Chinan National Forest Recreation Area
Step into Hualien's Logging Legacy
For history lovers, the Chinan National Forest Recreation Area is a must-visit destination in Hualien. This site preserves vintage locomotives, timber-gathering equipment, and a wealth of forestry artifacts, offering visitors a glimpse into Taiwan's forestry golden age — like stepping back into the 1960s.
Chinan was once the starting point of the Halun Mountain Railway, which stretched nearly 50 kilometers and served as the backbone of Hualien's thriving logging industry. After Taiwan's nationwide logging ban in 1989, the Halun Workstation was shut down, and the Chinan hub was reborn as a forest recreation area, preserving this important piece of history for future generations.
But Chinan isn't just about history — the area is also home to a rich natural ecosystem. Dominated by mulberry and camphor trees, the forest is also a great place to spot the Taiwan Bulbul, a bird native to the island's east. Whether you're drawn by its cultural past or natural beauty, Chinan offers a unique journey through time and nature.