Shuili Station

　The name Shuili means "in the water," and this place is so named because, in earlier days, market gatherings here were held in the river valley--"in the water." The mountainous terrain leaves little land level enough for farming; the main products of this area are plums and timber.

　During the golden years of logging operations, timber merchants from all over Taiwan congregated in Shuili. They were so wealthy that they would throw down huge sums of money without batting an eye, and for a time they brought great prosperity to the area; business activity was so frenetic, in fact, that Shuili became known as "Little Shanghai."

　Shuili is a way station and bus transfer point for a number of tourist sites, including Yushan National Park, the New Central Cross-Island Highway, Sun Moon Lake, and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. It is also the departure point for trips to view plum blossoms, for which special buses are arranged. The quality of the water here is excellent, and several suppliers of mineral water get their water from Shuili.

11. Snake Kiln
　This unique pottery kiln was built in 1926. Snake kilns originated in Fuchien province of mainland China; they were operated as private enterprises, whereas the government equivalents were called "dragon kilns." The name derives from the shape; the long, narrow kiln is built up a slope, and from a distance it has a serpentine appearance. This is the oldest wood-burning kiln in Taiwan, and the one with the greatest content of traditional folk culture. Clay and wood are used here to create artistic products that are impossible to make in modern kilns. The area inside the plant has been carefully planned to offer visitors an introduction to traditional culture, as well as displays of cultural artifacts and art objects; there is even a tea room to relax and enjoy the quintessential Chinese beverage. Visitors can see a multi-media introduction to the culture of pottery, and can even try their own hands at making some. The Snake Kiln is two or three kilometers from Shuili Station, a distance that takes 30-40 minutes to walk. Highway buses going from Shuili to Sun Moon Lake or Puli will also stop at the kiln.

Address: 41 Tingkan village, Shuili town, Nantou county
Tel: (049) 770-967

■Local Products

　The special products of Shuili are dried plums, black dried plums, and Mt. Erhping popsicles.