but a devastating typhoon swept the area and exacted a tragic loss of property. Today, only six of them are still standing strong, and the complex itself has been named a county-level historic site. The quaint interiors have retained a nostalgic feel, and the permanent exhibition that highlights the history of General House allows you to have some extra education while traveling. There is no better way to totally immerse yourself in this Japanese neighborhood than by dressing up in a casual summer kimono rental? And yes, it is all possible here at General House.

A row of red lanterns are hung from the eaves, and such a nostalgic scene has long been a favorite of many photography enthusiasts. The quaint architecture, peaceful ambiance and rustic charm draw in a significant number of lovebirds to shoot their wedding portraits here; unsurprisingly, many of them are posing in front of the camera in a beautiful yukata. A pair of couple trees with a height of over twenty meters can be seen by the General House, with a lot of wishing cards pinned to the trees. Managed by a group of local volunteers, the General House is open to the public every day except Monday. The volunteers can arrive late during the weekdays, so have a bit more patience and enjoy your wonderful day in this lesser-known spot in Hualien.