A hundred days after the powerful quake that affected Hualien, Taiwan, Silks Place Taroko Hotel presents a documentary highlighting the support offered by hospitality professionals to both victims and travellers.

0403 Earthquake Chronicles | The Power of Hospitality compiles first-hand photos, videos, and heartfelt stories from survivors.

It is dedicated to everyone who experienced the tragedy and aims to showcase the remarkable resilience of Taiwanese society and the lessons of love and care learned from this natural disaster.

During the earthquake rescue operations, the hotel’s lobby remained bustling with activity as staff steadfastly held their positions, diligently providing necessary assistance and services.

In the aftermath of the quake

Following the earthquake, landslides cut off access roads to Taroko National Park, disrupting all communications, water, and electricity.

At that time, the hotel housed 319 guests and 125 staff members, and took in over 100 tourists from nearby areas in need of assistance.

Despite needing rescue themselves, Silks Place Taroko staff rose to the occasion, becoming a disaster relief hub and a safe haven in the canyons.

Utilising the hotel’s emergency power system and basic food supplies, it established a shelter that provided food and accommodation, fully caring for everyone stranded in the Tianxiang area.

The hotel also collaborated closely with rescue teams from across Taiwan, setting up a command post to manage evacuation efforts, ensuring that every last guest safely checked out and returned home to their families.

Now, over a hundred days on, Silks Place Taroko Hotel general manager Chiu Chia-chi believes Hualien is on the road to recovery.

Chiu said: “As the mountains and forests gradually recover, nature is rejuvenating. With time, Taroko will reveal a different canyon landscape.”