On April 3, 2024, at precisely 7:58 AM, the ground beneath Hualien, Taiwan, trembled violently as a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck, forever altering the landscape and testing the resolve of its people. Among the many stories of survival and resilience that emerged from this catastrophe, none shines brighter than Silks Place Taroko’s. This luxury hotel stood as a beacon of hope and humanity amid chaos. Now, 100 days after the earthquake, Silks Place Taroko has unveiled a deeply moving documentary titled “0403 Earthquake Chronicles | The Power of Hospitality,” capturing the extraordinary efforts of its staff and the unyielding spirit of those they served during one of Taiwan’s darkest hours.
A Sanctuary Amidst Destruction
The earthquake caused widespread devastation across the region, with landslides blocking access to Taroko National Park, severing communication lines, and disrupting water and power supplies. Silks Place Taroko found itself at the epicentre of this disaster, with 319 guests, 125 staff members, and over 100 additional tourists from the surrounding areas suddenly trapped within its walls. Yet, rather than succumbing to panic, the hotel became a lifeline for those stranded in the canyon.
Drawing upon its emergency resources, Silks Place Taroko swiftly transformed itself into a disaster relief hub. The hotel’s General Manager, Chiu Chia-chi, led the charge, ensuring that the hotel’s emergency power system and basic food supplies were efficiently utilized to provide shelter, sustenance, and comfort to everyone in need. Despite their fears and uncertainties, the staff demonstrated remarkable courage, working tirelessly to care for their guests’ physical and emotional well-being.
Documenting Resilience: “The Power of Hospitality”
The newly released documentary “0403 Earthquake Chronicles | The Power of Hospitality” serves as both a tribute and a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Through a compelling narrative woven together from firsthand accounts, photographs, and videos, the film captures the raw emotions and heroic efforts of those who lived through the disaster. Survivors share their harrowing experiences, while the staff of Silks Place Taroko recount the challenges they faced and the unwavering dedication that fueled their actions.
“This documentary is our way of preserving these memories, not just for ourselves but for everyone who endured those terrifying moments,” said Chiu. “Hualien is healing. As the mountains and forests regenerate, we too are recovering. With time, Taroko will unveil a renewed landscape, one that stands as a symbol of resilience.”
A Community United by Compassion
Silks Place Taroko’s collaboration with rescue teams across Taiwan was exemplary in the earthquake’s immediate aftermath. The hotel became a command centre for coordinated evacuation efforts, ensuring every guest and staff member was accounted for and safely evacuated. The documentary highlights these efforts, showing how the spirit of hospitality was elevated to a higher purpose—transforming a luxury hotel into a sanctuary of hope and humanity.
The film also emphasizes the broader lesson learned from this disaster: the power of community and the profound impact of compassion in times of crisis. The actions of the Silks Place Taroko team went beyond the call of duty, embodying the true essence of hospitality by putting the well-being of others above all else.
Silks Hotel Group’s Commitment to Sustainable Hospitality
The story of Silks Place Taroko is not just about surviving a natural disaster; it’s about thriving in its aftermath and committing to a future where hospitality and sustainability go hand in hand. Silks Hotel Group, the parent company of Silks Place Taroko, has long championed the principles of co-learning, co-creating, co-thriving, and co-sustaining. The group’s dedication to these principles was evident in how they handled the crisis, but it also extends far beyond.
“We believe in the power of service to transform the world,” said Chiu. “Our mission is to bring the best of Taiwan to the world and the best of the world to Taiwan. This commitment to excellence drives everything we do, from enhancing our team’s diverse skills to embedding sustainable practices in our daily operations.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1990, Silks Hotel Group has grown into one of Asia’s premier hotel management groups, operating a diverse portfolio of properties across Taiwan and beyond. From the internationally renowned Regent Taipei to the cultural luxury of Silks Place and the stylish boutique chain Just Sleep, the group has consistently set benchmarks in service, luxury, and sustainability.
The documentary 0403 Earthquake Chronicles | The Power of Hospitality reflects Silks Place Taroko’s response to a crisis and symbolizes the group’s enduring legacy of excellence. It reminds us that in the face of adversity, true hospitality is about more than just providing comfort—it’s about offering hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the strength of the community.
For more information about Silks Hotel Group and to watch the documentary, visit Silks Hotel Group.
Written by: Charmaine Lu
