The church was built directly on the concrete foundation of the 1937 Hualien Port Shrine.
Local Truku people helped repurpose the shrine's original stone components into the current church structure.
The site contains an old Japanese-style stone lantern and a stone basin (chozuya) used for ritual purification during the shrine era.
The church's roof design mimics traditional Japanese wooden temple architecture rather than standard Western church styles.
It is often referred to as the 'Old House' by locals, reflecting its dual cultural heritage.
The site features a grotto dedicated to the Virgin Mary nestled among the greenery.
Xincheng Catholic Church is a unique fusion site built on the foundations of a former Japanese-era Shinto shrine. The structure features a distinctive Japanese-style roof combined with stained glass windows and Christian iconography. It was constructed in 1956 using reclaimed stone and materials from the original Hualien Port Shrine that previously occupied the site. The grounds retain Shinto elements, including stone torii gates and guardian dog statues (komainu) integrated into the Catholic aesthetic. It served as a community hub for the indigenous Truku people who converted to Catholicism in the mid-20th century. The site is characterized by its lush, green garden setting that preserves a sense of historical overlay. It remains an active place of worship for the local congregation in Xincheng Township.
From the garden path, capturing the juxtaposition of the Japanese-style roof tiles against the stained glass windows.
Combine your visit with a walk around the surrounding Xincheng Old Street.
Look for the two stone guardian dogs (komainu) that remain at the entrance, a relic of its former Shinto identity.
The interior is small; be mindful of local parishioners if a service is occurring.
Do not treat the Shinto relics as mere toys; be respectful of their historical and cultural significance.
Maintain a quiet, respectful volume as it is an active house of worship; dress modestly.
