Buses as "mobile post offices" roam the streets – a sight unique to Hualien

▲Taiwan’s one and only "mobile post office" can only be found in Yuli, Hualien. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziyin)



When people hear terms like "mobile internet, mobile ticketing, mobile banking," they might think of today’s smartphone services. But few realize Taiwan’s only "mobile post office" is an actual moving post office — a post office on a bus that travels the streets.

The phrase "Every letter carries a sentiment" painted on the back of the sole mobile post office vehicle captures the nostalgic warmth of old-time Taiwan. A local from Hualien shared cheerfully, "This mobile post office bus can only be seen in our Yuli area. It departs punctually from Yuli Post Office at 9 a.m. every day, heading north to Nengya, then to Wugu Temple, passing through Tailin, Ma’ru, and Songpu, among other places. It’s been serving the community for 13 years and has become part of residents’ daily lives."


▲The mobile post office offers the same services as a regular post office, but it brings extra convenience to Yuli residents and carries the "sentiment" of every letter. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziyin)

More than a decade ago (in 1988), areas east of the Shoufeng River in Yuli, Hualien County, lacked a post office, forcing residents to travel to the town center to send packages or remit money. That’s when the idea of a "mobile post office" was born, aiming to spare residents in ten villages the trouble of long trips. The mobile post office handles the same services as a regular post office — including remittances, savings, and mail delivery. It visits fixed locations daily, staying for 10 to 20 minutes. In the quaint town of Yuli, it has become both a routine and a nostalgic attraction.

In fact, two years ago, this classic-style post office vehicle nearly ceased operations due to declining "business" and losses. In the end, Hualien Post Office decided to keep it running because the mobile post office had become a distinctive feature of Yuli and an important cultural asset.


▲Even operating at a loss, the mobile post office continues to serve the townspeople. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziyin)


▲The mobile post office also fascinates visitors from out of town. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziyin)

【Reference Information】
Morning Schedule
09:00 Departure from Yuli Post Office
09:50–10:00 Nengya
10:05–10:30 Wugu Temple
10:35–10:45 Tailin
10:50–11:10 Ma’ru
11:14–11:20 Songpu Farmers’ Association
11:23–11:40 Songpu Elementary School
11:44–11:55 Yudong Junior High School
12:10 Return to Yuli Post Office

Afternoon Schedule
14:00 Departure from Yuli Post Office
14:20–14:50 Guanyin
14:55–15:40 Gaoliao
15:47–15:55 Tiefen
16:05–16:40 Antong
16:50 Return to Yuli Post Office

※ Staff at Yuli Post Office note that schedules may change depending on demand, and arrival times may vary slightly due to road conditions. Those wishing to use the mobile post office are advised to call ahead for the latest information.