Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP OF CHAPTER
Matai'an
03 / POP 500
On the west side of Highway 9, close to the Hualien Sugar Factory turn-off, is the wet-
land area known as Matai'an (Mǎtài'ān). An ideal place for farming and fishing,
Matai'an has supported generations of Ami. Recent efforts to protect wetlands have seen
the area turned into a bit of an ecological classroom.
really more of a guesthouse - a network of wooden bridges and narrow walking paths
criss-cross over a large picturesque section of wetland. In June look for lotus flowers in
bloom, and in autumn and winter, glow-in-the-dark mushrooms sprout in the nearby
hills. Fireflies are out most of the year and at any time it's worth a stop for a stroll. The
farm is free to access and there are English interpretation signs about the place.
For an intimate homestay in the Matai'an area with a local family enquire at
Cifada-
han Cafe
(Hóngwǎwū Wénhuà Měishí Cāntīng, Kwangfu Hong Wawu; 870 4601;
www.facebook.com/cifadahan
;
9-course set meal NT$350; 11am-2pm & 5-8pm; )
, which is
also called Hong Wawu Restaurant. Also, don't miss the food at this Matai'an institution.
Run by a talented Ami artist whose aboriginal-themed carvings and furniture adorn the
restaurant, dishes include a 19-vegetable salad and a hot pot brought to the boil with fire-
heated stones. The huge set meals offer a range of dishes to sample.
Getting There & Around
CAR & SCOOTER
Coming from the north, look for signs in Chinese at the Km251.5 mark on Highway 9.
Turn right. Head straight until the road ends then turn left and follow the signs (now in
English) to the farm or cafe.
TRAIN
From Hualien (fast/slow NT$98/76, 45 minutes/one hour, hourly). Exit at Guangfu Sta-
tion and walk to Highway 9. Turn right and walk 1km south. Turn right at sign for
Matai'an.
