Taiwan Food Atlas

Zhang Xueliang Cultural Park

A historic residence on the banks of Qingquan River, bearing witness to a warlord's years of house arrest
📍 Hsinchu · Wufeng Township · Qingquan Settlement🎨 Cultural Park🔖 Historic Sites · Atayal Culture · Hot Springs

The Qingquan hot-spring area occupies a unique place in modern history. Between 1946 and 1960, Zhang Xueliang — central figure of the Xi'an Incident — was held under house arrest here for fourteen years. The Zhang Xueliang Cultural Park now preserves his former residence and displays personal artifacts, allowing visitors to reflect on that complex chapter of history amid mountain forest and river scenery.

What to see at Zhang Xueliang Cultural Park

The park is set in the Qingquan settlement along the Shangping River. The former residence was built against the hillside with a simple layout, but retains traces of its original furnishings. Exhibits include Zhang Xueliang's letters, photographs, and related historical materials, giving visitors insight into this historical figure's life of confinement in Taiwan. Qingquan itself is the main settlement in Wufeng Township; Atayal Indigenous traditions continue here, adding a layer of Indigenous cultural depth to the park.

Adjacent to the park is the Qingquan Hot Spring area, with sodium bicarbonate springs (see the Qingquan Hot Spring entry). Steep cliffs on both sides of the river valley and a suspension bridge create a serene landscape. Nearby, an Atayal settlement display area offers introductions to traditional crafts, clothing, and food culture, giving visitors a chance to learn more about the local Indigenous cultural background.

Tips for making the most of your visit

🏛️
Guided tour of the former residenceFollow the interpretive signs or book a guided tour to understand the context of each room's displays and historical materials, deepening your sense of the historical setting.
♨️
Qingquan Hot Spring experienceHot-spring facilities are available near the park. A soak after your tour rounds out the trip nicely — confirm facility availability before you go.
🎋
Explore Atayal cultureQingquan settlement retains Atayal traditions. Visit the settlement display area to learn about local Indigenous history and crafts; respect community etiquette during your visit.
🌄
Stroll through the river valleyWalk along the Shangping River suspension bridge and riverside trail. The cliffs and stream create a quiet atmosphere — a good place to slow down and take it in.

Practical information

Getting there and timing

  • Qingquan is in a mountain area with infrequent public transport. Driving is recommended: from Zhudong, head toward Wufeng Township along Provincial Highway 122 — about 50 minutes. The mountain road is winding; drive carefully.
  • Opening hours and admission fees are subject to the latest official announcements. Check the Hsinchu County Government website or the park's official site before you go.

Nearby connections

  • Combine with the Qingquan Hot Spring — the scenery along the way is the same, saving extra travel time.
  • You can also extend to other settlements in Wufeng Township or, in winter (weather permitting), mountain snow views. Confirm road conditions in advance.

Source: Text compiled from the Wikipedia article on Qingquan Hot Spring and publicly available historical information. Please refer to the latest official announcements for opening hours. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.