Things To Do
in Yuli
Yuli (玉里) is a quiet market town in the middle of Taiwan’s East Rift Valley, surrounded by rice paddies and dramatic mountain ranges. It serves as a useful base for exploring rural Hualien County, with easy train access and a relaxed, small‑town pace. The town is known locally for its agricultural produce, simple local eateries, and proximity to cycling routes and river valleys.
Travelers come for scenic drives, outdoor activities like cycling and rafting nearby, and an unhurried taste of Taiwan outside the major tourist hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at a local eatery. Immerse yourself in the surrounding landscapes as you take a stroll through the quaint streets of Yuli. Visit the nearby Yuli Railway Station and take in its unique architecture.
Explore the picturesque rice fields that stretch as far as the eye can see, capturing the essence of Taiwan's agricultural heartland. Stop by local artisan shops and producers to learn about traditional crafts and farming methods. Enjoy a casual lunch featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
Dine at a local restaurant, savoring regional specialties like Yuli's famous Hakka cuisine. Allow yourself to unwind as you sip on a refreshing bubble tea while reflecting on your day's experiences. Take a leisurely evening walk to absorb the peaceful ambiance of this charming town.
Set out early to Taroko National Park, known for its stunning marble canyons and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy a hearty breakfast on the go and marvel at the picturesque landscape during the drive. Once you arrive, embark on a hiking trail suited for your fitness level, such as the Shakadang Trail, to soak in the natural beauty.
Continue exploring the park by visiting the iconic Eternal Spring Shrine and set up a picnic lunch amidst the awe-inspiring backdrop. You can take photos or simply relax by the serene riverbanks. Conquer more trails and expose yourself to the diverse flora and fauna of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Return to Yuli and indulge in a hearty dinner at a local eatery, reminiscing about your wonderful day surrounded by nature. Take some time to visit the night market, where you can try out various street foods and locally-made delicacies. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as local artisans showcase their talents.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $2-4 |
| 🚆Local train/bus ride | $0.5-2 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / hostel | $25-50 |
| 🚲Bike rental (daily) | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful, authentic rural Taiwanese experience with scenic valley and mountain views
- Good base for outdoor activities (cycling, rafting, hiking) and easy train access
- Fresh local produce and affordable local food
- Less touristy than coastal and city destinations—relaxed pace
- Limited nightlife and fewer English‑language services than larger cities
- Public transport can be infrequent for some rural routes; a bike or scooter is helpful
- Weather risks during typhoon season can disrupt plans
- Fewer high‑end accommodation and dining options
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "請問…在哪裡? (Qǐngwèn… zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is…?
- "多少錢? (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is it?
- "我吃素。 (Wǒ chī sù.)" - I am vegetarian.
- "我有過敏。 (Wǒ yǒu guòmǐn.)" - I have allergies.
- "對不起/不好意思 (Duìbuqǐ / Bù hǎoyìsi)" - Sorry / Excuse me (polite)
Places to Visit in Yuli
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive rice fields framed by the Central Mountain Range provide classic East Rift Valley reflections and dramatic lighting at dawn and dusk.
Street photography opportunities around the railway station, market stalls and temple entrances capture daily life and local color.
Look for roadside lookout points along the valley for panoramic shots of the river, terraces and ridgelines—especially appealing under cloud formations after a rain.
Small bridges and riverbanks near town are photogenic, particularly when local fishermen or farmers are working the fields.
Food in Yuli
Yuli Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice grown in the East Rift Valley is prized; try sticky rice preparations and seasonal rice cakes at markets and small eateries around town.
Must-Try!
Look for braised pork, tofu and vegetable plates—savory, slightly sweet Taiwanese comfort foods served in family restaurants.
Simple fresh fish preparations and steamed or stir‑fried greens are common, often featured at market stalls or small local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A typical farmers’ market where vendors sell fresh produce, rice products, tofu goods and ready‑to‑eat snacks—great for sampling local flavors and buying food souvenirs.
Yuli doesn’t have a large night market like the big cities, but you’ll find clusters of street vendors and small stalls selling grilled skewers, dumplings and dessert treats in the evening.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be polite, soft‑spoken and patient—Taiwanese value courtesy. Avoid loud or confrontational behavior in public places.
Remove shoes when entering someone’s home and follow temple customs—bow respectfully, avoid stepping over thresholds and don’t touch sacred objects.
Form orderly queues for buses and trains and follow posted signs; jaywalking can be frowned upon in busier areas.
Ask permission before photographing people up close, especially during religious ceremonies or private gatherings.
Safety
Tipping in Yuli
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; service charges may appear at upscale hotels or restaurants. Small gestures of appreciation are fine but not expected.
Cash (New Taiwan Dollar, TWD) is widely used for markets, small shops and rural vendors; major restaurants and hotels accept credit cards. Use an EasyCard for buses and some local stores, and bring cash for scooter or bike rentals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with occasional showers; rice fields start to fill, making reflections and vibrant green landscapes—great for photography and cycling but bring a light rain jacket.
Hot and humid, with the highest chance of typhoons from July to September—expect afternoon thunderstorms; early mornings are best for outdoor activities and rafting runs are seasonal.
Comfortable temperatures and typically clearer skies after summer; harvest activity in the fields provides cultural interest and pleasant conditions for hiking and cycling.
Cooler and drier (by Taiwanese standards), nights can be chilly—good season for hot springs nearby and lower humidity for longer outdoor excursions.
Yuli at Night
Hiking in Yuli
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A range of trails from easy gorges to more challenging mountain routes; popular options include well‑maintained trails with spectacular canyon scenery—reachable from Yuli by train or car for a day trip.
Short hikes and roadside lookout paths around the East Rift Valley offer accessible options for sunrise/sunset views and photography without long approaches.
For more experienced hikers, trailheads into the Central Mountain Range are reachable from the valley—plan logistics carefully, check permits and local conditions, and consider a guide for remote trails.
Airports
How to reach Yuli by plane.
The closest regional airport serving domestic flights; approximately a 1–1.5 hour drive north of Yuli. From the airport you can take a bus or taxi into Hualien City and then train or bus to Yuli.
A regional airport to the south (~1.5–2 hours by road), convenient if combining a visit to Taitung and the southern East Rift Valley. Ground transfers or trains connect to Yuli.
Taiwan’s main international gateway near Taipei; expect a 4–5 hour train or multi‑transfer journey to reach Yuli, or a short domestic flight to Hualien followed by ground transfer.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Han Taiwanese, involved in agriculture, small business and local services.
Hualien County is home to several indigenous peoples; in the broader region you can find Amis, Bunun, and other groups with distinct cultures and festivals—some communities are active near Yuli and in surrounding townships.
Occasional foreign travelers, backpackers and volunteers pass through Yuli, but the expatriate community is small compared with larger cities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling the East Rift Valley is extremely popular—from casual rides to long-distance tours—thanks to scenic flat stretches and bike rental support.
Baseball is widely followed across Taiwan, and local communities often support youth and amateur baseball activities.
White‑water rafting, river tracing and related adventure sports are popular in the river valleys around Hualien (seasonal and operator‑dependent).
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yuli.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available (look for dishes labeled '素'), especially in simple vegetable plates, tofu dishes and noodle soups. Carry a phrase card explaining specific restrictions to show cooks if you have strict needs.
Many Taiwanese dishes use soy sauce and wheat‑based products—ask about ingredients and point to common allergen words in Mandarin. Small eateries may not always accommodate complex requests, so bring snacks or seek larger restaurants if you have severe allergies.