Hualien Peace Starbucks | Taiwan's first "Community Co-prosperity Store": Enjoy a drink amidst the Taroko Gorge and the sea, and experience the warmth of the local community ⛰️☕️

#NovemberDestinations2025 This Starbucks, located in the Taiwan Cement DAKA Park, is Taiwan's first "Community Store," incorporating Hualien's local stories into every cup of coffee, from its location and space to its people. You can sit for a while in the light and shadow streaming through the semi-transparent skylight, admire the indigenous art on the walls, chat with locals about daily life in their communities, and then continue your journey with a sense of warmth. ⸻ Basic Information (Theme | Location | Business Hours | Prices) • Store Name: Starbucks Hualien Heping Store • Address: No. 263 Heping, Xiulin Township, Hualien County (Within the Taiwan Cement DAKA Park, one of the rest stops at the midpoint of Provincial Highway 9 Suhua Highway Improvement Project) • Phone: 03-868-2369 (Official store information) • Business Hours: Subject to on-site/official website announcements (mostly daytime to evening). • Reference Price: Most drinks and pastries fall within the everyday price range of NT$100–200; seasonal collaborations/gift boxes may be adjusted due to promotions (subject to on-site display). • Parking: Free parking is available in the park, making it easy to access when driving north and south along the Suhua Highway Improvement Project.  ⸻ Background and Development | It's More Than Just a Coffee Shop • Taiwan's First Community-Oriented Store: The Heping Store in Hualien officially opened on January 5, 2023, joining the Starbucks Global Community Store Network. Its core principle is "building a better community through stores." • Embracing Indigenous Culture: This store is the first community-oriented store to incorporate an Indigenous theme. It not only displays local art, but most of its staff also come from Hualien's Indigenous communities; the coffee aprons even feature details of tribal ribbon patterns. • Extension of a Long-Term Plan: Since 1999, Starbucks has been promoting the **"Indigenous Star Hope" program**, supporting the education of Indigenous children. The Heping Store deepens this connection into a community-oriented model, allocating a portion of its revenue to local emergency relief and community initiatives. • Significance of Location: Located in the Taiwan Cement DAKA Park, an industrial area transformed into an open, green rest space, the store serves a dual purpose: a rest stop for travelers and a showcase of local culture. ⸻ Space & Design Highlights • Excellent Natural Light: The store features a semi-transparent glass roof and large floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing sunlight to flow into the room like water on sunny days, making it a photogenic spot from any angle. • Local Vision: The walls and installations showcase indigenous art, echoing the theme of "community co-prosperity." Limited-edition Hualien designs and seasonal gift sets are frequently available on the shelves, making them memorable souvenirs. • Traveler-Friendly: The park is spacious with ample seating, making it convenient for drivers and tour groups. As a rest stop along the Suhua Highway Improvement Project, it offers easy access to water, restrooms, and stretching facilities.  ⸻ My Real Experience (Food Review + Route) That day, I drove south from Yilan, passing through the Suhua Highway Tunnel Complex. With the car window open, the Pacific Ocean breeze was right there. I parked in the DAKA Park and went into the Heping branch. Looking up, I saw a bright skylight and hanging decorations. To the left of the counter, the pastry display case was neatly arranged with croissants, scones, and sandwiches. I ordered an iced latte and a lemon tart, and sat by the window watching the light and shadows dance across the table. My companion greeted regulars in Taroko, then switched to fluent Mandarin. "The language here is as natural as the sea breeze." Before paying, I picked up two co-branded mugs and a box of coffee filters as souvenirs. Looking back at the logo and the concrete wall as I left, I felt a sense of peace—this coffee not only quenched my thirst but also supported a better place. 🙂 ⸻ First-Time Visitor Order & Seating Suggestions • For a refreshing start: Having traveled all the way from the East Coast, start with an iced Americano/cold brew; if you want it sweeter, try the honey lemon sparkling coffee for a refreshing touch. • For a more therapeutic experience: a latte with a croissant/cinnamon roll is a safe bet; for photos, choose the colorful gift box/Hualien limited edition cup. • Seating: Window seats or those near the atrium are the best; if you plan to sit for a while, choose a spot near the wall-mounted power outlets. A little tip: It gets crowded during peak hours, so try to avoid the hour and half-hour times; the area is easy to walk around, so take a stroll outdoors while waiting for a table. ⸻ 7 Reasons I Recommend "Hualien Heping Store" 1. A milestone: Taiwan's first Community Store – enjoy coffee while participating in local community development. 2. Indigenous culture is present: from art to partnerships, it's genuine and not just about formalities. 3. Photogenic Space: Natural light and shadow from the skylight and floor-to-ceiling windows make for stunning photos. 4. Driver-Friendly: Free parking and clear route make it one of the most comfortable transit points along the Suhua Highway Improvement Project. 5. Comprehensive Selection: Seasonal cups, gift sets, and drip coffee can all be purchased in one go. 6. Pleasant Parking: After coffee, you can stroll through the DAKA installations and trails, making the most of your journey. 7. Localized Service: Chat with local staff and feel the warmth and pride of a "hometown shop." ⸻ Suggested Itinerary (Easy to Connect for North/South Trips) • Su'ao/Yilan → Hualien Heping Store → Hualien City: Rest in Heping before heading into the city for dinner or overnight stay. • Hualien City → Taroko Gorge/Qingshui Cliff → Heping Store: Replenish supplies and buy souvenirs here on the return trip to avoid the anxiety of not finding rest stops along the way. ⸻ Essential for Food Reviews (Address ✅) • Starbucks Hualien Heping Store Address: No. 263 Heping, Xiulin Township, Hualien County (Taiwan Cement DAKA Park) Phone: 03-868-2369 (Official information and store background: community prosperity, indigenous theme, indigenous star hope since 1999) ⸻ Locations to Visit (Attractions/Dining/Accommodation Extension) • Starbucks Hualien Heping Store｜No. 263 Heping, Xiulin Township, Hualien • Taiwan Cement DAKA Park｜A public space transformed from an industrial site, great for outdoor photos and free walks. • (Extension) Taroko National Park｜Up close to the canyons and cliffs; please pay attention to road conditions when planning your trip. • (Extension) Hualien City Cafes/Brunch/Lunch｜Many options for catching up on the way back, and you can go into the city for dinner without rushing. #HualienHepingStore #StarbucksTaiwan #CommunityStore #TaiwanCementDAKA #XiulinTownship #SuhuaHighwayRedevelopment #TarokoRoad #IndigenousStarHope #IndigenousCulture #HualienCoffee #RoadTrip #GlassRoof #TravelNotes #HualienCheckIn