The Poetry of Hualien: Waves, Fishing Nets, and the Sun
Auto-TranslationTaking a taxi from Hualien Station, you head straight towards the sea, and in less than ten minutes, you arrive at the Salt Flower Story House. The North Coast Park, facing Salt Flower, used to be a small fishing port, and now it is the nearest seaside promenade to the city center. Describing Salt Flower as "sitting in the front row of sea view" is certainly not an exaggeration.
Salt Flower is a four-story building, designed to welcome Hualien's sunshine and sea breeze, featuring spacious balconies and large doors and windows, exuding a Mediterranean vibe. Many details, including the design of window frames, ceilings, corridors, and furniture, often showcase arc-shaped lines, adding warmth to the space. The arcs also symbolize the curves of ocean waves, reflecting the geographical characteristics of the location.
Mirroring the pristine and natural vibe suggested by the name "Salt Flower," the interior predominantly features white tones, with decorations primarily made of stone and natural fibers, creating an atmosphere of being "surrounded by Hualien's natural elements." For instance, the ambient lighting uses the wave grass lamps designed by the indigenous brand Kamaro'an, made from the commonly found umbrella grass along Hualien's coastline. In the past, tribal women wove umbrella grass into mats, and today, it has been crafted into internationally praised light fixtures, radiating a warm glow. All mirrors in the interior are pebble-shaped, accompanied by hanging ropes woven using traditional Ami techniques, all sourced from Kamaro'an's craftsmanship. Another series of glass lamps features translucent shades that seem to sparkle with salt crystals, vividly portraying the imagery of "Salt Flower." These were custom-made by rising glass artist Chen Jian-Zhi.
Among the six guest rooms in Salt Flower, three face the sea and three overlook the city and the Central Mountain Range. Each room is at least eight pings in size, and the simple decor enhances the spacious and comfortable feel: airy, rust-dyed cotton curtains depict the building's old traces; while the fishing net "mural" recalls the nostalgic sentiments of the small fishing village. The ocean-view rooms are close to the sea, allowing guests to listen to the sound of waves at any moment, which might cause light sleepers some trouble; however, these ocean-view rooms are still in high demand, and getting a reservation may require a bit of luck.
In addition to the permanent artistic elements, Salt Flower actively invites artisan artists to use the public areas as creative spaces. For example, the reception hall and lounge on the first floor have become the exhibition space for "Rock Time" this spring and summer. The sculptor Lin Li-Jen, known for his marble creations, has made works using white marble, one of Hualien’s iconic natural elements, which resonates beautifully with the imagery of "Salt Flower," everything comes together so harmoniously. Salt Flower changes its exhibition every six months, so if you revisit after more than six months, you will find a completely new look, each time filled with freshness.
Additionally, Salt Flower has created the "Salt Card," which includes unique shops within a two-kilometer radius, such as Island East Translation Office, Stroll Café, Coffee Shop Kurita, and Mr. Siwei's Pineapple Ice. When guests visit these shops, they receive different discounts or gifts, helping travelers with itinerary recommendations while boosting local businesses, making it a win-win for all parties involved and a strong marketing strategy.
The caretaker, "Little Tortoise," is a local from Hualien who is more than happy to take guests on a ride around the area using the complimentary bicycles, as long as time permits. With Little Tortoise’s enthusiastic guidance, you can quickly become familiar with the nearby roads and plan your travel itinerary. After that, just hop on a bicycle with a self-made "Coastal Walk" map from Salt Flower, and you can leisurely explore the shops. By staying at Salt Flower, you will discover a side of Hualien you have never encountered before.
Salt Flower is a four-story building, designed to welcome Hualien's sunshine and sea breeze, featuring spacious balconies and large doors and windows, exuding a Mediterranean vibe. Many details, including the design of window frames, ceilings, corridors, and furniture, often showcase arc-shaped lines, adding warmth to the space. The arcs also symbolize the curves of ocean waves, reflecting the geographical characteristics of the location.
Mirroring the pristine and natural vibe suggested by the name "Salt Flower," the interior predominantly features white tones, with decorations primarily made of stone and natural fibers, creating an atmosphere of being "surrounded by Hualien's natural elements." For instance, the ambient lighting uses the wave grass lamps designed by the indigenous brand Kamaro'an, made from the commonly found umbrella grass along Hualien's coastline. In the past, tribal women wove umbrella grass into mats, and today, it has been crafted into internationally praised light fixtures, radiating a warm glow. All mirrors in the interior are pebble-shaped, accompanied by hanging ropes woven using traditional Ami techniques, all sourced from Kamaro'an's craftsmanship. Another series of glass lamps features translucent shades that seem to sparkle with salt crystals, vividly portraying the imagery of "Salt Flower." These were custom-made by rising glass artist Chen Jian-Zhi.
Among the six guest rooms in Salt Flower, three face the sea and three overlook the city and the Central Mountain Range. Each room is at least eight pings in size, and the simple decor enhances the spacious and comfortable feel: airy, rust-dyed cotton curtains depict the building's old traces; while the fishing net "mural" recalls the nostalgic sentiments of the small fishing village. The ocean-view rooms are close to the sea, allowing guests to listen to the sound of waves at any moment, which might cause light sleepers some trouble; however, these ocean-view rooms are still in high demand, and getting a reservation may require a bit of luck.
In addition to the permanent artistic elements, Salt Flower actively invites artisan artists to use the public areas as creative spaces. For example, the reception hall and lounge on the first floor have become the exhibition space for "Rock Time" this spring and summer. The sculptor Lin Li-Jen, known for his marble creations, has made works using white marble, one of Hualien’s iconic natural elements, which resonates beautifully with the imagery of "Salt Flower," everything comes together so harmoniously. Salt Flower changes its exhibition every six months, so if you revisit after more than six months, you will find a completely new look, each time filled with freshness.
Additionally, Salt Flower has created the "Salt Card," which includes unique shops within a two-kilometer radius, such as Island East Translation Office, Stroll Café, Coffee Shop Kurita, and Mr. Siwei's Pineapple Ice. When guests visit these shops, they receive different discounts or gifts, helping travelers with itinerary recommendations while boosting local businesses, making it a win-win for all parties involved and a strong marketing strategy.
The caretaker, "Little Tortoise," is a local from Hualien who is more than happy to take guests on a ride around the area using the complimentary bicycles, as long as time permits. With Little Tortoise’s enthusiastic guidance, you can quickly become familiar with the nearby roads and plan your travel itinerary. After that, just hop on a bicycle with a self-made "Coastal Walk" map from Salt Flower, and you can leisurely explore the shops. By staying at Salt Flower, you will discover a side of Hualien you have never encountered before.
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Discover Taiwan's Hidden GemsUncover Taiwan's coziest cafés, must-try local dishes, or secret spots — journé will take you to the stories behind the streets, guided by locals and shop owners.Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhere
Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhereScan on your phone to open this article
