Hualien: A Welcoming Hub for Global Residents

Hualien is making big moves to make life easier for people from other countries. The local government is putting in extra effort to support international residents with bilingual services and helpful resources. First off, there are bilingual service counters and a website that's easy to navigate in both Chinese and English. This makes it simpler for foreigners to find information and get help. Plus, there's a real-time online assistance feature to answer any questions that pop up. The county is also working hard to integrate public services and digital platforms. This way, international residents can easily access clear information, get timely support, and feel connected to the local community. It's all about creating more opportunities for global interaction and cooperation. For those who need government assistance, the International Affairs and Press Center offers bilingual support. Staff members provide English interpretation, help with documents, and guide residents through government procedures. This really cuts down on communication barriers. To keep everyone in the loop, the county updates its bilingual website weekly with policy news and events. The site also highlights 30 key attractions in Hualien, complete with bilingual introductions and photos. There are even bilingual infographics that give clear overviews of Hualien's geography, climate, population, industries, culture, sustainability, youth development, and transportation systems. Daily life is made easier with over 500 bilingual listings for restaurants, cafes, and gift shops across seven townships. The English-language LINE group “Livable Hualien” also provides weekly updates and real-time assistance for public services and everyday matters. Hualien is also extending its international-friendly services to local businesses. A one-on-one bilingual support program helps businesses upgrade their store profiles, service manuals, social media ads, menus, tour introductions, websites, and environmental signage. This makes shopping, dining, and travel more accessible for international customers and strengthens business branding and global visibility. This year, the county hosted three International Exchange Lectures and two in-depth cultural experience tours. Participants got to explore Indigenous villages, rural communities, and mountain landscapes through weaving, traditional food, music, farming activities, and seasonal tourism. Many found these experiences rare, meaningful, and deeply memorable. Five bilingual guide videos covering food, accommodation, shopping, transportation, and leisure will soon be released on the official YouTube channel. With more international residents and major global events ahead, Hualien is committed to expanding its multilingual services to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, supported, and at home.