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Located in the southwest of Miaoli, Yuanli is a charming town nestled between mountains and the sea. Originally the home of the indigenous Pepohoan Wanli Village, its name evolved from "Wanli" to "Fangli" in Hakka pronunciation, and finally to "Yuanli" as it is known today. The alluvial plain of the Daan River provides excellent natural conditions, making this area the homeland of Taiwan’s rush weaving industry, and earning the name "Granary of Taiwan." With its unique cultural appeal, Yuanli has been voted Taiwan's top classic town, making it a must-visit destination for travel enthusiasts.
Yuanli's early development has led to a rich historical and industrial culture, known particularly for its famous agricultural product - rush grass. The mats and hats produced using the triangular club-rush grown in Yuanli are popular worldwide. Strolling through the town, you will find many traditional three-sided courtyards built from earth and stone. The rice fields and red-brick houses create a picturesque rural landscape. The ancient houses, century-old markets, and Japanese wooden dormitories are captivating and memorable. Pack your bags today and visit Yuanli to explore its unique cultural atmosphere and historical traces of traditional architecture and weaving craftsmanship!
- Yuangang Fishing Port, selected as one of Taiwan’s top ten charming fishing ports, retains the tranquility and simplicity of a traditional fishing village. The Rainbow Scenic Bridge is a landmark here. Listening to the sound of the waves and watching the sunset’s golden glow reflected off the glassy waters, with fishing boats returning in the distance, brings a sense of relaxation and endless joy.
- In recent years, Chushui Beach has gained attention for its stunning green stone beach. Every April and May, the 200-meter stretch of green algae-covered rocks resembles seaside jade. The sunlight glistening on the green stones attracts numerous photography enthusiasts and has become a popular spot on Instagram.
- The dormitory complex at Shanjiao Elementary School, built during the Japanese occupation, features traditional Japanese wooden architecture. In one corner of the school, a red-brick path leads to four single-story wooden dormitories. Walking along the wooden corridors and gazing at the green lawns outside makes you feel transported back to a tranquil time when neighbors greeted each other with morning salutations.
- In its early years, Yuanli enjoyed the reputation of being the "Home of Rush Grass." Local women skillfully wove rush mats and hats, which were sold all over the world. To commemorate this history, an old warehouse used by the farmers’ association was renovated into the Rush Exhibition Hall, showcasing the history and stories of rush weaving. This place is a must-visit spot in Yuanli for appreciating the craftsmanship and beauty of this traditional art.
- Once a bustling hub due to its strategic location, the historic Fangli Old Town now stands as a relic of the past. However, you can still find traces of the old town at various street corners. The simple yet nostalgic red-brick houses and temple courtyards, along with the scattered old earth houses, are worth exploring to experience the elegance and stories of the ancient city.