Located in the heart of the Huatung Valley, Yuli Township comprises 15 villages in Taiwan’s far east. It’s famed for its seasonally blooming daylilies and is home to one of Taiwan’s most popular hiking trails, as well as a therapeutic hot spring where you can soak after your treks.
Things to do in Yuli Township
Visit in summer to see Yuli Township’s daylilies in bloom as they ignite the slopes of Chike Mountain in rich hues of orange and yellow. In addition to these “golden needle” flowers, the area is also renowned for its cultivation of Taiwan Black Gold, a local tea variety that thrives in the warm, foggy conditions.
Want to stretch your legs? Follow the ever-popular Walami Trail, which winds its way through a lush, subtropical jungle and across numerous suspension bridges on the edge of Yushan National Park. There are several photogenic waterfalls along the way, as well as colourful butterflies and noisy monkeys to accompany you.
On the border between Yuli and Fuli townships is the Antong Hot Springs, which is nestled in a forested valley along the banks of the Antong River. Soak your weary muscles in the therapeutic waters of one of the hot spring’s baths or dig your own hole on the river bank for an open-air bathing experience. Not far away is the ruggedly beautiful Antong Mountain Crossing Trail, a 13-kilometre-long route constructed during the Qing Dynasty.
Getting around Yuli Township
Yuli Township is around two hours’ drive from Taitung Airport, which has regular flights to Taipei. Trains connect from Taitung to Yuli and Sanmin railway stations while buses travel throughout Yuli Township. Having your own car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.