The shrine was originally established to commemorate Japanese soldiers killed during the 1914 Xincheng Incident involving the Truku (Taroko) people.
The current Catholic church was intentionally designed to resemble a ship, symbolizing Noah's Ark as a gesture of peace and healing.
Several original stone torii gates and Shinto lanterns remain standing on the site, contrasting sharply with the Catholic iconography.
The site features a blend of Shinto architectural remnants, such as stone bases and stairs, repurposed as a Christian sanctuary.
The St. Theresa Catholic Church on-site is noted for its unique 'boat' architecture, which remains a landmark in local religious history.
Xincheng Shrine, officially designated as a County-level Historic Site, is a rare example of a Japanese Shinto shrine integrated with a Catholic church on its former site. The original shrine was established in 1914 by the Japanese colonial government, marking the location of the Xincheng Incident. Following the end of the colonial era, the shrine was largely demolished, but its stone foundations, torii gates, and komainu (guardian dogs) were preserved. In 1956, the Catholic Church constructed a boat-shaped chapel, the St. Theresa Catholic Church, directly upon the shrine's remaining foundation. This site serves as a poignant intersection of indigenous history, Japanese colonial architectural remnants, and postwar religious expansion. Visitors can still see the original stone lanterns and the ceremonial entrance gate positioned adjacent to the modern chapel. The site is maintained as a cultural heritage park, reflecting the complex historical layers of Hualien County.
The view framing the stone torii gate in the foreground with the boat-shaped Catholic church in the background.
Visit during the early morning to appreciate the transition of light on the weathered stone relics.
Maintain a respectful volume, as this remains an active site of religious practice and reflection.
Walk the perimeter of the foundation to identify where the Japanese shrine structures transition into the newer church elements.
Do not climb on or deface the fragile, centuries-old stone lanterns and torii remains.
Maintain silence and dress modestly, as the site functions as both a historical memorial and an active church.
