[2025 Hualien Attraction] Travel Guide for Xincheng Tianzhutang (Updated Jul)

When visiting Xincheng Township in Hualien, besides savoring local delicacies and strolling through the old streets, there's a low-key yet highly distinctive church worth visiting—the Xincheng Catholic Church. This church blends European and Taiwanese indigenous styles, with the most striking feature being its stained glass windows from the Japanese occupation era, radiating historical and artistic brilliance. 🔹 A Church that Blends Japanese and Indigenous Elements Xincheng Catholic Church was first established in the 1950s by Jesuit missionaries to serve the local indigenous Amis and Truku believers. The overall architecture showcases a simple Japanese style, yet incorporates Taiwanese indigenous wood carvings, presenting a unique cultural fusion. 🔹 Stained Glass Windows from the Japanese Occupation Era Reflecting a Serene Atmosphere Upon entering the church, the most eye-catching feature is the large expanse of colorful stained glass windows, said to be from the Japanese occupation era. When sunlight streams through these windows, illuminating the wooden pews and floor, the entire space feels warm and sacred. Unlike the grandeur of typical European churches, the beauty here carries a touch of simplicity and tranquility, bringing a sense of inner peace. 🔹 A Place for Tranquil Wandering in the Township If you visit Xincheng, consider planning a leisurely trip, walking from Xincheng Old Street to Xincheng Catholic Church. Experience the historical ambiance of this small town and admire this understated yet captivating church, allowing yourself to enjoy a moment of tranquility during your journey. 📍 Tourist Information 🏠 Address: No. 64, Bo'ai Road, Xincheng Township, Hualien County ⏰ Opening Hours: Open all day (recommended to visit outside of worship times to avoid disturbing the congregation) 🌟 Xincheng Catholic Church is not just a religious building but a testament to history and culture. Next time you travel to Hualien, be sure to visit and experience the serene moments under the stained glass windows!

This church has an amazing historical background. Initially, the site was a Japanese shrine, however, it was later converted into a spectacular Catholic church. This transformation brings with it a deep historical footprint, blending together elements of different religions and cultures. As soon as you step into this church, you will feel the tranquility and solemnity of its overall space. The soaring vaults and ornate stained glass windows cast soft light, creating a sacred atmosphere. In this peaceful environment, worshippers and visitors alike can find peace of mind and immerse themselves in religious rituals or their own meditation. This church is a fascinating and spiritual place that showcases the combination of religion and architecture. #localtravel #familytravel

The Xincheng Catholic Church is said to be a building left over from the Japanese occupation era, and was later converted into a Catholic church. There are torii, stone beasts, stone dogs and other Japanese cultural elements at the entrance. Later, the Catholic Church bought this land and built a church in the shape of a ship, Noah's Ark. After years of baptism, the outside is surrounded by beautiful and tenacious vines, coupled with colored glass windows, forming a very distinctive church. Walking in this church with many cats, you can feel the harmonious lifestyle between animals and humans. Walking in the solemn church, your heart is very calm and you admire the natural art that blends religion, culture and nature together. It's really beautiful!

Hualien New Town has always been easily overlooked by tourists, but it is a quiet and lovely new town. Although Hualien New Town Catholic Church is Catholic, it still retains Japanese-style buildings and torii outside, which is a very special combination✨ It is free to visit here. There are also exquisite statues of mangers and Jesus stories in the church. The solemn atmosphere makes people feel at ease! * Transportation: It is recommended to drive there, or walk about 20 minutes from Xincheng Railway Station

I left the B&B early in the morning and came to the place recommended by the owner. I happened to meet some nearby residents coming to worship in groups of two or three, so it was not easy to go into the church to take a look. But the beauty outside has already intoxicated me... The European-style Catholic church⛪️ and the Japanese shrine’s torii⛩️ seem to span two countries. Being able to see both styles at the same time also makes you forget the regret of not being able to go in! The church is covered with vines and decorated with stained glass windows. Noah's Ark Church is another name for it. It looks like a ship, just like the ship of salvation in the Bible. Walking around it felt like it wasn’t enough to appreciate its beauty. Looking at the Torii, stone lions, and stone lanterns, it felt like walking into a painting. We met a lot of cats along the way, but they ignored me and instead leaned behind my boyfriend to ask for photos. We joked that it was because they were all wearing black. ! We also met a foreign pastor who rushed out to use the toilet. Along the way, he met many cats who wanted to be petted by him. He cutely apologized to each cat, saying that he was in a hurry and couldn't play with them. It was super heartwarming. Later, I followed the footsteps of a group of cats and found out that they had a stairwell which was their dormitory. There were bowls for everyone and a place to drink water. It was so happy! Then walk further inside and you will see the former site of a Japanese shrine building and the stone lions in front of the shrine. Even though they are not as lifelike as modern sculptures, you can see that the historical traces and cultural value are still well preserved. The Last Virgin Mary Garden makes people feel peaceful. Even though I am not a Catholic, I can feel the peace and tranquility when I am around her. Along the way, I met many nearby residents who slowly walked into the church and listened to the sacred music. Time and space seemed to freeze. I think this church will be my first stop next time I come to Hualien, and I must go in and take a look! #familytravel #travel #cooltravelexperience #flashmobhualien #msay go #Hualien New Town #Hualien Catholic Church #Noah's Ark Church #Japanese Shrine #Torii

#2月好去地方2025 Xincheng Catholic Church was originally Xincheng Shrine⛩️ The shape of Noah's Ark has the meaning of rebirth and re-creation The stone-washed walls of the Catholic Church are covered with green vines Endless vitality and hope The windows on both sides are inlaid with stained glass Shining and brilliant in the sun The interior is solemn, clean and peaceful 📍Address: No. 64, Boai Road, Xincheng Township, Hualien County Open all year round Free admission 🎫 #Shrine Site #Hualien New Town #Church