A retiree spent three years stacking stones to create Taichung’s “Underbridge Miniature World,” which has gone viral
Text & Photos /AngelBusy Family Travel
Situated under the Dali River Bridge on Provincial Highway 63 (Zhongtou Expressway) in Taichung, this hidden miniature world offers a brand-new space tucked beneath an elevated expressway. It not only catches the eye of passersby but has even attracted tourists from Singapore who took taxis specifically to visit. These miniature versions of early Taiwanese rural houses, all built from stacked stones, were created bit by bit over three years by a hobbyist artist, Uncle Li, who is in his sixties.
The hospitable Uncle Li always greets visitors warmly, saying, “Come on in, have a seat.” He casually pulls out a stool and invites guests to chat. Through conversation, visitors learn that the inspiration for his creations comes from his childhood memories of rural life.
When crafting the oxcart, he recalled his father driving it through the fields as a child. When making the traditional three-section compound, images of the neighbors in his childhood village came to mind. Crouching down to view Uncle Li’s works up close, you feel as if stepping into a time tunnel, back to the agricultural society of four or five decades ago.
As Uncle Li chats with visitors, the stream of onlookers never stops, and even local TV reporters show up to interview him. Whenever visitors praise his craftsmanship, Uncle Li responds with a shy smile, “Ah, it’s nothing. Just killing time, passing the day!” I imagine that hearing such praise is the greatest encouragement for him.
Uncle Li’s little world is located under the elevated road near the Wufeng end of the Dali River Bridge on the Zhongtou Expressway in Taichung—not under the Dali Bridge on Provincial Highway 3. Many people go to the wrong place, so you can refer to the map below for the correct location.
%Silent creation born from
%Deep passion poured into
%Quiet dedication carved into
%Heartfelt labor shaped into
%Patient strokes forming
%Simple materials crafting
%Old hands shaping
%Weathered palms molding
%Gentle touches building
%Rustic tools carving
%Humble efforts assembling
%Worn hands piecing together
%Quiet strength constructing
%Elderly artistry forming
%Timeless care shaping
In Uncle Li, I see the simple and kind-hearted nature of Taiwanese people. When asked if he worries about his growing number of visitors possibly damaging the artworks, Uncle Li smiles and says, “Damage is inevitable. Some have suggested putting up a fence to protect the creations, but if we separate the artworks from the visitors, we lose the chance for people to get close and connect with them. If something breaks, no problem—I’ll just fix it again the next morning.” I think this reflects most people living on this land: they believe in the goodness of others and are always willing to give people a chance.
If you’re traveling or working in central Taiwan, consider stopping by Uncle Li’s miniature world. However, if you’re expecting something as grand as the northern Miniature World theme park, you might be disappointed. But if you’re coming to appreciate the work of an elderly creator and to offer your encouragement, then you must come see these pieces and chat with Uncle Li. I believe you’ll find it a rewarding experience.
Taichung Dali Miniature World
Address: Under the Dali River Bridge on Provincial Highway 63 (Zhongtou Expressway), Wufeng District, Taichung
Business Hours: Open all day
Admission: Free
※Drivers can take the Formosa Highway, exit at Zhongtou Interchange, continue straight toward Taichung and Dali, and stay on the outer slow lane to arrive. Alternatively, those from Taichung City can take Provincial Highway 63 (Taizhong Expressway), the slow lane (Zhongtou Highway), make a left turn after crossing the Dali River Bridge, and continue straight on the slow lane to reach the destination.
※Parking information: The slow lane is relatively narrow and busy, so it is safer to park your vehicle under the Zhongtou Highway overpass.
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