Hualien Heping Starbucks | Taiwan's first "Community Co-Prosperity Store": Enjoy a cup between the mountains and the sea of Taroko and experience the warmth of the local area⛰️☕️

Why it's worth a visit?

This Starbucks in the TCC DAKA Park is Taiwan's first "Community Store." From its location and space to its people, it captures the local story of Hualien through every cup of coffee. Sit back in the light and shadows cast by the translucent skylight, admire the indigenous art on the walls, chat with locals about the daily lives of their tribe, and then head back on your journey feeling warm and refreshed.

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Basic Information (Theme | Location | Hours | Prices)
• Store Name: Starbucks Hualien Heping
• Address: No. 263, Heping, Xiulin Township, Hualien County (One of the rest stops at the Suhua Highway 9 intersection within the TCC DAKA Park)
• Phone: 03-868-2369 (Official Store Information)
• Hours: Please refer to on-site/official website announcements (mostly daytime and evening hours). • Price: Drinks and pastries mostly fall in the everyday NT$100–200 range; seasonal collaborations/gift boxes may vary due to promotions (see on-site signage for details).
• Parking: Free parking is available within the park, making it easy to access if driving from Suhua to the north and south.

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Background and Development | More Than Just a Coffee Shop
• Taiwan's First Community Store: Hualien Heping officially opened on January 5, 2023, joining the Starbucks global Community Store network. Its core concept is "Sharing Local Good Through Stores."
• Embracing Indigenous Culture: This store is the first community store to incorporate Indigenous themes. Not only does it showcase local art, but many of the store's staff are from Hualien's Indigenous communities. The coffee aprons even feature tribal webbing totems.
• Extension of a Long-Term Plan: Starbucks has been promoting the "Indigenous Star Hope" program since 1999, supporting the education of Indigenous children. The Heping store has deepened this connection into a model of shared prosperity, allocating a portion of its revenue to local emergency relief and community initiatives.
• Significant Location: The store is located in the Taiwan Cement Corporation's DAKA Park, where industrial sites have been transformed into open, green recreational areas. The store thus serves as both a stopover for travelers and a showcase for local culture.

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Space & Design Highlights
• Excellent Lighting: The store features a translucent glass roof and large floor-to-ceiling windows. On sunny days, sunlight flows into the interior like water, creating stunning photography from any angle.
• Local Visuals: Indigenous artistic language is evident on the walls and in the installations, echoing the theme of "Community Shared Prosperity." Hualien-exclusive designs and seasonal gift boxes are often featured on the shelves, making them memorable souvenirs.
• Traveler-Friendly: The park is large and has ample seating, making it suitable for both self-driving and tour bus groups. As a rest stop during the Suhua Reservoir Expedition, it's conveniently located for hydration, restroom use, and stretching.

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My Real Experience (Food Review + Directions)

That day, driving south from Yilan, I passed through the Suhua Reservoir tunnels. With the car windows open, I could feel the breeze of the Pacific Ocean. I parked at the DAKA Park and walked into the Heping branch. Looking up, I was greeted by a bright skylight and hanging fixtures. To the left of the counter, a pastry case neatly arranged croissants, scones, and sandwiches. I ordered an iced latte and lemon tart and sat by the window, watching the light and shadows play across the tabletop. My companion next to me greeted a regular customer in Taroko, then switched back to fluent Mandarin. "The language here is as natural as the sea breeze." Before checking out, I picked up two co-branded mugs and a box of drippers as souvenirs. As I walked out, looking back at the logo and concrete wall, I felt reassured—this cup of coffee not only quenched my thirst, but also supported the betterment of this place. 🙂

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First Visit Order & Seating Tips
• Refreshing: Starting from the East Coast, start with an iced Americano or cold brew. If you're looking for something sweet, try the honey lemon sparkling for a refreshing break.
• Relaxing: Latte + croissant or cinnamon roll is a surefire way to go. If you want to take photos, opt for the colorful gift box or Hualien limited edition cup.
• Seating: Window or patio seating is the best. If you're planning on sitting for a while, opt for a wall-mounted power outlet.

Reminder: During peak hours, crowds are high, so avoid the hour and mid-afternoon. The park is easy to navigate, so consider wandering outside while waiting for a table.

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Seven Reasons I Recommend the Hualien Heping Store
1. A Milestone as Taiwan's First Community Store: Enjoy a Coffee While Participating in Local Communities.
2. Indigenous Culture Presence: From Art to Community Creation, Authenticity Without Formalities.
3. Photogenic Space: The natural light and shadows from the skylight and floor-to-ceiling windows create stunning photos.
4. Driver-Friendly: Free parking and clear circulation make this a comfortable stopover during the Suhua Reform.
5. Comprehensive Product Selection: Seasonal cups, gift boxes, and filter baskets are all available for takeout.
6. Enjoy the Park: After your coffee, explore the DAKA installations and trails to recharge your batteries.
7. Local Service: Chatting with the local staff, you can feel the warmth and pride of this "hometown store."

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Travel Itinerary Recommendations (Easy Connections for Traveling North or South)
• Su'ao/Yilan → Hualien Heping Branch → Hualien City: Rest in Heping before heading into the city for dinner or overnight stay.
• Hualien City → Taroko/Qingshui Cliff → Heping Branch: Restock and buy souvenirs here on the way back to avoid the anxiety of finding a rest stop.

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Review Must-Read (Address✅)
• Starbucks Hualien Heping Branch
Address: No. 263, Heping, Xiulin Township, Hualien County (Taiwan Cement DAKA Park)
Tel: 03-868-2369
The above official information and store background (community prosperity, Indigenous theme, Indigenous Star Hope since 1999) are included.

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Spots to Check Out (Attractions/Dining/Accommodation Extension)
• Starbucks Hualien Heping Branch | No. 263, Heping, Xiulin Township, Hualien County
• TCC DAKA Park | A public space transformed from an industrial site, perfect for outdoor photography and free strolls.
• (Extension) Taroko National Park | Up-close views of the canyon and mountain walls; please pay attention to road conditions when planning your itinerary.
• (Extension) Hualien City Cafe/Brunch | Plenty of options for reserving seats on the return trip, so you can enjoy dinner and then return to the city without rushing.

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