A delegation of foreign diplomatic personnel completed March 24 a two-day tour of Hualien organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at fostering awareness of the eastern Taiwan county’s abundant attractions.
Led by MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu and his deputy Jose Maria Liu, the group consisted of 40 ambassadors, representatives and senior officials from 27 countries.
Wu said that the trip introduced the dignitaries to Hualien’s diverse sites and will help revitalize the local tourism sector following a magnitude 6 earthquake that struck Feb. 6 off the coast of the county. It is hoped that the tour will inspire the diplomats to promote the natural wonders and rich cultural heritage of Hualien by sharing their experiences through social media, he added.
On the first day, the delegation visited Buluowan, a traditional settlement of the Atayal tribe, where they were treated to aboriginal cuisine and enjoyed a tribal dance. They later visited the Yanzikou trail, a major tourist attraction in Taroko National Park.
Afterward, the group traveled to Stories behind the Mountain, a facility showcasing cultural and creative products by locals such as marble goods unique to the region.
The following day, the delegation was joined by Hsiao Bi-khim, a ruling Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker representing the county. They visited a community in Ruisui Township and learned to make pineapple cakes, one of Taiwan’s signature pastries, as well as picked the tropical fruit at a plantation. The group wrapped up the tour by taking the Puyuma express train back to Taipei.
Noted for its long Pacific coastline and stunning Taroko Gorge, Hualien is a popular tourist destination among local and overseas travelers. (SFC-E)
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