The Xincheng Catholic Church structure is built directly onto the foundation of a former Japanese Shinto shrine.
The church's entrance retains an original stone torii gate, serving as a rare architectural blend of Shinto and Catholic elements.
During the Japanese colonial period, this street was a bustling center for the local timber and marble industries.
The area is home to the Xincheng Photo Studio, a historic building that has been preserved as a cultural landmark.
The site hosts a memorial to the Xincheng Incident of 1896, a significant conflict between the Truku people and Japanese forces.
Xincheng Old Street serves as the historical commercial core of Xincheng Township, Hualien County, preserving remnants of the Japanese colonial era through its architecture and layout. The street is anchored by the Xincheng Catholic Church, which was built on the site of a former Shinto shrine and incorporates a unique torii gate at its entrance. Historically significant for its role in the marble industry and the local post office trade, the area now functions as a quiet residential and heritage zone. The streetscape retains low-rise, traditional buildings that reflect the influence of both indigenous Truku culture and Japanese administrative design. It serves as a gateway to the Taroko National Park region, offering a slower pace compared to Hualien City. Most structures on the street have been repurposed into small-scale cafes, artsy shops, or homes, maintaining a preserved, low-density atmosphere.
The entrance gate of the Xincheng Catholic Church where the torii gate remains standing.
Visit the Xincheng Catholic Church, as it is the most historically significant landmark on the street.
Look for the local lemon cake shops, which are a regional specialty unique to the Xincheng area.
Bring a bicycle if you intend to explore the surrounding rural paths connecting the street to the coastline.
Do not expect a high-density, commercialized 'Old Street' experience with many street food stalls, as this is a quiet residential heritage area.
Respect the privacy of residents in the area, as many of the historical buildings are still used as private homes.
