Guangfu

Guangfu (光復) is a town in central Hualien County, Taiwan, located in the Huatung Valley. It is best known for the Makotaay Indigenous Cultural Village (馬太鞍部落), one of the largest and best-preserved Amis indigenous villages in Taiwan. The area offers insight into traditional Amis culture, wetland ecology, and rural life.

The climate is tropical. October to April are the best months. The town centre is compact, with the cultural village nearby.

By Plane

Hualien Airport (HUN) is about 50 km north. A taxi takes about 50 minutes and costs around NT$1,200–1,500.

By Train

Guangfu Station (光復車站) is on the TRA east coast line. From Hualien Station, the journey takes about 40 minutes (NT$120–180). From Taitung, about 1 hour.

By Car / Road

Guangfu is accessible via Provincial Highway 9. From Hualien City, drive south for about 45 minutes.

The town centre is walkable. A car or scooter is useful for reaching the cultural village and surrounding areas.

• Makotaay Indigenous Cultural Village — An active Amis village with traditional houses, a cultural centre, and wetland ecology.

• Guangfu Sugar Factory — A former sugar mill with historic industrial architecture.

• Guangfu Old Street — A modest historic street with traditional shops.

• Guangfu Wetlands — A wetland area with walking paths and birdwatching.

• Learn about Amis culture at the Makotaay visitor centre and museum.

• Walk the wetland boardwalks for birdwatching.

• Try traditional Amis cuisine.

• Visit the sugar factory and its museum.

• Amis restaurants in Makotaay serve traditional dishes including taro, wild greens, and river fish. NT$150–300.
• Small eateries in the town centre serve Taiwanese staples. NT$50–100.

Bottled water is recommended. Local tea and millet wine are available.

• Budget: Simple guesthouses in town, NT$800–1,200.
• Mid-range: Homestays in the indigenous village, NT$1,200–2,000.

• Amis handicrafts — Traditional woven bags, beadwork, and carvings.
• Sugar products from the old sugar factory.
• Local rice and agricultural products.

• Fenglin — 12 km north. Historic Japanese-era town.
• Fengbin — 25 km east. Coastal scenery and Shitiping rock formations.
• Ruisui — 15 km south. Hot springs and river rafting.
• Hualien City — 50 km north.
• Shoufeng — 20 km north. University town.