Nestled on the northern coast of Taiwan lies an unusual sight that has captured the imagination of travelers and urban explorers from around the globe. Wanli UFO Village, also known as the UFO Pod Village, is a collection of abandoned Futuro and Venturo homes. These quirky structures, resembling something from a 1960s vision of the future or a science-fiction movie set, provide a unique glimpse into a past era’s fascination with space travel and futuristic living.

Designed in the late 1960s by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen, the Futuro houses were originally created as ski cabins that could be easily assembled in rough terrain. They are characterized by their elliptical shape and prefabricated fiberglass-reinforced polyester plastic construction, which made them lightweight and transportable. Adjacent to these are the Venturo homes with their sharp angles and distinct architectural style designed by Suuronen as well.

The village was intended to be a vacation resort in the heyday of travel optimism; however, it never reached its full potential. Factors such as investment issues, changes in tourism trends, and rumors about haunted sites led to its abandonment. Now, decades later, this deserted vacation spot stands in stark contrast to its original intent.

What draws people to the Wanli UFO Village is not only its otherworldly architecture but also the sense of frozen time one experiences when walking through it. Graffiti adorns many of the structures’ walls – some artful and others simply names and dates left by previous visitors – suggesting a new form of communal expression over what was once private property.

There’s an eerie silence that pervades the area – an ambient backdrop for photographers and videographers who come to capture this unique mix of retro-futuristic decay. It has also become a hotspot for those intrigued by hauntings as there are numerous local legends that add a supernatural air to its already mysterious presence.

Preservation efforts have waxed and waned over the years with discussions about redeveloping the area or conserving it as a historical landmark. These efforts have been largely ineffective due largely to legal complications surrounding land ownership and usage.

To visit Wanli UFO Village is to step into a slice of history that remains both physically futuristic while being historically nostalgic. For urban explorers or anyone fascinated by architectural oddities, this site offers an unforgettable expedition into one of Taiwan’s most peculiar abandoned places. Its status may be uncertain but for now, Wanli’s flying saucer homes continue to pique curiosity and offer an extraterrestrial encounter right here on Earth.