Travel Guide: On My Way Yuli Hostel, Hualien County

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Yuli Township in southern Hualien, On My Way Yuli Hostel (途中玉里青年旅舍) is the perfect base for travelers looking to escape the crowds of Taroko Gorge and explore Hualien’s unspoiled rural backcountry. Blending warm, laid-back hospitality with all the practical amenities budget and independent travelers need, this friendly hostel caters to backpackers, family groups, and casual cyclists alike, putting Yuli’s best mountain and river experiences right on your doorstep.

Hotel Overview

Located at No. 105, Chengzhong 5th Street, just a 10-minute walk from Yuli Train Station, On My Way Yuli Hostel offers a range of accommodation, including private family rooms and clean, comfortable dorm beds, all non-smoking. Every room comes with coffee and tea-making facilities, bedside charging outlets, and hanging racks, plus central heating and air conditioning to keep you comfortable year-round.

Shared facilities are thoughtfully maintained with daily cleaning service. Guests have access to a fully equipped shared kitchen with a refrigerator, oven, cooking utensils, and a dining table, plus a cozy shared lounge and TV area, multiple outdoor terraces, and a separate outdoor seating space perfect for morning coffee or evening stargazing. Free Wi-Fi is available across all public areas, and the friendly multilingual staff (fluent in both Chinese and English) offer tour advice, fast check-in/out, free luggage storage, and lockers for secure storage. Other perks include bicycle rental for exploring the area, laundry service, and wake-up calls for early morning hikes. Note that the hostel does not have on-site parking, and towels are available for a small extra fee.

Nearby Attractions

Three can’t-miss local highlights are all within easy reach of the hostel:

• Yuli Mountain Hiking Trail: A moderate 6km round-trip hike just 10 minutes by bike from the hostel, this trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of the East Rift Valley and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. It’s especially popular in autumn, when the surrounding golden miscanthus grass turns the hillsides gold.
• Walami Old Hualien Trail: A well-preserved section of the historic mountain path that once connected Hualien to Taitung, this easy 2.5km trail winds through dense cypress forest and past gushing mountain streams, perfect for a leisurely half-day walk.
• Antong Hot Spring: A 15-minute drive from Yuli Township, this open-air natural hot spring sits along a forested riverbank. The alkaline, mineral-rich waters are free to access and remain a cozy 40-50°C year round, ideal for relaxing after a long day of hiking.

Travel Tips

If you’re arriving by public transport, the Yuli Train Station on the Taitung Line is an easy 10-minute walk from the hostel, making it accessible without a car. If you do drive, there is free street parking available within a 5-minute walk of the property on nearby side streets. Bring your own towel to avoid the small extra rental fee, and stock up on snacks at the nearby night market (held every third day of the lunar month) to cook in the shared kitchen. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable hiking weather, while winter is perfect for unwinding at Antong Hot Spring.