Travel Guide: Yuli Hongqiao Homestay, Hualien County

Nestled in the heart of Yuli Township, Yuli Hongqiao Homestay (御禮虹喬民宿) is the perfect home base for exploring Hualien’s less crowded, mountain-fringed eastern backcountry. Far from the bustling tourist crowds of Hualien City, this family-run guesthouse blends warm local hospitality with thoughtful modern comforts, making it ideal for solo travelers, couples, and family groups alike.

Hotel Overview

Conveniently located at No. 2, Alley 18, Section 1, Ren’ai Road, Zhongcheng Li, Yuli Township, Hualien County 981, the homestay puts you within walking distance of Yuli’s best local eateries and transit links. All rooms are non-smoking, soundproofed, and fitted with air conditioning, heating, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Every room includes tea and coffee making facilities, a private en-suite bathroom with a rainfall shower (or soaking tub option), complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, and soft slippers for a relaxed stay. Family rooms are available for larger groups, and all guests have access to a lush garden, a fully equipped shared kitchen with cleaning supplies and an electric kettle, and a cozy common lounge with sofas. Practical perks include free on-street public parking, bike rental, luggage storage, and multilingual staff who speak Chinese, English, and Japanese to help with travel plans.

Nearby Local Attractions

Three unmissable attractions are just a short drive or bike ride from the homestay:

• Yuli Railway Park: A 10-minute walk from the property, this charming open-air park repurposes the old Yuli rail line into a pedestrian and cycling path lined with vintage rail cars and native plants. It’s perfect for a slow morning stroll, and the adjacent Yuli Old Street serves up authentic local Hualien snacks like wild bamboo shoot soup and grilled mochi.
• Antong Hot Spring: A 15-minute drive north of Yuli, this gentle alkaline hot spring is tucked into a forested river valley. The public outdoor pools are free to use, and the mineral-rich waters are famous for soothing sore muscles after a day of hiking.
• Walami Trail: One of eastern Taiwan’s most scenic low-elevation hikes, this 14-kilometer former trade route winds through dense cypress forest and opens up to sweeping views of the East Rift Valley. The trailhead is just 20 minutes from the homestay, making it easy to start a hike at dawn before the heat sets in.

Travel Tips

If you’re arriving by train, the homestay offers a free shuttle from Yuli Train Station, just be sure to book in advance. Bring hiking boots and layers if you plan to tackle Walami Trail – temperatures drop sharply in the mountains even in summer. The shared kitchen is perfect for prepping picnic lunches for day trips, and the garden is a lovely spot to relax with a cup of local Hualien coffee after a day out. Yuli’s best seasonal produce, from golden pomelos to wild mountain vegetables, is sold at the weekend morning market just five minutes away by bike, so don’t forget to leave space in your bag for snacks to take home.