WuJie Township is located in the eastern part of Yilan County, Taiwan, situated on the alluvial plain south of the Lanyang River and at the lower reaches of the Dongshan River. The terrain is flat and rich in waterways. As a typical coastal lowland area, the township’s unique hydrological environment has led not only to the formation of distinctive wetland ecosystems but also to a strong presence of cultural and historical elements.
Geographically, WuJie Township borders ZhuangWei Township to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the east, SuAo Township to the south, DongShan and LuoDong Townships to the southwest, and is adjacent to SanXing Township, YuanShan Township, and Yilan City to the west. The area is mostly flat, located on the right bank of the Lanyang River, and also serves as the estuary where the Dongshan River flows into the Pacific Ocean. In the past, due to its low-lying terrain, WuJie was often inundated during typhoon and heavy rain seasons, forming a water-filled landscape. However, after numerous water management projects, WuJie has gradually transformed into an area balancing waterside landscapes and wetland conservation.
WuJie Township boasts a rich natural environment. Among its highlights is the Wushierjia Wetland, located approximately 50 cm below sea level, which forms a precious wetland ecosystem. The township also hosts the Lanyang River Mouth Waterbird Refuge, serving as an important habitat for migratory and aquatic birds. Floral corridors, fish ponds, and the continuous sandy coastline of Lize enhance the township’s ecological tourism value. Aquaculture, such as grass shrimp and freshwater fish farming, is still practiced, reflecting the traditional productivity of a fishing village.
In terms of culture and industry, WuJie presents a diverse landscape. The northwest Erjie area once developed into an industrial settlement due to the establishment of the Chung Hsing Paper Mill, which has since been transformed into the Chung Hsing Cultural and Creative Park—now a new tourist attraction blending history and art. The Lize Industrial Zone in the southeast has attracted several tech companies and is seen as a key area for Yilan County’s future technological development.
WuJie Township also retains strong indigenous cultural roots. The area near the Dongshan River estuary was once home to the Kavalan people’s "Liuliu Community." Although many have since migrated to Hualien and Taitung, they return annually to hold traditional ceremonies, keeping their cultural memories alive. One of their symbolic plants, the large-leaved Alexandrian laurel (Calophyllum inophyllum), remains an important representation of their ethnic spirit.
In summary, WuJie Township is a place that blends the charm of a water village, ecological resources, and cultural heritage. With improvements in water management and ongoing industrial transformation, the township is steadily moving toward a multifaceted development approach that integrates environmental education, leisure tourism, and technology industries.
