Places of interest - Downtown Yuli
Yuli, formerly known as “uncut Jade pavilion”, is an important stop between Hualien and Taitung. The people are kind and honest, and it’s a cultural centre that brings together Hakka, Fujian, indigenous peoples, and waishengren. It lies on a plain in the Huadong Valley, to the west is the Central Mountain Range and to the east is the Coastal Mountain Range, with Xiuguluan River and its tributaries flowing through it. Yuli is certainly full of beautiful sights for your eyes to behold.
Yuli Shrine
5km from the homestayOnly after having resided in Yuli for a long time did we realise there exists a place called Yuli Shrine. From the stone steps leading from the road, walking past several stone lanterns and two torii gates, you can see a ruin and a chapter of history. This shrine was built in 1928, during the Japanese colonial period, in the third year of the Shōwa era. It is listed as a designated historic cultural asset of Hualien County. Although the main structure has already been destroyed, walking up from the houses on the street, you can walk through a short period of history. From the height of the main hall, you can also see the beautiful scenery of Yuli Township and ponder events of the past.
The boundary between the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate
6.5km from the homestayYufu Bikeway is a bike path along an old abandoned railway from Yuli to Dongli in Fuli. It is not only a bicycle path, but also the world's only bicycle path that spans two tectonic plates. These two plates are the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate, which push and collide against one another. Here, you will pass an old Taiwan Railway Bridge that crosses the Xiuguluan River. During the past 80 years the movement of the tectonic plates has caused the bridge to repeatedly unalign, hence it has to be straightened every few years. A new railway line was also built to replace this one for fear of derailment. Located in the small township of Yuli, the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate are constantly pushing and colliding. This is the only place in Asia and the second only in the world where this happens. In addition to being able to ride a bicycle between the two plates, you can also walk or jog between them. What a carefree feeling it is to slowly enjoy the scenery of the rice paddies, gaze at the overlapping of the Coastal Mountain Range and the Xiuguluan River, and admire Yuli Bridge along the way.
Formosan Black Bear Education Centre
4.5km from the homestayDue to the human race’s overexploitation of resources, we have destroyed the habitat of many animals, and many species are now on the verge of extinction. The Formosan Black Bear Education Centre was established in order to protect the only bear species native to the Central Mountain Range, the Formosan black bear. This centre is located in Yuli Township, and is run by local residents. Its purpose is to educate and enlighten people about the Formosan black bear through multi-faceted methods, and to help others understand and engage in the topic of environmental protection. This is in order to ensure that the Formosan black bear is able to exist in the natural world and retain its natural habitat forever.