Breaking News, World News and Taiwan News.

Updated Thursday, June 29, 2006 0:00 am TWN, By Greg McCann, Special to The China Post



	While it is understandably tempting to go on riding in bliss down Highway 9 on a trip to the East Rift Valley (花東縱谷), an excursion on Route 18 in the town of Yuli (玉里) leads to a secret eastern corridor entrance to Yushan National Park. Along the 18 you’ll pass waterfalls plunging off cliffs, ... Enlarge Photo

Sponsors
▪	Get the best deals for Guangzhou Hotels or choose from more than 10,000 hotels in 499 Chinese cities.
▪	Find great real time deals on China Flights. Book flights to China or China domestic flights 24/7.
▪	Buy china wholesale products from reliable chinese wholesalers on DHgate.com!
▪	Save 75% for all hotels in Shanghai, Beijing and whole China. Lowest rates for Flights in China.

Discount Hotel Rates

Walami Trail: Sleepy backwater in Yuli Township contains hidden gems

The Walami trailhead begins at an elevation of 500 meters, and the 3km I hiked were a piece of cake. According to what I gathered from Yuli residents who have hiked the entire trail, the trek is not a difficult one. Nonetheless, a Class A mountain permit is required to enter the park. These can be obtained for NT$10 from the local police, and with a group of three you will not need a guide, so long as you do not hike above 3,000 meters (unlikely, on this path, unless you plan to bring a grappling hook).

Other residents of Yuli confirmed what I had been dreaming about concerning tubing down the Nanan River (which is fed by the countless waterfalls and rivers of eastern Yushan National Park) -that not only is it do-able, but it is highly recommended for its fast currents and unbeatable scenery.

Four or five days (three, if time constricts you) in the Yuli-Nanan-Walami area will be some of the most rewarding of your travels in Taiwan. Go see it for yourself.

How to get there:

The easiest way, from Taipei or Kaoshuing, is to take the train to Reishui (瑞穗 ) and rent a scooter. Drive down Highway 9, and turn right onto Route 18 towards the Central Mountain Range. Numerous signs will direct you from there. Scooters or cars can be rented in Reishui at: 03-8872770, 0921861970

Where to stay:

The best place would be in one of the cabins or a tent at the end of Walami trail. If you are combining this trip with some river rafting in the Hsukulian River (秀姑巒溪), a very reasonably priced B&B can be found at: 03-887-1840, 0910660986 (Mrs. Hsu).

1|2