Surrounded by mountains and nestled in a pristine, pollution-free environment, Guanshan boasts vast fields of fertile land that produce high-quality rice. The area also preserves a rich history, with old houses and the nostalgic atmosphere of a small town street.
The Taitung County Government, in collaboration with the Guanshan Township Office, has evaluated local tourism resources and secured funding from the Hualien-Taitung Local Revitalization Fund to implement the “East Rift Valley Cultural Food Area New Image Commercial District Revitalization Plan.”
A press conference on Nov. 6 showcased the results of the plan, which has helped guide 30 local businesses in making improvements. These efforts highlight each business’s unique characteristics and style, while building the “East Rift Valley Food District” brand and distinctive identity. Additionally, 10 old houses have been renovated, with plans for a gradual “corner house revitalization,” turning these historical buildings into spaces that reflect local life and emotions through adaptive reuse.
This project selected businesses willing and needing improvement through a screening process, initiating a series of evaluations and guidance to assist 30 businesses— including restaurants, inns (guesthouses), souvenir shops, and cultural and creative product stores. The project helped these businesses transform and rebrand, providing expert visits and guidance to strengthen their service quality, improve hardware and software, and enhance operational efficiency.
Guanshan Township Mayor Peng Cheng-feng (彭成豐) commented, “Guanshan is my favorite place, and all of us here look forward to seeing it thrive.”
“Through this plan, we connect the diverse local cultures and industries. By improving businesses and repairing old houses, we create new possibilities, making this a place where more people will want to build their dreams. Together, we can create a small town with a distinctive local character,” Peng said.
Peng added, “Originally, we started by selling lunchboxes at the train station. With this plan, we’ve been able to recreate the beautiful memories of the past on large outdoor signs, preserving the town’s historical vibe.”
We’ve also been guided to create wooden display cabinets to sell local products, which has significantly increased sales and even boosted lunchbox purchases,” said Chiu Chih-hung (邱志宏), owner of Guanshan Lunchboxes.
A second-generation operator from Yongquan Food Store shared, "The assistance we received wasn’t just financial support. The committee also provided actionable suggestions for improvement. This allowed us to redesign our space, giving visitors a place to sit and slowly enjoy our peanut brittle while experiencing the relaxing atmosphere of Guanshan.”
Furthermore, Kao Mei-hui (高美惠), the owner of Xinshuixuan, expressed her expectations for the plan: “I hope this initiative continues to drive local industries forward and make Guanshan even more attractive!”
Time has preserved Guanshan’s unique features, with its checkerboard-patterned streets and historic old houses being some of the most cherished memories for the locals. The “Corner Old House Revitalization” initiative focuses on restoring and repurposing these old houses, blending cultural heritage with everyday life. The goal is to bring these historical buildings back to life and share Guanshan’s history with a broader audience.
In addition, the plan has created five adorable animal mascots—a pangolin, a pig, a black bear, a waterfowl, and a butterfly—each representing Guanshan's unique charm. These mascots, along with a series of street signs and directional guides, aim to attract tourists for photo opportunities, spark conversations, and boost tourism. This initiative hopes to inject innovation into Guanshan, creating new opportunities for the future.