UFO Village

Back when the sun was in hiding in December, we ventured out to Wanli District, an hour bus ride from Taipei, to see something unearthly. It was afternoon by the time we arrived and the weather was gloomy, with hints of strong rain coming soon.

I remembered I’d always wanted to visit this place once I set foot in Taiwan. I’d romanticized these pretty little flying saucers in my head, picturing post apocalyptic scenarios as to why it was left and forgotten for over four decades.

We roam around this beachside property as the wind from the sea gush softly in our ears. The waves roll slowly, and time seem to pass by gently too as we look out to the rough East China sea.

To the left, you’ll see a castle-like building and still-occupied Howard Greenbay Resort; to the right, hiding behind big bushes of plants is where the UFO pods can be found — dark, eerily quiet, and preserved behind broken doors and brick floors, old newspapers, decrepit furnitures, and windows.

Built in the 70s, the village was said to be a relaxation place aimed for the American military, where they can surf, swim, and have a good nice vacation. Albeit the initial appearance of complete decay, some parts of the village seem to be still occupied, with hanged clothes and parked bikes outside the house, so be mindful of the residents.