VAC's 'Songyuan Villa' Reborn! Surviving Hualien Earthquake, Honored as 'Top 100 Tourist Attractions in Taiwan'

In recent years, Hualien has suffered from typhoons and strong earthquakes, leading to a significant decline in tourism. Many buildings have also been damaged by natural disasters. Among them, the Songyuan Villa in Hualien, managed by the Veterans Affairs Council (VAC) Taitung Farm, experienced a sharp drop in visitors after the powerful earthquake on April 3, 2024. The original outsourced management team terminated their contract early, and the site was temporarily suspended. However, with the arrival of a new operating company, not only have the Ryukyu pines on the premises been preserved, but the interior has also gained a renewed artistic and cultural atmosphere.

Located in Meilun, Hualien, Songyuan Villa gets its name from the dozens of Ryukyu pine trees planted throughout the grounds. During the Japanese colonial era, it served as the 'Hualien Harbor Army Department.' It is said that before their missions in World War II, Japanese kamikaze pilots gathered here. After the war, it was used as a leisure resort for U.S. military advisors. Over time, management rights changed hands several times. Today, ownership lies with the VAC Taitung Farm, which has entrusted operations to a private enterprise.

The April 3 earthquake severely impacted tourism across eastern Taiwan, and Songyuan Villa was no exception. Gao Guoshu, director of Taitung Farm, noted that after the quake, Hualien’s tourism froze almost entirely, with many hotels shutting down. The site remained vacant for about ten months. Following a re-tender process by the VAC, a company with experience in organizing exhibitions at the National Palace Museum won the bid. The on-site curator and veteran staff were retained, and the villa reopened last year after extensive renovations. Currently, the site employs seven to eight staff members and hosts regular weekly events. The Tarot card reading experience in a small wooden cabin has become especially popular, attracting independent travelers even outside holidays and group tour hours.

Photo: Zhang Yaolin

Gao Guoshu added that the current royalty paid by the new operator to the VAC is only one-third of the previous level. The primary goal isn’t financial gain, but rather ensuring that Songyuan Villa does not fall into disrepair. The policy allowing free entry for Hualien residents and veterans has proven highly effective since the reopening over a year ago. This year, the site was honored by the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation, as one of the 'Top 100 Tourist Attractions in Taiwan'.

Some of the older trees on the premises have been damaged by termite infestation and now require ultrasound testing to determine the extent of internal hollowing. After clearing termite tunnels and applying pesticides, artificial bark is applied, and support structures are installed to prevent collapse. The management team shared that one old pine, due to internal hollowness, naturally adjusted its structure under wind pressure, growing into a visibly twisted spiral shape. 'The tree doctor said it doesn't just have scoliosis—it's also rotated,' they explained. A thicker support frame is required. At the time, budget constraints threatened the rescue effort, but the VAC stepped in with advance funding, enabling the tree’s preservation.

Photo: Zhang Yaolin

Gao emphasized that the site is designated as a memorial park, limiting development intensity—which ironically helps preserve the existing landscape. Moving forward, the VAC will continue supporting stable operations. 'We don’t mind earning less, as long as the trees are well cared for,' he said, expressing hope that Songyuan Villa will become a key landmark in central Hualien.

Notably, during last year’s Arbor Day, Vice Chairman Fu Cheng-cheng of the VAC visited Songyuan Villa and personally planted a five-needle pine sapling. By this year, it had already grown nearly 100 centimeters tall and will continue to thrive—a testament to the site’s meticulous care.

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