Why you should visit Hualien post-earthquake: friendly, scenic, relaxing and in need of tourists
After a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Hualien city in February, the resort city has been cleaned up, but is still waiting for tourists to return. Its shabby chic, laid-back nature and beautiful scenery, combined with cheap flights and boutique hotels make it a perfect destination for Hongkongers
It has been less than three months since a deadly earthquake devastated the Taiwanese resort city of Hualien, claiming the lives of 17 people, and residents are still suffering from the economic aftershock.
International news media gave extensive coverage to the 6.4 magnitude quake when it struck 10 minutes before midnight on February 6, and disturbing images of collapsed hotels, and residential blocks listing at seemingly impossible angles, went viral on the internet.
Following a determined clean-up exercise, there is little indication of the physical destruction wrought on the quiet seaside city, but the impact on its tourism industry has been catastrophic.
“For two months after the quake, no one came. Locals are used to it but the tourists were scared,” says local artist Lin Chin-fong, who is completing a sculpture at the port and exhibits his vivacious abstract paintings in the nearby gallery and cafe.
“Even now we only have about 50 per cent of the usual numbers of visitors,” he says – and there are none to be seen during the course of our 30-minute conversation.
