Hualien Yuli-Fuli Cycling Route: A Leisurely Rural Ride Through the East Rift Valley

Introduction

The roughly 25-kilometer valley route from Yuli to Fuli in Hualien County is, for many riders, the perfect embodiment of “Taiwan’s most beautiful rural cycling.” Here there are no perilous cliffs, no tricky climbs—only endless rice paddies, towering mountain ranges on both sides, egrets scattered across the fields, and a gentle breeze carrying the scent of rice. Every autumn harvest season, golden waves of rice roll under the sunlight, set against the blue silhouette of the Central Mountain Range—a sight that can stop any rider in their tracks and move them deeply.

Route Planning

The main cycling route starts from Yuli Railway Station and heads south along Provincial Highway 9 or rural roads to Fuli, covering approximately 25–30 kilometers in total. The terrain is flat with almost no significant elevation gain, making it an ideal choice for beginners and family outings.

To extend the trip, you can climb eastward from Fuli up to Liushishan, where you’ll find seas of daylily flowers in bloom (July–September). However, be prepared for a climb, as the gradients are fairly steep.

Highlights Along the Way

The appeal of the Yuli–Fuli section lies not in speed, but in every moment you stop to take in:

• Yuli Bridge: Spanning the Xiuguluan River, this bridge offers views over the river’s alluvial plain from above, with the scenery being especially enchanting in the morning mist.
• Antong Hot Springs: Located east of Yuli, the Antong hot spring area features carbonated springs—soaking in a hot spring after a ride is the best way to unwind.
• Fuyuan Butterfly Valley: The Fuyuan river valley is one of Taiwan’s renowned butterfly conservation areas. From March to November, butterflies can be seen fluttering about—a delightful surprise.
• Liushishan Daylily Flower Sea: On the slopes about 10 kilometers east of Fuli, daylily flowers bloom in full glory from July to September each year, painting the hillsides in shades of orange and yellow—one of Taiwan’s most spectacular floral displays in autumn.
• Fuli Rice: Fuli Township is famous across Taiwan for its organic rice. Local farm direct-sale outlets offer fresh white rice or rice products, making them the most locally distinctive souvenirs.

Travel Tips

The cycling experience in the East Rift Valley varies significantly by season. The following suggestions will help you choose the best time to go:

• Best Season: The autumn harvest period from September to November is the most recommended. The rice paddies turn golden, the weather is cool, and the daylily season (July–September) overlaps with the rice harvest, offering the richest scenery.
• Times to Avoid: In July and August, summer heat is intense and the valley winds are strong, making for less comfortable riding—be sure to protect yourself from the sun.
• Transport Connections: Both Yuli and Fuli have railway stations, and you can bring your bicycle aboard TRA trains for easy transfers, saving you the hassle of long drives.
• Accommodation Options: Yuli has several budget inns and homestays; farmstay experiences in Fuli’s countryside are more rustic, and advance booking is recommended.

Supply Points at a Glance

• Yuli town center: Convenience stores and restaurants are plentiful—stock up before departure
• Near Antong Hot Springs: Hot spring homestays with attached restaurants, a good spot for a mid-ride meal
• Fuyuan: Small convenience stores and grocery shops
• Fuli town center: Convenience stores and bento shops, a great choice for a lunch stop at the finish

Conclusion

Yuli to Fuli is a ride that lets you set aside all your anxieties. Here, time seems to slow down along with the waves of rice. There are no slopes to conquer, no races to outpace—only the rhythm of your pedaling and the generosity of nature’s beauty. Plan a cycling trip through the East Rift Valley and let this land heal your weary body and mind.

Related Reading

• Hualien Fuli to Yuli Section: A Route Guide to the East Rift Valley’s Most Beautiful Agricultural Landscape
• East Rift Valley Route: The Classic Yuli to Chishang Valley Plain Route
• Hualien Guangfu to Yuli Plain Route: A Long-Distance Flat Ride in the Southern East Rift Valley
• East Rift Valley Cycling Tour: Taiwan’s Most Magnificent Long-Distance Riding Route