Hualien County Builds a More International-Friendly Environment Bilingual Website and Live Online Support Make It Easier for International Residents to Navigate Local Life

(中央社訊息服務20251125 17:26:16)For the second year in a row, the Hualien County Government has continued its “International-Friendly Environment Promotion Program,” aimed at improving services and access for international residents. The initiative includes bilingual service counters, enhanced Chinese–English content on the county’s official website, and real-time social media assistance. It also hosts international exchange lectures, cultural visits, and offers bilingual support to local businesses—all designed to help international residents “find clear information, get the help they need, and connect with people” in Hualien, while creating more opportunities for global engagement and collaboration.

Bilingual Support at County Offices: Clearer Communication, Better Service

International residents seeking assistance at county government offices—whether in person or by phone—can turn to the International Affairs and Press Center for bilingual help. Staff fluent in both Chinese and English offer interpretation services, document clarification, and guidance on navigating government procedures. These services reduce communication barriers and provide a more welcoming, accessible experience for international residents conducting official business.

Bilingual Website: Attractions, Updates, and Essential Info in One Place

To help international residents stay informed, the International Affairs and Press Center updates its website weekly with at least five bilingual posts on policies and events. The site also features curated introductions to 30 notable attractions across Hualien, covering topics such as organic and leisure farming, environmental education, Japanese-era architecture, Indigenous and Hakka cultures, low-carbon tourism, and local museums. Each location includes photos and bilingual summaries, allowing visitors to explore Hualien online before arriving.

In addition, the website features a series of easy-to-understand bilingual infographic pages introducing key aspects of Hualien, including its geography, climate, natural landscapes, population makeup, industrial development, social and cultural features, sustainability efforts, youth and innovation initiatives, and transportation infrastructure. These resources provide international readers with a clear and accessible overview of what makes Hualien unique.

Store Directory and English Support: Helping Foreign Residents Navigate Daily Life

To improve convenience for international residents and visitors, the county has compiled over 500 listings for restaurants, cafés, and gift shops across Xincheng, Hualien City, Ji’an, Shoufeng, Fenglin, Wanrong, and Guangfu Townships. These are organized into bilingual reference sheets by township, helping international residents find dining and shopping options more easily.
The government also runs a LINE community group called “Livable Hualien,” where it shares weekly English-language updates on policies, events, and everyday life—and responds to user questions in real time. Whether about public services or local happenings, international residents can get prompt answers and practical support.

Helping Local Businesses Go Bilingual: Supporting Everyday International-Friendly Services

To bring international-friendly services into everyday consumer experiences, the Hualien County Government launched a bilingualization support program for local businesses. Based on each store’s needs, this one-on-one service helps businesses improve their bilingual environments. So far, the county has assisted in producing bilingual content for: 1 store profile; 2 service manuals; 1 social media ad; 8 menus; 6 tour introductions; 1 website; and 2 sets of environmental signage. With guidance from professional teams, participating businesses now have a complete set of bilingual tools that make it easier for international visitors to order food, shop, and join local experiences. The initiative also helps businesses clarify their brand identity and product highlights, strengthening engagement with international customers and opening the door to new business opportunities.

International Lectures and In-Depth Experiences: Discovering Hualien Between Mountains, Sea, and Indigenous Villages
This year, the county hosted three International Exchange Lecture Series to promote cross-cultural dialogue. Guest speakers included actor Rhydian Vaughan, Czech trail runner Petr Novotny, and state banquet chef Lin Jen-Chung, who shared their experiences in creative media, outdoor safety, and culinary culture. These events brought local and international participants together to reflect on building globally connected yet locally grounded lifestyles in Hualien.

Two In-Depth Experience Tours were also organized for international residents. One visit took participants to the Dajili Tribal House in Xiulin Township, where they learned about Truku culture through weaving, traditional foods, and music before joining the Pacific Austronesian Indigenous Joint Harvest Festival. The second tour explored Chike Mountain during the daylily blooming season, followed by a hands-on pineapple cake workshop and rural tour in Fuxing Community. Participants described the chance to visit Indigenous villages, farms, and neighborhoods as rare, meaningful, and deeply memorable.

Five Short Bilingual Videos: A Visual Guide to Hualien

To help international visitors prepare for trips, competitions, or business stays in Hualien, the county has produced five bilingual videos covering food, lodging, shopping, transportation, and leisure activities. With clear subtitles and real-life footage, the videos walk viewers through practical topics like taking public transit, ordering local dishes, buying souvenirs, and planning downtime. All five videos will soon be available on the Hualien County Government’s official YouTube channel.

With more international travelers, students, and professionals expected in the coming years—and with several major global events on the horizon—the Hualien County Government plans to continue expanding its multilingual content and support systems. The goal is to make Hualien a place where international residents feel welcome, engaged, and at home—whether they’re visiting for a short stay or considering making it their new home.