Wulai creek fruit mural, Taipei for Mural Monday

 

Last week, I wrote about the Wulai Creek region in Taipei. Recently, I came across a mural there depicting an assortment of fruits. The entire artwork has fallen into decay, its surface mottled with mould and weathered by time. Yet, in its deterioration, I found it hauntingly unique and strangely beautiful.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

Wulai, Taipei for Sunday Best

 

Wulai, a small mountain township south of Taipei, was a place my father often took me to during my childhood. In those days, its beauty was dimmed by neglect — the river that wound through the valley was choked with refuse, and litter drifted upon its surface with every passing day.

Many decades have since passed, and Wulai has undergone a quiet transformation. The once-polluted waters now run clear and green, reflecting the verdant slopes that rise steeply on either side. Though the old timber houses and narrow lanes of the hot spring town remain, their weathered facades speak not of decay, but of endurance.

Wulai, whose name in the Atayal language means “hot water,” has long been known for its natural thermal springs and its place within the cultural heartland of the Atayal people, one of Taiwan’s indigenous groups. Once scarred by industrial waste and unregulated tourism in the latter half of the twentieth century, it has in recent years been restored through sustained conservation efforts and local stewardship.

Today, the air is fresh with mountain mist, the river shimmers with jade clarity, and Wulai stands as a living testament to renewal — a place where memory, nature, and history quietly converge.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Wulai Waterfall, Taipei, Taiwan for Water H2O Thursday

 

Wulai Waterfall, situated in the verdant mountains of northern Taiwan, is a popular destination for both locals and travelers seeking a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Taipei. Wulai is just outside the Taipei district, with easy access by rapid transport, making it an ideal day trip for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without venturing too far from the city.

During my visit, the weather was rather disappointing. It should have been sunny, but instead, the skies turned stormy intermittently. Despite the unpredictable showers, the sight of the waterfall cascading down the cliffs, surrounded by mist and lush greenery, created an almost mystical atmosphere that made the trip worthwhile.

One of the highlights of the Wulai region is its charming old street, where vendors sell an array of local delicacies. Among them, I particularly enjoyed the mountain pig sausage — a savory and smoky treat that perfectly complemented the rustic setting. The flavors, unique to this region, added a special touch to the experience.

Beyond the culinary delights, what makes Wulai so special is the easy access to nature. The towering trees, rushing river, and distant calls of wildlife provide a welcome escape from urban noises. As you wander through the trails and listen to the waterfall’s roar, you are reminded of how refreshing it is to step away from city life and reconnect with the natural world.

Though the weather did not fully cooperate, Wulai still left me with lasting impressions — a blend of scenic beauty, cultural flavor, and peaceful solitude that’s hard to find so close to a major metropolis.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday