Yuanli Harbor, formerly known as Yuanli Harbor, was named for its location at the mouth of the Yuanli Creek. It was the second major port in the area after Landgong Harbor. According to Tsai Zhenfeng's "Yuanli Zhi", Yuanli Harbor was slightly wider and deeper, making it a convenient place for merchant ships to dock. The harbor was bustling with activity, with many masts and ships docking, and was even listed as one of the eight scenic spots in Pengshan. However, during the Japanese colonial period, trade with China was prohibited, and the harbor fell into decline.
Around 1991, the harbor was redeveloped as a tourist fishing harbor, offering seafood snacks, sea fishing, and recreational activities such as clam digging. The "Yuanli Harbor Tourist Fishing Harbor" is located at the northern end of Yuanli Town's coastline. Initially, it was a simple creek-type boat shelter, but after planning and construction, it gradually became a tourist fishing harbor. The harbor features a fishermen's activity center, a sea-viewing building, children's play equipment, a barbecue area, shaded walkways, a performance square, a processing and packaging area, a direct sales center, a shellfish breeding pool, a campsite, a parking lot, a walking path, an arch bridge, and a pavilion. The western plaza has a green area, a sports field, and a nostalgic light rail trail, providing a space for residents to jog, exercise, fly kites, watch the sunset, and enjoy the sea breeze.
Visitors can buy fresh seafood, engage in beach activities, and enjoy both land and sea-based recreational activities, such as fishing, flying kites, and playing with children on the beach. The harbor's market holds a daily fish auction at 6:30 am, where fresh seafood is sold to market vendors and restaurant owners. Many people wake up early to buy fresh seafood, which is cheaper and fresher than what is available in the market. The harbor's activity center also has a restaurant that serves freshly caught seafood, with dishes varying depending on the day's catch.
If you visit the harbor in the afternoon, don't miss the beautiful sunset view, with the golden light reflecting off the waves. Listening to the sound of the waves and watching the light change from passionate red to soft gold can be a relaxing experience. Many tourists come to the harbor specifically to watch the sunset.
Yuanli fish balls are famous throughout Taiwan. The harbor's location on the western coast, with its typical sandy shore and large tidal range, makes it an ideal place for fishing. The area's rich fisheries produce a variety of seafood, including fish, shrimp, and crabs, which are harvested throughout the year.
In the past, the local fishermen used to catch a large quantity of sharks, which were difficult to transport and store. To solve this problem, they started making fish balls using sharks as the main ingredient. The fish balls are made from fresh sharks caught in the local waters and are known for their chewy texture and delicious taste. They have become a famous specialty of Yuanli and are enjoyed throughout Taiwan.