HUALIEN, TAIWAN (MERXWIRE) – Hualien continues to strengthen its international-friendly environment for the second consecutive year through the International-Friendly Environment Promotion Program.
The Hualien County Government is enhancing daily-life support for international residents through bilingual service counters, an expanded Chinese–English official website, and real-time online assistance.
By integrating public services, digital platforms, and community engagement, Hualien is building a city where international residents can easily access clear information, receive timely support, and connect naturally with the local community—while creating greater opportunities for global interaction and cooperation.
International residents seeking government assistance—either in person or by phone—can receive bilingual support at the International Affairs and Press Center. Staff provide English interpretation, document clarification, and guidance on government procedures, significantly reducing communication barriers.
To keep international residents informed, the county updates its bilingual website weekly with policy news and events. The site also features 30 key attractions across Hualien with bilingual introductions and photos. In addition, bilingual infographics present clear overviews of Hualien’s geography, climate, population, industries, culture, sustainability, youth development, and transportation systems.
For daily convenience, over 500 bilingual listings for restaurants, cafes, and gift shops are available across seven townships. The English-language LINE group “Livable Hualien” also provides weekly updates and real-time assistance for public services and everyday matters.
To extend international-friendly services into everyday consumer spaces, Hualien has launched a one-on-one bilingual supportprogram for local businesses. Bilingual upgrades now cover store profiles, service manuals, social media ads, menus, tour introductions, websites, and environmental signage—making shopping, dining, and travel more accessible for international customers, while strengthening business branding and global visibility.
This year, the county also hosted three International Exchange Lectures and two in-depth cultural experience tours. Participants explored Indigenous villages, rural communities, and mountain landscapes through weaving, traditional food, music, farming activities, and seasonal tourism. Many described the experiences as rare, meaningful, and deeply memorable.
Five bilingual guide videos covering food, accommodation, shopping, transportation, and leisure will soon be released on the official YouTube channel. With more international residents and major global events ahead, Hualien will continue expanding its multilingual services to ensure that international residents feel welcomed, supported, and at home.
International Lectures and In-Depth Experiences: Discovering Hualien Between Mountains, Sea, and Indigenous Villages. This year, the county hosted three International Exchange Lecture Series to promote cross-cultural dialogue. Guest speakers included actor Rhydian Vaughan, Czech trail runner Petr Novotny, and state banquet chef Lin Jen-Chung, who shared their experiences in creative media, outdoor safety, and culinary culture. These events brought local and international participants together to reflect on building globally connected yet locally grounded lifestyles in Hualien.
Two In-Depth Experience Tours were also organized for international residents. One visit took participants to the Dajili Tribal House in Xiulin Township, where they learned about Truku culture through weaving, traditional foods, and music before joining the Pacific Austronesian Indigenous Joint Harvest Festival. The second tour explored Chike Mountain during the daylily blooming season, followed by a hands-on pineapple cake workshop and rural tour in Fuxing Community. Participants described the chance to visit Indigenous villages, farms, and neighborhoods as rare, meaningful, and deeply memorable.
Five Short Bilingual Videos: A Visual Guide to Hualien
To help international visitors prepare for trips, competitions, or business stays in Hualien, the county has produced five bilingual videos covering food, lodging, shopping, transportation, and leisure activities. With clear subtitles and real-life footage, the videos walk viewers through practical topics like taking public transit, ordering local dishes, buying souvenirs, and planning downtime. All five videos will soon be available on the Hualien County Government’s official YouTube channel.
With more international travelers, students, and professionals expected in the coming years—and with several major global events on the horizon—the Hualien County Government plans to continue expanding its multilingual content and support systems. The goal is to make Hualien a place where international residents feel welcome, engaged, and at home—whether they’re visiting for a short stay or considering making it their new home.
Media Contacts:
Hualien County Government
Li Guan-Ting
+886-3-8227171
martin@hl.gov.tw
SOURCE: Hualien County Government