Wanli Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Wanli, Taiwan with this comprehensive travel guide featuring the top attractions, activities, accommodations, food, and more.


Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Wanli, Taiwan

Wanli is a small township located in New Taipei, Northern Taiwan. This quiet coastal town is surrounded by lush green mountains and a stunning coastline. With its rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures, Wanli is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a relaxing and adventurous holiday.

In this travel guide, we will share with you the top things to see and do in Wanli, where to stay, what to eat, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Wanli

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Jiufen Old Street - Located just a short drive from Wanli, Jiufen Old Street is a popular tourist attraction known for its traditional architecture, vintage tea houses, and stunning views of the mountains and ocean.
  • Gold Museum - This museum is dedicated to Taiwan’s mining history and features exhibits showcasing the techniques, equipment, and hardships of miners who worked in the gold mines.
  • Yehliu Geopark - One of the most famous geological sites in Taiwan, Yehliu Geopark features incredible rock formations, such as the famous “Queen’s Head” and “Mushroom Rock.”

Natural Attractions of Wanli: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Long Dong Bay - An iconic spot for rock climbing, Long Dong Bay is also famous for its clear turquoise water and stunning sea views.
  • Nine Turns Puddle - Also known as “Jiuqudong,” the Nine Turns Puddle is a natural hot spring that’s hidden in the mountains. The journey to reach this location is challenging, but it’s worth the trek for the views and experience.
  • Wanli Guanyin - This outdoor sculpture of the goddess of mercy Guanyin is one of the biggest in Taiwan, standing at 36 meters tall.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wanli

  • Pingxi Old Street to Shifen Waterfall - This easy hike starts at Pingxi Old Street, where visitors can write their wishes on lanterns before sending them off into the sky. The trail then leads to the stunning Shifen Waterfall, where visitors can witness the breathtaking beauty of the falls cascading down the rocks.
  • Cape San Diego - For a more challenging hike, visitors can conquer Cape San Diego, the easternmost point of Taiwan. This hiking trail features steep terrain and incredible views of the coastline.

Best Things to Do in Wanli: Activities and Tours

  • Snorkeling and Diving - The crystal-clear waters of Wanli create the perfect conditions for adventurous water activities, such as snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore the underwater world and discover the diverse marine life in the area.
  • Hot Spring Experience - Taiwan is famous for its hot springs, and Wanli has several hot springs where visitors can relax and unwind after a day of exploring.
  • Local Market Tour - One of the best ways to discover the local culture is by visiting Wanli’s bustling markets. Visitors can try out delicious street foods, shop for souvenirs, and discover the daily life of the locals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Wanli

Day Itinerary
1 Arrive in Wanli, check-in, and explore the local markets.
2 Visit Yehliu Geopark and Jiufen Old Street.
3 Hike Cape San Diego or explore Long Dong Bay.
4 Take a hot spring bath and relax in Wanli.
5 Snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear waters.
6 Discover the Gold Museum and Nine Turns Puddle.
7 Visit Wanli Guanyin and farewell to Wanli.

Food and Drink Scene of Wanli

Must-Try Dishes

  • Braised Pork Rice - A popular Taiwanese dish made with tender pork belly served over a bed of steaming white rice.
  • Oyster Omelette - A popular street food made with juicy oysters, crispy batter, and sweet and savory sauce.
  • Bubble Milk Tea - A Taiwanese classic consisting of sweetened tea, milk, and chewy tapioca balls.

Local Beverages

  • Taiwan Beer - Taiwan’s most famous beer, known for its crisp and refreshing taste.
  • Lung Ching Tea - Also known as Dragon Well Tea, Lung Ching Tea is a traditional Chinese green tea known for its light and nutty flavor.

Where to Stay in Wanli: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Silks Place Yilan - A luxurious five-star hotel located nearby Wanli, featuring stunning ocean views and easy access to the area’s top attractions.
  • Sunny House - A budget-friendly hostel located in Wanli’s town center, offering comfortable accommodation and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Sea Art Guest House - A boutique guesthouse overlooking the ocean, featuring spacious rooms and a tranquil atmosphere.

What to Buy in Wanli: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Jade Jewelry - Taiwan is famous for its high-quality jade, and visitors can find beautiful jade jewelry at Wanli’s local markets.
  • Oolong Tea - Taiwan’s tea culture is famous around the world, and visitors can buy high-quality oolong tea to take home as a souvenir.
  • Taro Pastry - A traditional Taiwanese snack made with taro root and filled with sweet and savory flavors.

Local Culture and Customs of Wanli

Wanli has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience the local customs and traditions by participating in the following activities:

  • Lantern Festival - Wanli celebrates the annual Lantern Festival, where visitors can join in the celebration by releasing lanterns into the sky.
  • Ghost Festival - During the Ghost Festival, locals honor their ancestors by offering food and burning incense.
  • Dragon Boat Festival - One of the most important festivals in Taiwan, the Dragon Boat Festival features dragon boat races, traditional food, and music.

Best Time to Visit Wanli

The best time to visit Wanli is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer. During these seasons, visitors can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Wanli and participate in the local festivals and cultural events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wanli

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Eat and drink like a local.
  • Try to learn some basic Mandarin to communicate with the locals.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment
  • Photograph locals without asking for permission
  • Talk loudly or behave disrespectfully in public spaces

Safety and Health

Safety in Wanli

Wanli is a safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. Visitors should take usual precautions, such as locking their valuables and keeping an eye on their personal belongings while traveling.

Health in Wanli

Taiwan has excellent healthcare facilities, and Wanli has several hospitals and clinics for emergency healthcare needs. Visitors should have adequate travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies during their stay.

Getting to Wanli: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Wanli

  • Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) - The main international airport in Taiwan, located approximately 60 kilometers from Wanli.

Bus Stations Near Wanli

  • Taiwan Bus - Operates buses from Taipei to Wanli, with several stops in between.
  • Capital Bus - Operates buses from Taipei to Wanli, with several stops along the way.

Other Options

  • Taxi - Taxis are a convenient option for travelers who want to reach Wanli directly from the airport.
  • Rental Car - Visitors can rent a car to explore the area at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Wanli

Visitors can get around Wanli by:

  • Public transportation - Buses are the most convenient mode of public transportation, with routes connecting the local sites and attractions.
  • Taxi - Taxis are available for hire, and visitors can negotiate rates before the trip.
  • Rental Car - Rental cars are available for hire in Wanli, with car rental companies offering a range of vehicles.

Where to Go Next from Wanli: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Taipei - The vibrant capital city of Taipei is just a short drive away from Wanli and is filled with night markets, shopping districts, and museums worth exploring.
  • Shifen - Located in the nearby Pingxi district, Shifen is known for its charming old street, sky lanterns, and stunning waterfalls.
  • Yilan - Famous for its hot springs, Yilan is a popular escape for those looking for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Conclusion

Wanli is a hidden gem, offering visitors a unique mix of culture, nature, and adventure. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Wanli is the perfect destination for those looking for a relaxing and memorable vacation. Use this ultimate travel guide to plan your trip to Wanli and discover the best this stunning destination has to offer!

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