Things to Do at Pine Garden

Pine Garden (松園別館) is one of those places that quietly tells Hualien's wartime story without hitting you over the head with it. Built by the Japanese in 1943, this former military command center sits on a hill overlooking Hualien Harbor, surrounded by towering old-growth pine trees that give the place its name. The building itself is surprisingly elegant for a military installation - clean lines, large windows, and that distinctly Japanese attention to architectural detail. What makes Pine Garden special isn't just the history, though that's fascinating enough. It's the way the place feels today - part museum, part art space, part peaceful retreat from Hualien's busier attractions. You'll find rotating art exhibitions inside, but honestly, some of the best moments happen just wandering the grounds under those massive pines, trying to imagine what this place witnessed during its more turbulent years.

Pine Garden sits just 20 minutes uphill from Hualien's train station. Walking is possible. Most visitors grab a taxi (NT$150-200) or rent a scooter for the flexibility to hit other nearby spots. If you're driving, expect a small parking area that fills up on weekends. The entrance on Songyuan Street is well-marked-you'll spot those distinctive pine trees when you're close.