yilan tourist attractions

City Guides , Taiwan · August 6, 2022

11 Unmissable Things to do in Yilan, Taiwan

If you’re looking for things to do in Yilan, you won’t need to look too far. With mountains, hot and cold springs, waterfalls, and gorgeous beaches all within easy reach, Yilan County is the kind of place where you can have your cake and eat it too!

To make your trip to Yilan even more enjoyable, I’ve summed up the top things to do in Yilan for you here – some more touristy and some totally off the beaten track. Whether you’re into food, history, culture, or nature, this list covers a good mix of Yilan attractions, no matter your interests.

Read along to find out what to do in Yilan!

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Before you Go to Yilan

Yilan County is located in northeast Taiwan and covers a whopping 2,143 km 2 . While the county is home to several smaller townships, the main tourist spots are in and near Yilan City , Luodong , Toucheng , Su’ao, and Jiaoxi . 

Here are a few important tips to help make your trip all the easier.

• Book accommodation at least two weeks in advance as hotels in Yilan fill up quickly. Yilan City and Luodong offer the best selection of hotels, shops and eateries. Find the best hotel deals here.
• Rent a scooter . While good public transport connects you to all of Yilan County’s corners, the buses aren’t that frequent, and Google Maps doesn’t have the most accurate schedules. Pre-book a scooter for pickup at Luodong Station here. Alternatively, there is also a car/scooter rental company opposite Yilan Train Station. 
• Get an Easy Card – Taiwan’s rechargeable transport card that you can easily use to tap and go on buses and local trains. You can buy (and top up) your Easy Card at any convenience store islandwide. 
• If you want to visit Turtle Island , make sure to book a tour well in advance . A special permit is required to visit the island, and daily visitors are limited to 1800 people. 
• Don’t forget to grab a tourist map of Yilan County at the Visitor’s Center next to Yilan Station.
• Book this  Ancient Yilan tour  if you’d like to see some of Yilan’s top attractions without the hassle of planning a thing. 

How to Get to Yilan

Yilan is easily accessible by rail or bus from most major cities in Taiwan. 

If you’re coming from Taipei , the easiest way to get to Yilan is by train from Taipei Main Station. Snag a seat on one of the faster trains like  Puyuma, TZE-Chiang, or Taroko  for the quickest journey. While these trains are a bit more pricey (TWD218) than the local trains (TWD140), they are much faster. This means you’ll have more time to enjoy all the cool things to do in Yilan!

However, you should know that standing is not allowed, and you must have a seat. Since these trains fill up quickly, buying tickets a few days in advance would be wise. You can buy tickets directly at any train station or on the  Taiwan Railways website . Downloading the  Taiwan Railways App  on your phone will also be a game changer. The app is super easy to use, and I love how it shows all the trains going to your selected destination with their timings, costs and routes. For more tips, read my post on best travel apps for visiting Taiwan .

Alternatively, if you prefer to travel by bus , you can take Capital Bus  1571  or  1572  from  Taipei City Hall . The ride takes just over 1 hour and costs TWD131. 

If you don’t have much time, another great alternative is to join this full-day tour from Taipei .

Getting around Yilan

Yilan is huge, and most of the attractions are quite spread out. Therefore the easiest way to get around is by car or scooter. You can rent a scooter here via Klook for pickup in Luodong, but there’s also a  vehicle rental company  opposite the Yilan Station, right next to the Formosa gas station.  Remember to bring your IDP or local scooter license , as you won’t be able to rent a scooter without it. 

If that’s not an option, you can still get around pretty easily by train, bus or taxi. Download the Taiwan Railways App to check train schedules and prices easily. You can use Google Maps to check bus schedules and routes, but it might be a hit and miss. There’s no Uber in Yilan, but you’ll find yellow taxis near all the touristy places.

Where to Stay in Yilan

Yilan City is a great base to explore the rest of the county. There’s a good selection of hotels and guesthouses, but if you don’t have your own wheels, it’s important to stay somewhere convenient. Here are my top choices for where to stay in Yilan City:

• Luxe: Silks Place Yilan  is a luxurious 5-star hotel with a pool perfect for anyone looking for an upscale stay in Yilan. The hotel features spacious rooms with beautiful interiors and all the mod cons you’d expect from a 5-star property.  Check rates and availability here .  
• Mid-range: Hangkhau Hotel  is a beautiful modern hotel conveniently located mere steps from Yilan Station. It features both dorm and double rooms for travelers who value their privacy.  Check rates and availability here . 
• Budget:  If you don’t mind the 15-minute walk from the train station,  Late Hours  is a beautiful guesthouse with surprisingly affordable rates. The rooms feature simple yet modern interiors and are clean and spacious.  Check rates and availability here . 

Still need more choice? Find the best hotel deals in Yilan here on  Agoda . 

The Best Things to do in Yilan

Snap photos at jimmy square park.

Scan any list of things to do in Yilan, and Jimmy Square Park is bound to be in the mix. 

Jimmy Square is an interactive park full of colorful murals and whimsical props depicting scenes from acclaimed illustrator Jimmy Liao’s picture books. Among the scenes and characters to spot here include works from ‘Turn Left, Turn Right,’ ‘Starry Starry Night,’ and ‘Sound of Colors.’

The park is just a three-minute walk south of the Yilan Station. There are many photo ops here, so don’t forget your camera! 

Visit Diu Diu Dang Forest Park

Another highlight on any Yilan tour is the Diu Diu Dang Forest Park. 

Diu Diu Dang Forest Park is one of the first things you spot upon exiting Yilan Station. While the park is not very big, its centerpiece – a huge colorful train dangling from a metal-frame tree forest – draws the crowds. 

Like Jimmy Park, the characters and scenes are from Jimmy Liao’s books, with this scene adapted from ‘Starry Starry Night.’ 

After adoring the flying train, pop into Baiguo Tree Red Brick House for a drink.

Relax at Yilan Crossing

Right next to the Yilan Station, you’ll find an old Taiwan Railways warehouse dating back to 1919, which has been converted into a cute bookstore/coffee shop. 

Inside you’ll find stacks of books, all kinds of interesting knick-knacks, cute souvenirs, and a cozy cafe where you can sit back and enjoy a cuppa. Definitely try the brownies while you’re at it, too! 

There are also some fun props to take photos with right in front of the building. 

Eat at Dongmen Night Market

Like any other city in Taiwan, Yilan has its very own night market. Dongmen Night Market might not be the biggest or best night market in Taiwan , but it’s got all of Yilan’s local specialty food to fill your belly. 

The market is located under the Donggang Bridge and it’s jam-packed with vendors selling various snacks. Try the dried tofu wrapped around a sausage, the scallion pancakes, and the fried donuts stuffed with taro and red beans. 

Browse the Yilan Cultural and Creative Park

Few people know about the Yilan Cultural and Creative Park, making it a great place to visit with minimal crowds.

The park is basically an exhibition space showcasing aboriginal culture. It’s filled with cute cafes, souvenir shops, and art installations. It’s a cool place to learn a little more about the local tribes of Yilan, try aboriginal cuisine, or buy locally made crafts and souvenirs. 

For more details on upcoming exhibitions, check out the  Yilan Style website . 

Eat Japanese Shaved Ice

I don’t usually dedicate an entire section to food in my guides, but you’ll miss out if you don’t try the snow ice at  小亀有 Kakigori Ice Cream . 

Kakigori is a famous Japanese shaved ice dessert flavored with syrup and a sweetener. And that’s exactly what you’ll get at this tiny Japanese-style ice cream parlor a few minutes’ walk from the train station. 

The menu is on the small side, but the shaved ice here is nothing but melt-in-the-mouth goodness. Definitely among the best I’ve ever tried in Taiwan! Try the matcha ice tower – it’s delicious! 

If shaved ice is not your thing, they also have baked rice cake, Japanese fern cake, caramel pudding, burnt cheesecake, and a small selection of drinks. 

Just a heads up, it’s super popular, especially during summer in Taiwan , so you might need to wait for a table. 

Join a Boat Tour to Turtle Island

If there is one thing you must do in Yilan , it is visit Turtle Island. 

Turtle Island or  Guishandao  is a tiny Taiwanese island floating in the Pacific Ocean just 10km off the coast of Yilan County in Toucheng and Taiwan’s only active volcano. Don’t worry; the last eruption was in 1785, so it’s pretty safe to visit.

Turtle Island is an interesting place to visit, full of history and natural beauty. Once home to a few hundred people and later declared a military zone, the island is today better known as a nature lover’s hot spot. Since the island only has a coastline of about 10km, it’s pretty small and easy to explore on a half-day trip from Wushi Harbor in Toucheng.

Some of the highlights include learning about its unique history, wandering along its stunning hiking trails, spotting whales and dolphins offshore, and getting a close-up look at steamy hot spring water spouting up to the surface of its Milky Sea.

Turtle Island is  only open to the public from May to November.  Only 1800 people can visit the island daily, so booking well in advance is highly encouraged. For hikers who want to tackle the 1706 steps to the island’s summit, booking a tour at least 20 days in advance is recommended. Only 100 people can do this hike daily, so it fills up quickly! You can book a tour here .  

If you still have energy after your boat trip, you can learn a little more about Yilan at the spectacular Lanyang Museum or take a gentle stroll along Waiao Beach – a popular surfing spot in Taiwan.

Stroll Along Neipi Beach

Another awesome thing to do in Yilan is visit Neipi Beach .

Neipi Beach, also called Lover’s Bay, is a dreamy 1km long black sand beach just past the Nanfang’ao Harbor in Su’Ao .

Unfortunately, it’s not a good idea to swim here as the beach has some pretty dangerous undercurrents, but it’s still a nice place to stroll around, have a picnic on the beach, work on your tan, or kick back at one of the cute cafes overlooking the bay. 

We Cafe  has quirky interiors, but if you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, check out  Poseidon Cafe . And if you’re up to it, you can follow the walkway that extends all along the bay’s northern cape. 

Afterward, make a pit stop at the bustling Nanfang’ao Harbor , where you can eat fresh seafood and buy all kinds of local snacks. Alternatively, tackle the hiking trail to the Nanfang’ao Lookout , which offers panoramic views of the entire harbor and beach below. 

Marvel at Dongao Bay

Okay, I’m not going to lie; Dongao Bay is totally off the beaten path and a bit of a mission to get to if you don’t have your own transport. But it is definitely worth the effort! 

Located in the southern corners of Su’ao Township, just outside the tiny village of Dong’ao, Dongao Bay is a stunning 3km beach fringed by lush mountains and azure-colored water. The setting here is really tranquil, and since it’s quite a hidden beach in Taiwan , you’re likely to have it all to yourself! 

The beach is free to visit, but you should know there are no bathrooms or shops here. Stock up on snacks and drinks at the OK Mart in town before heading to the beach. You can also walk along the beach (about 30 minutes) to Fenniaolin Fishing Harbor , where you’ll find food and cleanish bathrooms. 

Visit Fenniaolin Fishing Harbor & Fenniaolin Beach

If you’ve tackled the arduous journey to Dongao Bay, you should definitely add Fenniaolin to your Yilan to-do list. 

Fenniaolin is a tiny fishing harbor at Dongao Bay’s southern edge. Here you’ll find a local eatery frying up fresh seafood, a couple of vendors selling snacks, and a little shop where you can buy drinks, snacks, or ice cream.

After filling your tummy, walk to the end of the harbor, where you’ll spot the staircase leading to Fenniaolin Beach – a tiny pebble cove with clear water and interesting rock formations jutting out of the sea. Swimming is not allowed here, but it’s a cool place to snap photos and marvel at the scenery. 

Other Places to Visit in Yilan

If you still have some spare time on your Yilan itinerary, here are a few more Yilan attractions not to miss: 

• Luodong Night Market is the most famous night market in Yilan County. It has a good selection of classic Yilan street food such as Sanxing spring onion pancake, thick pork soup with garlic, and deep-fried meat cakes. It gets crowded quickly, so go early. 
• Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area  is a magical forest filled with giant cypress trees and stunning hiking trails. It’s also one of the best spots for leaf peeping during autumn in Taiwan. Don’t miss the Bong Bong train!  Book your Taipingshan tour .
• Jiaoxi:  Like Beitou Hot Springs, Jiaoxi is a mecca for hot spring lovers. There are several public hot springs here but for the ultimate experience, book yourself into one of the fancy hot spring resorts. Try ISPAVITA B&B Resort or Hotel Royal .
• Wufengqi Waterfall:  A gorgeous 100m tall waterfall and one of the top tourist spots in Yilan. 
• The Center for Traditional Arts:  Step back in time as you wander through streets filled with red brick buildings. Perfect for shoppers and culture vultures. Skip the lines and grab an entry ticket here or join this full-day tour which includes a stop at Kavalan Distillery.
• Kavalan Distillery  is Taiwan’s only whiskey distillery and famous for its award-winning single malt whiskeys. If you’re into whiskey, you can tour the distillery to learn a little more about whiskey-making and even do some whiskey tasting. 

What to do in Yilan in Conclusion

If you were wondering what to do in Yilan, then hopefully, this guide has given you a decent mix of things to do in and near the city. Have a great trip!

Did I miss your favorite Yilan attraction? Let me know in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this guide on things to do in Yilan Taiwan, don’t forget to pin it for your future travels!

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Neipi Beach: Yilan’s Dreamy Black Sand Beach

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50+ Fun Things to Do in Yilan, Taiwan (2024 Updated!)

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

Yilan County is the 5th largest of Taiwan’s 13 counties and home to about half a million people. It is located in the northeast of Taiwan. Most of the things to do in Yilan are located on the rice-paddy-covered Yilan (Lanyang) Plain, where the main towns of Jiaoxi , Yilan City, and Luodong are located. South of the plains, most of the county is mountainous and inaccessible.

Yilan (宜蘭, sometimes spelled Ilan or I-lan) is often overlooked by visitors to Taiwan, who tend to ride the train right through it when traveling from Taipei to Taroko Gorge in Hualien County . But for locals, especially the 7 million people who live in Taipei and New Taipei City , Yilan is a favorite weekend getaway, with countless possibilities for overnight or day trips from Taipei .

Yilan’s attractions range from hot (& cold) springs, beaches and high-mountain resorts to night markets, museums, and quirky treats. Yilan is especially suitable for people visiting Taiwan with kids , with hundreds of small-scale family-oriented museums & leisure facilities. There are too many kid-friendly things to do in Yilan to list in this article, so I’ve just stuck to some of our favorites. Meanwhile, off-the-beaten-path travelers will find some of the most rewarding things to do in Taiwan in Yilan.

The recommendations I provide in this article come from many years and numerous trips to Yilan with my friends and family. Yilan is the kind of place we never get tired of, either returning continually to our favorite spots (like Jiaoxi hot spring and Wai Ao beach) or driving around and discovering new places.

If you’ve already done the big sites in Taiwan like Sun Moon Lake and Alishan , it’s time for you make some room in your Taiwan itinerary for Yilan!

Table of Contents

Yilan Top Things to Do

These are some of the highlights and best places to visit in Yilan, which I’ll be covering in great detail below.

• Green onion cakes & ox-tongue cookies (all over Yilan!)
• Jiaoxi Hot Springs
• Wai Ao Beach
• Kavalan Whiskey Distillery
• Luodong Night Market
• Nanfangao Seafood Harbor
• Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area

Tips for Visiting Yilan

• Read my general Yilan guide for planning your visit.
• Explore some of the best sights in Yilan on this Yilan day tour .
• Search here for the best hotel deals in Yilan
• Use Klook to find discounted travel deals. Sign up with my referral link first to get TWD100 off .
• If you’re basing yourself in Taipei, find the best places to stay in Taipei here .
• Find our the best times to visit Yilan in my guide to when to visit Taiwan .
• Learn every else you need to know for planning a Taiwan trip in this article .
• For the east coast road trip, see my guide for traveling from Yilan to Hualien , my recommended Hualien itinerary , and how to get from Hualien to Taitung and Kenting .

Getting to Yilan

• Hire a driver for the day (Yilan only) or this one that includes driving to/from Taipei (find more private driver recommendations here )
• Rent a car to drive there yourself.
• Get a private transfer from Taipei to your hotel in Yilan.
• Buy your bus ticket from Taipei to Yilan here .
• Ride the regular train – check the times on the TRA website .
• Rent a scooter in Jiaoxi, Yilan, or Luodong for getting around.

Since Yilan is a whole county, there isn’t one single way to get to Yilan. It’s going to depend on where exactly you want to go to in Yilan, and even then, you’ll have different options for getting there. If you rent a car or hire a driver, this is really going to help for exploring Yilan, as most of Yilan’s top attractions are kind of spread out around the county. You can also rent a scooter (IDP needed) outside of Yilan’s three main train stations.

There are three major towns in Yilan that provide access to most of the Yilan things to do that I will cover in this article. They are Jiaoxi, Yilan City, and Luodong. I will also provide individual transportation details for most of the places to visit in Yilan listed in this article. Riding the train or bus to Yilan are both good options and take a similar amount of time. Buses can be a little faster, except during rush hour, when train might be a safer choice.

Getting to Yilan from Taipei City by car used to be much slower on the super winding Provincial Highway 9, which goes up and over the mountains. Now, thanks to the Xueshan Tunnel , one of the longest tunnels in Asia, the drive from Taipei to Yilan only takes about 1 hour (double that on a long weekend, though).

When the road finally exits the never-ending series of tunnels and emerges onto the Yilan (Lanyang) Plain, the first town you’ll come upon is Jiaoxi. Yilan City, the Yilan County capital, lies south of it, and Luodong is further south on the other side of the Lanyang River.

Getting from Taipei to Jiaoxi

Trains to Jiaoxi from Taipei Main Station or Songshan Station take about 1.5-2 hours and cost TWD100-200.

The bus from Taipei to Jiaoxi is usually faster. And unlike local trains, you’ll always get a seat on the bus.

The buses take about 1 hour (longer at peak traffic times). There’s no toilet on the bus, so go before you get on!

Getting from Taipei to Yilan City

There are frequent trains from Taipei Main Station or Songshan Station to Yilan City, taking 1.5 to 2.5 hours (TWD140-218). Taroko/Puyuma Express trains only take an hour, but these trains are almost always sold out and don’t allow standing tickets.

Buses also depart every 15 minutes or so, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes (slower at peak traffic times).

Getting from Taipei to Luodong

The same trains from Taipei to Jiaoxi & Yilan City continue on to Luodong, taking a total of 1h45min to 2.5 hours. Taroko Express trains can get you there as fast as 1h15min but, as mentioned above, are very hard to get seats on.

Buses take around 1.5 hours to reach Luodong under normal traffic conditions.

Things to Do in Yilan: Jiaoxi

Jiaoxi (礁溪, sometimes spelled Jiaosi) is my personal favorite town in all of Yilan County and one of my favorite day trips from Taipei . We’ve stayed overnight here many times to enjoy the excellent hot spring facilities, food, craft beer, and waterfall hikes around town.

Enjoy some of the best hot spring spas in Taiwan

For visitors to Taiwan in winter , Jiaoxi is one of the best hot spring resort towns in Taiwan , with dozens of hot spring spas and hotels to choose from. You can find more details about the village in my complete guide to Jiaoxi Hot Spring .

Almost every hotel in Jiaoxi has its own spa (and often a hot spring tub in your own room), plus some of the best hotel spas are open to non-guests. Overall, spas in Jiaoxi are better value-for-money than those in Taipei at Beitou Thermal Valley .

The only downside is that almost none of the hot springs in Jiaoxi have natural views, even though the countryside around Jiaoxi is quite beautiful if you walk or drive just a few minutes out of town (think lots and lots of rice paddies).

One pair of spas in Jiaoxi stand out above the rest: Chuan Tang Spring Spa Hotel ( location 1 / location 2 ). The hotel spa (guests allowed for a reasonable entry fee) has the best variety of scented and brightly colored hot springs in town, plus a young children’s section, scented steam rooms, and more. Both locations are good and only a few minutes’ walk from Jiaoxi Train Station.

If you’re looking for a private hot spring room try this one or this one or search for others on Klook – there are many.

Go Down a Hot Waterslide

Another fun spa worth considering is the one at Art Spa Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ). This one also has a great kids’ section, including a really tall hot water slide (older kids only), plus a small selection of colored/scented tubs, tons of massage jets, and more.

You don’t have to actually stay in these hotels to enjoy their spas; there are loads of better and cheaper options in town; find the best places to stay here .

If you only want to visit the hot spring and not stay in this hotel, you can book your hot spring experience online here .

For more great hot springs in Taiwan, visit Tai’An in Miaoli County on the west coast or Wulai Hot Spring in New Taipei City .

Let fish nibble your feet in Tangweigou Hot Spring Park

Tangweigou Hot Spring Park (湯圍溝溫泉公園) is a long, narrow walkway/park in the Jiaoxi City Center stretching between Jiaoxi Street (礁溪路五段) and Deyang Road (德陽路).

A hot water stream runs through it and there are numerous spots for soaking your feet and letting fish nibble the dead skin off them. It doesn’t hurt, but it’s incredibly ticklish! You’ll need to pay a small fee for the unusual experience, and you can even enjoy a draght craft beer while you do it.

Eat the spiciest ice cream you’ll ever try

At the southern (Jiaoxi Street) entrance to Tangweigou Park, Chili Hunter is a specialty ice cream shop serving the spiciest ice cream I’ve ever tried. Not all the flavors are spicy; go for level 0 for non-spicy. But if you are brave enough to try the strawberry ice cream (level 7, the highest) like we did, I can only say that the feeling is similar to burning your tongue. Definitely I’d recommend one of the levels in between.

If you need something to neutralize your mouth, go for one of the delicious green onion cakes served from stalls at the back of the park.

Drink green algae craft beer

Yet another awesomely unusual thing to do in Tangweigou Hot Spring Park is to sample beer crafted by the local Yilan brewery Mai Tian Fresh Brewed Beer (麥田現釀啤酒). Their beers include wheat (小麥), barley (大麥), rye (黑麥), and spirulina (green algae) (螺旋藻).

Are they good? Well, you’ll have to try to find out! There are several stalls in the park serving the beer on tap, but our go-to patio for post-hiking beers is a small café called 9號咖啡(德陽店 at the back of the park on Deyang road, behind Maison de Chine Hotel . However, a reader recently informed me that this cafe is now closed/moving.

2024 Note : some readers have mentioned that it’s no longer possible to find the green beer in town.

Soak your feet while feasting on Japanese hot spring cuisine

If letting fish nibble the skin off your feet doesn’t sound too appealing, then maybe you’d rather soak your feet in hot springs while you enjoy delicious Japanese food?

You can try Leshan Hot Spring Ramen (樂山溫泉拉麵) right by the train station, but the restaurant is notoriously busy. For a better chance at a spot, their second location, try Rakuzan Ramen (樂山溫泉拉麵二店) near the Jiaoxi bus terminal.

Both of them specialize in hot spring ramen, hot spring eggs, and an assortment of other delicious Japanese foods.

Marvel at Wufengqi Waterfall

The most famous scenic attraction associated with Jiaoxi is Wufenqi Waterfall (五峰旗瀑布), three kilometers west of town. There you’ll find an easy hiking trail leads to a series of breathtaking waterfalls.

Getting to Wufengqi Waterfall: You can walk there in about 45 minutes from town, but we often hop in a taxi from Yilan train station and get the driver’s number for the return pick-up. They are usually a few vendors selling snacks and local specialties at the entrance to the waterfall trail.

Hike to Yuemeikeng Waterfall

Starting very close to Wufengqi but significantly less known is the start of the trail to Yuemeikeng Falls (月眉坑瀑布). The trail is better for intermediate hikers as you’ll need to cross a small stream or two and climb over a few boulders, but the reward is a gorgeous, 3-tiered curtain waterfall that you can even swim under when the water level is high enough.

The return hike takes around two hours. To find the trail from the entrance to Wufengqi, follow the path downhill through the forest to Dezikou River, then cross the Dezikou River Check Dam (得子口溪攔沙壩). Watch for macaques; we spotted a whole troupe of them on this hike!

Things to do in Yilan City

When Taiwanese people say they’re “going to Yilan this weekend”, they are most often referring to somewhere in Yilan County, not necessarily Yilan City.

While Yilan city is the capital and largest city in Yilan, I’d personally rather stay in Jiaoxi (for hot springs) or Luodong (for the best night market). Some people choose to stay in Yilan city for Silks Place Yilan , one of the top luxury hotels in Taiwan . Its restaurant, Red Lantern, is famous for its Peking duck nigiri.

Go on a walking tour of Yilan City

Starting right in front of the Yilan train station, Jimi Square (Jimmy Park or 幾米公園) is a cute park with many painted walls and statues themed on Jimmy Liao , a Taiwanese artist from Yilan, and the movie Turn Left, Turn Right (向左走·向右走), which he wrote.

Down the street, Happy Station (Happiness Transfer Station or 幸福轉運站) has the same idea, but applied to a bus station. There is also an extremely cute children’s playground with indoor and outdoor facilities, including a bus converted into an elephant that kids (or selfie-snappers) can climb up into.

From there, walk 15 minutes to Yilan Distillery Chia Chi Lan Wine Museum (甲子蘭酒文物館), where you can learn about (and of course taste or buy) traditional Taiwanese liquors. For a bit of fresh air, head to the Yilan Riverside Park (宜蘭河濱公園), and don’t miss the unique Jin-Mei Pedestrian Bridge (慶和橋津梅棧道).

Another popular thing do in Yilan is to try some traditional Taiwanese ice cream. Just type “Yilan ice cream” into GoogleMaps and you will find loads of shops. I can personally recommend Qilin Ice Cream (search for “奇淋冰品”), one of the most popular among locals (thanks to my Taiwanese friend for taking me there!)

Get local at the Yilan Night Market

By Taiwanese standards, Yilan City’s main night market, called Dongmen Night Market (東門夜市), is pretty tiny and doesn’t have much selection. On the plus side, it is very local, and prices are cheap, cheap, cheap. If you happen to be spending the night in Yilan, this will give you something to do in the evening.

For a larger and more popular night market in Yilan, check out Luodong Night Market (see below).

Play with LEGO at Brick Ark Museum

At the southern end of Yilan City, Brick Ark Museum (積木博物館) is a dedicated LEGO museum. Where else will you get a chance to see a huge hand holding pearl milk tea (made of LEGO bricks)? The museum also has DIY workshops and you can take home what you build, so it’s a fun place to visit if you are traveling to Yilan with kids.

It’s a little far to walk there, but you can hop on bus 772-1 or 772-2 from bus station at the back of Yilan train station and get off at Yilan County Government stop (縣政府站).

Leisure Farms in Yilan

There are several leisure farms around Yilan where families can meet/pet/feed animals and do a variety of other hands-on and DIY farm activities. Some also have hotels where you can spend the night – I’ve linked to those below.

Here are just a few that you can consider adding to your Yilan itinerary. I’ve mentioned ever more green onion-focused ones further below in the article.

• Dancewoods Japanese Garden (綠舞日式主題園區): a Japanese-style garden with animals (capybaras, alpacas), matcha making, mask paiting, kimono for rent, and overnight hotel . Here’s my guide to all the places to see capybaras in Taiwan .
• Zhang Mei Ama’s Farm (張美阿嬤農場): more capybaras, alpacas, sika deer, Japanese torii gates, and green onion cakes. This one comes highly recommended from one reader of this site!
• Toucheng Leisure Farm (頭城農場): a large and very popular leisure farm in northern Yilan with animals, traditional earth houses, various DIY activities, and a hotel on site .
• Bambi Land (斑比山丘): super popular spot focused mainly on Taiwanese sika deers
• Sinbow Leisure Farm (星寶蔥體驗農場): DIY green onion cake making, cute dwarf donkeys, sika deer, and more
• Shangri La Leisure Farm (香格里拉休閒農場): in a very pretty location, with forest ladder, swing with a view, and overnight hotel
• Shang Yang Leisure Farm (勝洋休閒農場): a water-focused leisure farm with fishing, playing in water, DIY activities, rainbow umbrellas and more (some reviewers are disappointed by this one, so make sure to read the reviews before you go!)

Things to do in Northern Yilan County

Besides the Jiaoxi and Yilan City centers, there are plenty of other things to do spread out around them. This section covers everywhere in Yilan County north of the Lanyang River, besides Yilan City and Jiaoxi, which I already covered above.

Hike the Caoling Historic Trail

Once described by Lonely Planet as the most worthwhile hike in all of Taiwan, the Caoling Historic Trail follows a route that once was the only connection between New Taipei City and Yilan County. It also makes my list of the best hikes within short distance of Taipei .

Beginning near Fulong Beach in New Taipei City, the trail climaxes at a section of high mountain grasslands (watch for buffalos!) and bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean above Dali (大里) in Yilan. A more difficult (but even more scenic) continuation follows the Taoyuan valley along the bluffs, ending near Daxi (Dasi or 大溪).

The most popular time to walk the trail is in autumn, when the silvergrass blooms and paints the hillsides along the hike a silvery gray.

Hit the surf at Wai Ao Beach

The most popular beach in Yilan County, and one of the best beaches within easy reach of Taipei , is Wai Ao (外澳).

Wai Ao is the best place to try surfing in northern Taiwan, especially for beginners. You can hire surfboards right on the or from one of the several surf shops behind the southern (surfing) end of the beach.

If surfing is not your thing, you can also ride a horse on the beach near Wai Ao !

Getting to Wai Ao: You’ll have to travel about two hours on the slow train from Taipei to get here, but when you see that long stretch of sand and incredible view of Turtle Island (see below), you’ll realize it’s completely worth it.

For beach lovers, also see my list of other great beaches in Taiwan .

For the best surfing beach in southern Taiwan, see my guide to Dulan, Taitung .

Visit Turtle Island (Guishan Island)

Guishan Island is one of Yilan’s most recognizable landmarks. Also called Turtle Island, but literally “turtle mountain island” (龜山島), the island is known for its turtle-like shape and is located 10.5 km off the coast of Toucheng in Yilan. The island is formed by the only active volcano in Taiwan (although Yangmingshan may be active as well), and it is Yilan’s largest and only inhabited island.

A variety of boat tours run from Wushi Harbor (烏石港), which is just south of Wai Ao beach, to Turtle Island ( March to November only). I recommend this Turtle Island tour, which includes dolphin watching, a boat ride around the island, and you get to stop on the island and climb to the top of 410 Peak, the island’s main peak.

Read about Taiwan’s other small islands here .

Learn more about Yilan at Lanyang Museum

Between Wai Ao and the town of Toucheng, Lanyang Museum (蘭陽博物館) is right on the coastal highway and worth a visit. The museum delves into local Yilan topography and history.

The museum’s exterior is also quite a sight, designed to mimic the cuestas (hills or ridges that are gentle on one side and abrupt on the other) that are common in the area.

The museum is included on this Yilan day tour from Taipei .

Take a stroll down Toucheng Old Street

Of the many “old streets” in Taiwan, Toucheng Old Street (頭城老街) is one of the least lively, but I still include it here for anyone that may be passing through and want to take a quick look.

Unlike the others, you won’t find loads of food stalls or people, but instead a quaint neighborhood of old residential buildings where you can get a real feel for old-time, small-town Taiwan. It’s pretty much empty during the week but does get a little busier on weekends.

We usually make a quick stop at A-Zong Taro Ice Cream (阿宗芋冰城) on the main road near the Old Street for some delicious old-fashioned Taiwanese ice cream.

Sample some of the world’s best whiskey at Kavalan Distillery

The multi-award winning Kavalan Whisky Distillery is one of the most well-known sights in Yilan. Come here to join a free distillery tour (Mandarin only), which includes one sample at the end. To arrange an English tour and/or a “bottle-your-own whiskey” experience, you’ll need to contact them via their website.

Kavalan distillery is included on this Yilan day tour from Taipei .

Getting to Kavalan Distillery on your own: The distillery is located in Yuanshan Township, directly west of Yilan City. To get there, you can take bus #752 (only 7 per day) from Yilan Train Station (about 30 minutes) or hop in a cab. The next entry is just down the street.

Get your craft beer fix at Jim & Dad’s Brewery

If you prefer beer to whiskey like I do, then don’t worry, Yilan has still got you covered! Only 15 minutes on foot from Kavalan, you’ll find Jim & Dad’s Brew Company (吉姆老爹啤酒工場), another local institution.

The brewery adds unique touches to their brews with local Yilan ingredients (for example kumquat IPA or smoked plum marzen), and their handsome taproom is worth the trip. We visited with my wife’s family, only to find out that one of the owners was my father-in-law’s old friend!

Make your own candy & chocolate at Sophisca

One of the many Yilan attractions appealing to families is Sophisca (菓風糖果工房), a candy and chocolate shop with some hands-on, candy making activities for kids. It’s not a reason to travel all the way from Taipei, but a fun little stop if you happen to be Yilan with kids. They’ve even got vegan options and chocolate lipstick!

The candy store is located a little ways southwest of Yilan City in Yuanshan District; if you don’t have a car, it may not be worth the journey.

Admire the variety of plant life in Artemis Garden

On a weekend trip I made to Yilan with my wife and her Taiwanese friends, one of our best finds was Artemis Garden (香草菲菲/芳香植物博物館), a beautiful greenhouse in a quiet corner or Yuanshan township, just before the Yilan plains give way to the mountains.

The large, bright greenhouse is filled with all manner of local flora, perfect if you are looking for something special to take back to your apartment in Taipei (I got a carnivorous flower!) There are staircases leading up to ramps covered in hanging plants; it’s quite a beautiful place to visit, and there’s a small café inside.

Bus #752 (the same one that goes to Kavalan Distillery) also continues on to here. It’s quite a journey from Yilan Station though (about 45 minutes) and there are only a few buses per day. Get off at Artemis Garden/Taiyangpi (太陽埤) stop.

But your Artemis ticket online here , with the option to add afternoon tea.

Be surrounded by pumpkins at a Pumpkin Leisure Farm

Of the many “leisure farms” I’ve been to in Taiwan (I covered leisure farms for a whole year while writing for Travel in Taiwan magazine), this is one of the smaller but more interesting ones I’ve been to. I found it when I went on a weekend trip to Yilan with a cram school I was working for at the time.

Pumpkin Farm Yilan (旺山休閒農場-主題南瓜園) is off-the-beaten-track (you’ll need a car to get there) on a small road east of Yilan City. It is exactly what it sounds like; a pumpkin farm aimed at domestic tourists. Don’t expect a whole lot to do, but do expect to take a whole bunch of fun pumpkin pics.

Besides admiring the rather picturesque rows and tunnels of pumpkins, kids can do a few DIY activities, and eat (or drink!) a variety of pumpkin-based treats, like roasted pumpkin, pumpkin pizza, pumpkin soup, and more. I had to try the pumpkin coffee, and it was actually pretty good!

Things to Do in Yilan: Luodong

Luodong township is the second largest urban center in Yilan County. There isn’t a whole lot to do there, but it is a transportation hub for accessing many of the Yilan sights around it, and a good place to spend the night if you’re traveling with a group.

Some people also like to take an express bus from Taipei to Luodong and then hop on the train to Hualien from there as a faster (or less crowded) way to reach Taroko Gorge from Taipei (or coming back).

Happiness Yes Inn (see on Booking / Agoda ) is a kid-friendly hotel in central Luodong with ball pools, slides, children’s beds and more!

Feast on snacks at the best night market in Yilan

Luodong Night Market (羅東夜市) is the largest and best night market in Yilan County, eclipsing the much smaller Dongmen Night Market in Yilan City. Here you can expect the typical crowds and variety of snacks that you would find at any of the great night markets in Taipei or elsewhere in Taiwan.

The night market wraps around a park in the city center. It is especially known for its angelica mutton soup, ice cream cilantro wraps (invented in Yilan!), and many green onion cakes stalls. Find out more about what to eat at Luodong Night Market .

Getting to Luodong Night Market: the night market is located 750 meters (10 minutes’ walk) west of Luodong train station.

Stay in a Luodong Minsu

There are literally hundreds of minsu (民宿 or local guesthouses) in and around Luodong, catering primarily to local families and groups. If you’re traveling with a large family or group of friends, this is a great place to rent a beautiful house in a quiet area surrounded by rice paddies, but you’ll probably need your own wheels to get to most of them.

You can find many of these house rentals here or Booking or here on Agoda. Just open the map function and search around Luodong and you will see many of them!

Go for a stroll at Luodong Forestry Culture Park

Luodong Forestry Culture Park (羅東林業文化園區) is a lovely park which exhibits, statues, locomotives, and more devoted to the area’s former logging industry. It is built around a large pond where logs were once floated in off the river to store.

Getting to Luodong Forestry Culture Park: It is free to visit and located 10 minutes’ walk north of Luodong Train Station.

Hang out with cats in a cat cafe

As Yilan is a leisure-focused destination, there are dozens, perhaps even hundreds of cafes across the county, including several cat cafes. One of the best cat coffee shops in Yilan is Cats’ Day (猫的生活提案) in Luodong. The cafe features pretty standard food and drinks, but the real draw is all the kitties to pet. There’s a second floor with elevator access.

The cafe is a few minutes walk west of Luodong Train Station, near Luodong Night Market. You can find other cat coffee shops in Yilan by simply searching “cat cafes” on GoogleMaps. Find many more cat cafes in my guide to cat cafes in Taipei and across Taiwan .

Other Things to do in Southern Yilan County

South of the Lanyang River, the plains surrounding Luodong are dotted with attractions. More so than north of the river, you are going to need your own transportation to get around here, although some of the sights do have infrequent bus services or slow trains from Taipei.

Heading south along the coast past Su’Ao Cold Spring toward Hualien County and Taroko Gorge , the coastal scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. Most of Yilan County is actually made up of mountains, which visitors can most easily access at Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area and Taipingshan.

I’ll cover the sights in this part of Yilan in roughly a clockwise directions, starting to the north of Luodong, and finishing in the mountains to the west.

Visit museums dedicated to pencils and crayons

If you’ve got kids (or maybe just prefer quirky museums?), Yilan’s got both a pencil and a crayon factory/museum. Rabbit Pencil School (玉兔鉛筆學校) is just north of Luodong and was the first company to produce ballpoint pens in Taiwan.

Lucky Art Crayon Factory (蜡藝蠟筆城堡) is further south, heading toward Su’Ao Cold Springs (see below) and close to Xinma Train Station. This is a popular spot for families. There’s even a super tall rainbow colored slide inside! You can buy your ticket online here .

Both facilities cater to school groups and will appeal mainly to visitors with kids, with a number of displays and activities on offer.

Spend a whole afternoon at the Yilan National Center for Traditional Arts

One of the biggest attractions in Yilan is the National Center for Traditional Arts (國立傳統藝術中心) in Wujie Township, east of Luodong. The huge, nearly 20-year-old, government-run facility is devoted to preserving and promoting traditional arts in Taiwan.

Here you can learn about traditional arts such as Taiwanese opera, woodworking, and jewelry making. You can also buy Taiwanese crafts and sample local foods. There are various workshops and hands-on activities, and many sections have beautiful settings worthy of backdrops for photos.

You can buy your ticket online for a small discount and the option to add a shopping coupon, river boat ride, or DIY experience. The center is also included on this Yilan day tour from Taipei .

How to get to National Center for Traditional Arts Yilan: Take bus #241 from Luodong Station, departing at 10:00, 12:00, or 14:00.

Cool off at Dongshan River Water Park

If you’re visiting Taiwan in summer with kids who love water, definitely drop by Dongshan River Park (冬山河親水公園), a large outdoor children’s pool and spray park (a rarity in Taiwan), connected to the riverside cycling trails.

As a parent (and a person who is always too hot here), I wish there were more parks like this EVERYWHERE, especially in Taipei. See here to learn about other waterparks in Taiwan .

Dongshan River is also where Yilan’s races usually take place during the Dragon Boat Festival, one of the most important traditional festivals in Taiwan .

Getting to Dongshan River Park: take bus #241 from Luodong Station, which only departs three times per day. It’s the same bus that goes to the National Center for Traditional Arts.

Cycle along Dongshan Mr. Brown Avenue

One of the best way to experience the Lanyang (Yilan) Plains is to hop on a bike, and Dongshan Mr. Brown Avenue is one of the best places to do this. The bikeway is named after the Mr. Brown Boulevard in Chishang , Taitung , which has similar scenery (read more in my guide to the East Coast of Taiwan from Hualien to Taitung ).

Take the regular train to Dongshan Station (one stop south of Yilan), hire a bike, and off you go! The 21-kilometer-return easy ride takes in beautiful rice paddies, and the Wushierjia Wetlands. Cross Lizejian Bridge to reach Dongshan River Park.

The scenery is incredible, so do consider getting a good cycling camera for your bike!

Ride a kayak through the rice paddies

There’s a brand new experience in Klook which allows you to ride a kayak through the rice paddies in Yilan . I have yet to try this myself, but it looks really fun!

You’ll need to get there yourself (there’s a location link in the Klook description – it’s east of Luodong). Minimum age is 6, and only kids 8 and up will get an hour.

Uncover the history of pearl milk tea

If you’re a huge bubble tea fan, and you’ve already made a pilgrimage to the homeland of bubble tea in Taichung , your next step is to check out this cute little museum devoted to the sweet chewy drink.

The Kili Bay Pearl Milk Tea Cultural Center (奇麗灣珍奶文化館) is devoted to this history and culture of Taiwan’s most famous drink. You can even make your own bubble tea in a DIY activity.

The center is a little out of the way, located near the coast in Su’ao township. Buses 1797 and 1791 go there from Luodong.

Camping or Glamping in Yilan

There are numerous locations for camping and glamping experiences in Yilan. Usually almost everything you need is provided and there are various family friendly activities on offer. It’s best to find out exactly what is included before booking.

A few you can consider are this one , this one , this one , this one , this one , and this one . I told you there are a lot!

Beat the heat at Su’ao Cold Springs

Su’ao (蘇澳) is Taiwan’s most famous cold spring village. Here on the east coast of Taiwan, right at the point where the Yilan plains meet the rugged coastal mountains of Hualien , carbonic acid mineral water bubbles out of the ground.

The springs truly are cold, so you’ll want to save this for a hot summer day. There are a few facilities in town where you can enjoy the water, some for a fee, and some for free. Most of them are pretty run down, though. See this article for more info and details about visiting Su’ao cold spring . You can also stay in this resort in Su’ao (see on Booking / Agoda ), which has both hot and cold spring facilities.

The train from Taipei to Su’ao takes about three hours, or about 30 minutes from Luodong to Su’ao. Bus 1879 from Yuanshan MRT in Taipei is faster, getting there in about 2 hours.

For a more natural (but harder to reach) cold spring experience, see below.

Eat super fresh seafood at Nanfangao Harbor

Of the many harbors in Taiwan where fresh seafood can be purchased and eaten right on the pier, Nanfangao (南方澳, sometimes written Nanfang’ao) is one of the best. You may remember Nanfangao from the news, when on October 1, 2019, a bridge across the harbor suddenly crashed , killing six people.

Like most harbors in Taiwan, you’ll find multiple seafood restaurants around it, catering to families and groups. But for the most local experience, head to the Nanfangao Fish Market (南方澳觀光漁市場), where the vendors display the catches of the day. The takeaway trays of super cheap & fresh sashimi are irresistible!

Choose whatever you’d like on one side of the market, then bring it over to the other side where one of the simple eateries will cook it up for you on the spot, along with your choice of veggies, noodles, rice, beer, etc. This is a true Taiwan dining experience!

Getting to Nanfangao Harbor: Check GoogleMaps for train + bus options to get here from Taipei or cities in Yilan.

Check out the view at Nanfangao Lookout

If you’ve got your own vehicle (or some extra energy to climb the stairs behind Zhen An Temple or 鎮安宮), head to Nanfangao Lookout (南方澳觀景臺), a lookout point with a panoramic view of the entire Nanfangao harbor.

This is also a popular stop for anyone driving down the coast from Yilan to Hualien .

Get off the beaten track at Dongyue Cold Springs

Going south past Su-Ao, the Suhua highway (Su’Ao to Hualien highway) becomes a winding, slow-moving, and incredibly scenic drive. After going way up and then way down to pretty Dong’ao Bay, a little detour off the highway around the aboriginal town of Dongao will bring one to remote Dongyue Cold Springs (東岳湧泉, also called Dongao Cold Spring or 東澳冷泉).

This is a more natural and completely non-touristy version of Su’ao cold spring, and people from the immediate area are the main ones who frequent it. It gets pretty busy in summer, and don’t be surprised if friendly locals offer you a beer. The train line passes by on an overpass practically right above the cold water pools.

Without your own vehicle, you could walk here from Dongao train station, which is a 2.5 to 3-hour ride from Taipei.

If you travel further south from here, you can visit remote Nan’ao Beach falls (南澳滴水坑瀑布) and Aohua Waterfall (澳花瀑布) before reaching Hualien County.

Adventure seekers: You can also ride an ATV on a beach or go river tubing around Dongao!

Things to Do in the Mountains of Yilan

Now we jump over to the area lying to the west of Yilan, at Meihua Lake and Sanxing, before heading up into the mountains of southwest Yilan County.

If you’re interested in exploring this gorgeous region, then we would recommend Locasu Bed & Breakfast (see on Booking / Agoda ).

These lovely cabins are in a perfect location for exploring all of the following attractions, with a pretty setting near the river. Stay here if you love a quiet stay away from the city (and you have your own wheels).

Admire beautiful Meihua Lake

Meihua Lake (Plum Blossom Lake or 梅花湖) is a tiny, pretty lake southwest of Luodong. You can take a pleasant stroll around the lake, hire a bike, or relax in one of several cafés. It’s a popular spot for local families and youths to kick back.

Getting to Meihua Lake: join this Meihua Lake tour from Yilan or take bus #281 from Luodong bus/train station to Meihua lake stop, which departs five times per day.

Eat green onion cakes in Sanxing village

All of Yilan county is famous for green onion cakes (蔥抓餅, also known as green onion pancakes or scallion pancakes), and the tiny village of Sanxing (三星, or Sanshing) has the most famous of them all. These are one of the top-10 street foods in Taiwan ! You can even see the name Sanxing on various green onion cakes vendors in Taipei night markets .

What makes them so good? Well, for starters, green onions grow all over Yilan, so the onions used are fresh & local. Second, they tend to fry them in a TON of oil, so they greasily delicious. Note than not all green onion cakes are vegetarian. See how to ask in my Taiwan vegetarian guide .

The most famous local spot in Sanxing to try them is on Sanxing Road Section 7 (三星路七段), where two extremely popular street-side green onion cake stalls across the street from each compete for business: Apo Green Onion Cakes (阿婆蔥油餅) and Luo Family Green Onion Cake (羅家蔥捲餅). They are both located a short drive west of the Sanxing town center, heading towards the mountains. In the Sanxing town center, you can try 蔥蔥蔥蔥油餅 or 小梅蔥油餅.

When you order, you’ll have to answer two important questions: egg or no egg, and spicy or not spicy. Say yes to both.

You’ll need to drive or ride a scooter to get here.

DIY green onion picking and making your own cakes

Besides just eating green onion cakes, you may want to try picking green onions and making green onion cakes by yourself. These are family-friendly DIY experiences and a great way to learn about local Yilan culture and food.

The Sanshing Green Onion Culture Palace (三星青蔥文化館) is a small museum devoted to green onion cakes. Groups with bookings can pick green onions and learn how to make the pancakes. It is located in the Sanxing town center.

Sinbow Green Onion Experience Farm (星寶蔥體驗農場) is another sport just west of town offering a similar experience, plus they’ve got dwarf donkeys, sika deers, and other animals.

Soak in remote hot springs

At the base of the mountains a short drive west of Sanxing, there are a handful of wild and developed hot springs along Provincial Highway 7, also known as the Northern Cross Island Highway.

The first is a remote wild hot spring called Fan Fan Hot Spring (梵梵溫泉), which has two sections on the Fan Fan Stream: 梵梵溫泉A區 and梵梵溫泉B區 . A second one is Ribs River Hot Spring ( paigu wenquan or 排骨溫泉), which is located near where the highway 7 veers away from the Lanyang river and up into the mountains toward Mingchi National Scenic Area.

For a developed hot spring facility, head to Jiuzhize (Renze) Hot Springs (鳩之澤溫泉) at the bottom of the drive up to Taipingshan (see below).

Cook hot spring eggs

Besides soaking in hot springs in Taiwan, you can also cook eggs in them! Due to the temperature of the water, the eggs cook slower than normal hard boiled eggs, achieving a gooey texture on the inside that is extremely delicious!

Water Geothermal Square (清水地熱廣場), which requires a drive into the hills from Sanxing, is a hot spring park where you can cook eggs, corn, and even prawns in the hot water. There are also foot soaking pools.

Another spot to do this is just outside the popular Jiuzhize Hot Springs (see below) at the start of the long winding road up Taipingshan. You can buy eggs there for cooking in the water. See my Taipingshan guide for all the details .

This Taipingshan and Jiuzhize Hot Spring day tour from Taipei or Yilan includes a stop to cook eggs (but doesn’t include soaking in the hot spring).

Soaking at Jiuzhize Hot Spring

After cooking your eggs, go for a stroll on the Jiuzhize Nature Trail (鳩之澤自然步道). This includes crossing a beautiful river valley on the Dauwan Suspension Bridge (多望吊橋).

After hiking, go for a soak in the popular Jiuzhize Hot Spring (鳩之澤溫泉). One of the best parts of this hot spring is sitting in one of the hollowed out stones in the hot spring pool (see image above).

It’s best to get here on your own. You can take the bus there, but there’s only one bus per day in each direction. It is the same bus that goes from Yilan to Taipingshan (see final entry of this article). If you want to take it to Jiuzhize, it means you will have to spend around 5.5 hours at Jiuzhize, which is a little long.

If you want to do this, bus 1750 departs from Yilan station at 7:40 AM. The bus stop is here . it will arrive at Jiuzhize around 9:30 AM. Going back, the bus will depart from Taipingshan at 2:30 PM, and pass Jiuzhize around 3 PM (go to the bus stop early just in case).

Eat (& drink) tea at a tea-themed restaurant

Have you ever heard of tea cuisine? This is a special style of dining that has developed in Taiwan (and maybe some other tea producing regions in the world?) in which tea, tea oil, and tea leaves are used to prepare all the dishes in a meal.

You find this kind of food in several places in Taiwan, but one that we found just by searching around our hotel in the area was 田媽媽玉露-茶葉大餐 in a tiny village across the river from Sanxing.

We were the only guests when we dropped in on a random weeknight. We feasted on deep fried tealeaves, Taiwanese guabao with tea sauce, meats, tofu, and noodles cooked in tea oil, and of course lots of tea to wash it down. This is truly a unique style of food, and I would highly recommend it!

To find more places like this, see my article on tea in Taiwan .

Walk around stunning Mingchi Lake

Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area (明池國家森林遊樂區) is a name that all Taiwanese people know. The main focus of the park is picturesque Mingchi Lake.

The gorgeous alpine lake is located near the highest point of the (very winding) Northern Cross-Island Highway . The lake is often shrowded in mist, and it’s an easy 30-minute stroll around it. Our kids’ favorite part were the ducks, swans, and turtles.

There is one large facility near the parking lot, Mingchi Villa (明池山莊), offering rooms and cabins, and popular among local families and tour groups.

Explore Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area

If you loved Alishan National Scenic Area , then you will also enjoy visiting 1950m Taiping Mountain (Taipingshan or 太平山). This less-visited peak offers fresh air and a network of trails through high mountain forests of cypress, pine, maple, and cedar, which were once logged by the Japanese.

Since there’s only one bus per day to Taipingshan, and you have to get to Yilan city super early to catch it, it’s most convenient to take this Taipingshan day tour from Taipei or Yilan .

One of the highlights of visiting Taipingshan is riding the Bong Bong Train (蹦蹦車). Like the Alishan Forest Railway, it was once used to haul wood. Another similarity is that it was closed to the public due to typhoon damage. After being closed from 2012 to 2018, the Bong Bong Train is up and running again!

Taipingshan is also one of the best places for seeing snow in Taiwan in winter. There isn’t always snow there in winter, but when there is, it will usually be announced in the news, and masses of people will flood there. Even when there’s no snow, if you visit Taipingshan in winter, expect it to be very cold, especially when riding the Bong Bong Train.

To enter the scenic area, you’ll need to pay TWD150 (weekends 200), and a ride on the Bong Bong Train costs TWD180. On weekends and other popular times, there can be a very long wait for the train.

There’s only one very basic, park-run accommodation at Taipingshan, and it can be difficult to get a booking.

Getting to Taipingshan: Only one bus, Kuoguang bus #1750 , departs per day from Yilan (7:40 a.m.) and Luodong (8:00), arriving at Taipingshan at 10:30. The bus returns from Taipingshan at 14:30. To make life easier, take this day tour that includes Jiuzhize, or this tour that only focuses on Taipingshan.

Cuifeng Lake

Cuifeng Lake (also spelled Cueifong Lake, Cuifenghu, or 翠峰湖), is a gorgeous alpine lake with various hiking trails and lookout points around it. The lake is a 30-minute drive further up the road from the main tourist area of Taipingshan, and there are no buses that go up there.

To visit Cuifeng Lake, you’ll either need to drive or join this Taipingshan Day Tour and choose the Cuifeng Lake option, or this other day tour . You can also spend the night at a simple, park-run accommodation there, but it can be very hot in summer and very (very!) cold in winter.

Well, I hope you’ve found enough ideas here to plan a lifetime of fun trips to Yilan, Taiwan! Let me know if there’s anything I should ad to the list, as we are always looking for new places to explore! !

Related Posts

8 thoughts on “50+ Fun Things to Do in Yilan, Taiwan (2024 Updated!)”

Very informative and useful. Thanks very much. Given me some great ideas for next time we come.

Thanks for reading!

Hi Nick, would it be recommended to self-drive in Yilan with a 3-year old toddler given the attractions are relatively spread apart and less accessible via public transport? If so, are there any recommended car companies from Taipei? Thank you!

Yes, driving yourself is a good idea, if you are comfortable with the roads in Taiwan. I normally recommend Klook for renting a car in Taiwan, which includes the option to add a child seat. Here’s a link (you might have to copy-paste it) https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=3452&aff_adid=626006&k_site=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fcar-rentals%2F%3Fspm%3DActivity.CategoryBar_L1%26clickId%3Dcd3bb6b89e

I think one of your best posts – your website is full of great and detailed information. I’m surprised you’ve done all of this! I booked a hotel through one of your links to Booking.com. ^_^

Thanks so much!

You mentioned horseback riding at Wai’ao Beach. Do you know the name of the establishment and their contact info? TIA!

Yes, search 外澳小山丘馬場 on GoogleMaps or their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076296005304&ref=pages_you_manage

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Yilan

Things to do in yilan, explore popular experiences, ways to tour yilan.

• 9 Hour Northeast Coast Bay View Tour in Yilan

• Full-Day Private Custom Yilan Tour from Taipei

5-day Taiwan Family Fun Private Tour

Private 7 Day Tour in East Taiwan

• Private Tour to Yilan Kavalan Whisky Distillery

• Hualien Taroko Day Tour From Ximending

Yilan 1-Day Private Tour to Kavalan Whisky & Cultural Gems

Private Yilan Green Expo Day Tour from Taipei

Northern Taiwan (Taipei, New Taipei City, Yilan County) 3-Day Tour

• Taipei Northeast Corner Private Day Tour

Private Sightseeing Tours

Top Attractions in Yilan

Multi-day Tours

Cultural Tours

Tours & sightseeing, what travellers are saying.

• Aohua Waterfall
• Guangsing Farm
• Yi Lan King Car Toucheng Afforestation Park
• Jiaosi Hot Spring
• Wufengchi Waterfall
• Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area
• Meihua Lake
• Tangweigou Jiaosi Hot Spring Park
• Lanyang Museum
• Yilan Luodong Forestry Culture Park
• National Center for Traditional Arts

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Yilan

Things to do in yilan, explore popular experiences, ways to tour yilan.

• 9 Hour Northeast Coast Bay View Tour in Yilan

• Full-Day Private Custom Yilan Tour from Taipei

5-day Taiwan Family Fun Private Tour

Private 7 Day Tour in East Taiwan

• Private Tour to Yilan Kavalan Whisky Distillery

• Hualien Taroko Day Tour From Ximending

Yilan 1-Day Private Tour to Kavalan Whisky & Cultural Gems

Private Yilan Green Expo Day Tour from Taipei

Northern Taiwan (Taipei, New Taipei City, Yilan County) 3-Day Tour

• Taipei Northeast Corner Private Day Tour

Private Sightseeing Tours

Top Attractions in Yilan

Multi-day Tours

Cultural Tours

Tours & sightseeing, what travellers are saying.

• Aohua Waterfall
• Guangsing Farm
• Yi Lan King Car Toucheng Afforestation Park
• Jiaosi Hot Spring
• Wufengchi Waterfall
• Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area
• Meihua Lake
• Tangweigou Jiaosi Hot Spring Park
• Lanyang Museum
• Yilan Luodong Forestry Culture Park
• National Center for Traditional Arts

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Destinations

• Plan Your Trip

Yilan Starts Here

Until very recently, I was mostly oblivious to why so many people loved Yilan. I dismissed the county as a lackluster destination, a place where Taipei residents (Taiwanese ones) went on the weekend, but where foreigners were neither welcome nor had anything to gain by visiting.

How wrong I was! In addition to the fact that many Yilan attractions are absolutely incredible, this is a place where foreigners are not only welcome, but can really cover a lot of ground (particularly those with just a week in Taiwan or less!). You might say Yilan is a microcosm of Taiwan more broadly.

I hope you’ll continue reading my Yilan travel guide, whether you need motivation to head to Taiwan’s underrated northeast, or if you’ve already decided, and simply seek information about where to go in Yilan . The forests of Taipingshan, the food stalls of Luodong Night Market and the milky waters of Turtle Island await!

Where to Stay in Yilan

Before I dig more deeply into things to do in Yilan, let’s talk about where you should stay. In general, I’d recommend sleeping in the central part of the county, in Yilan city itself, or in Jiaoxi. However, if you do decide to stay in Jiaoxi, I’d recommend setting your expectations low. Although it’s reputed to be one of Taiwan’s premier hot springs getaways, it doesn’t hold a candle to even mediocre onsen towns in Japan (for example).

In particular, if you can’t splurge on high-end hot spring hotels in Jiaoxi such as Evergreen Resort Hotel or Yamagata Kaku Hotel & Spa , you’re better off choosing a more urban property. In particular I’m thinking of Yilan hotels like Hangkhau Hotel , or potentially even Kavalan Hotel in Luodong, which puts you within walking distance of the night market’s culinary delights—more on those in a moment!

What to Do in Yilan

Visit taiwan’s most famous instagram spots.

When it comes to interesting museums in Taiwan, the Lanyang Museum at Wushi Harbor near Waiao Beach must be near the top of the list, at least when it comes to its architecture. Another Insta-worthy spot in Yilan Count y is Wufengci in Jiaoxi . In addition to being home to a three-tiered waterfall, Wufengci hosts a Catholic church with a decidedly Chinese design.

Cool off at Taipingshan

One of my favorite things to do in Yilan, broadly speaking, is hiking. While there are plenty of places to do this, I especially like Taipingshan National Forest . Located hundreds of meters up in the sky, the forest features enchanting evergreens and mesmerizing moss, in stark contrast to the bamboo, betel palm and banana trees that define the landscape at sea level. I especially love hiking through the Chinese Hemlock Forest !

Eat your way through Luodong Night Market

What is there to eat in Yilan? A lot, but the focus on many local dishes are the green onions that are famously grown here. One of my favorites are the 無骨雞腿串 ( Wúgǔ jītuǐ chuàn ) chicken thigh skewers served in Luodong Night Market , which is about 15 minutes by foot from Ludong Station. Another Yilan specialty served here is 吳記花生捲冰淇淋 ( Wú jì huāshēng juǎn bīngqílín ), an ice cream wrap served with fresh-ground peanuts and cilantro.

Don’t miss magnificent Nanfangao

Many people include the cold springs of Su’ao on their list of things to do in Yilan, but few continue southward to Nanfangao —this is a pity. Whether you enjoy views of the harbor through the dragons and phoenixes of Nantian Temple , or ascend to Nanfangao Lookout and admire its so-called Tofu Rocks from far above, Nanfangao is probably the most picturesque place in Yilan.

Take a boat to Turtle Island

The bad news? A Turtle Island day trip is not really something you can do on a whim, as you need a guided tour booked in advance to visit the island . The good news? It’s easy to sneak out ahead of the group as you hike to the lookout point of Guishan Dao , especially if you don’t speak Chinese or can pretend you don’t understand. Trust me: It’s worth being the first one to the top!

How Many Days Should You Spend in Yilan?

As far as how many days in Yilan you should spend, that depends in part on how you plan to get around—more on that in a second. As a general rule, travelers who use public transportation (i.e. trains and buses) will need longer, while those who rent a car aren’t as dependent on transport schedules, and can consolidate their sightseeing into fewer days.

When it comes to specific things to do in Yilan, I’d say you need at least a full day for Taipingshan, due to its far distance, and may a day each in the north (Waiao and Toucheng) and south (Su’ao and Nanfangao); you can mix central destinations like Jiaoxi and Yilan (where you are likely to base yourself) into these days. Overall, most travelers will need 3-5 days in Yilan, with drivers needing fewer than train and bus riders.

Other FAQ About Yilan

How far is yilan from taipei.

Traveling from Taipei to Yilan takes 1-2 hours, depending on how you go. Most eastbound trains from Taipei travel to Yilan county, but faster express trains only stop at major stations—Yilan and Luodong, but maybe not Jiaoxi or Wai’ao. Buses from Taipei to Yilan can be faster, but only go to specific locations, such as Wushi Harbor.

How do you get around Yilan?

Local trains are an easy way to get around Yilan, but not very efficient. For example, while it takes around 20 minutes to travel from Jiaoxi to Luodong, trains (and Yilan buses) only run 1-2 times per hour. If you only have a day or two in Yilan and want to cover a lot of ground, I’d recommend renting a car .

Is Yilan worth visiting?

Yilan is absolutely worth visiting, once you realize it’s something of a microcosm of Taiwan. As I mentioned in the intro this piece, it was never really a priority for me to visit Yilan until I dug in and learned what a diverse destination it is.

The Bottom Line

Whether you came here explicitly search for an Yilan travel guide, or just motivation to visit in the first place, I hope you’ve found what you need. Yilan is a misunderstood, underrated destination in Taiwan , certainly among foreigners in the country. Some travelers will stay a long week, exploring the country from Lanyang Museum and Turtle Island in the north, to the picturesque Nanfangao Harbor in the south. Others will simply venture from Taipei to Yilan for a day, for example in order to cool off with a hike in Taipingshan during the scorching summer months. No matter which camp you fall into, I hope you’ll consider hiring me to plan your trip to Taiwan .

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Yilan is a popular county in Taiwan, famous for its beautiful nature trails, hot and cold springs, and numerous factory outlets each boasting a unique Yilan specialty.

Located along the North-East Coast of Taiwan, the nearest township of Jiaoxi in Yilan County is a short bus ride away from Taipei (about an hour’s journey).

Here is our ultimate guide of best things to do in Yilan.

Travel tip: With so many things to choose from, we recommend you build your itinerary around your interests and location.

For example, you can choose to stay in Jiaoxi and explore the nearby sights, before moving to Luodong for another few nights to explore the sights further south in Yilan County.

To make things easier, we’ve included Google map links so you don’t have to toggle between the article and search Google maps for the location.

1. Hike Yilan Nature Trails

Yilan County has many nature trails that can be as short as 45 minutes. Here are our recommended trails:

A. Caoling Historic Trail (~4 hours, start at Dali TRA Station, end at Fulong TRA Station)

Caoling Historic Trail is a section of an ancient route built by early Chinese settlers.

Starting at Dali TRA Station, visit the Dali Tiangong Temple before you head uphill for the Caoling Historic Trail.

The trail begins with ~2.5km of winding uphill roads with several staircases you can climb to shortcut your hike to Wukou (I preferred walking on the road).

Check out the beautiful sea views just over your shoulder as you climb.

The trail is generally well marked and there are rest stops with toilets at intervals.

At Wukou, you can choose to head downhill towards Fulong Station (steps may be slippery) or turn left to Taoyuan Valley Trail which ends near Daxi Station.

If you choose the former, note that the walk from Yuanwangkeng Waterfront Park to Fulong Station can be hot as you walk along the road.

B. Linmeishipan Trail (~45 mins, self-drive or take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus from Jiaoxi TRA Station)

This romantic trail in Jiaoxi Township takes you through a magical forest setting, with waterfalls, creeks, fern-lined paths and a long staircase along the way.

I fell in love with this trail, perfect for a stroll and picnic with your significant other. There are stalls selling drinks near the entrance.

C. Wufengqi Waterfall + Catholic Sanctuary + Shengmu trail (~30 mins to a few hours, self-drive or take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus from Jiaoxi TRA Station)

Wufengqi waterfall is a 100 m long waterfall set in a lush valley.

Climb up the steps to see the waterfall from various heights, and visit the nearby Catholic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Wufengqi for a zoomed out view.

Continue to the Shengmu trail if you intend to have a longer hike.

D. Qixingling Trail (Su’ao TRA Station)

The trailhead of Qixingling is near the Suao public bath entrance. Walk up flights of stairs to reach lookouts of varying heights (one star, two star etc).

After the six star circular park lookout at the top, the trail then becomes a rocky dirt trail winding downwards towards the Su’ao Swimming Pool.

We decided to turn back after the six star lookout to enjoy the Su’ao Cold Springs.

2. Soak in Jiaoxi Hot Springs

How to get to Jiaoxi:

• Train: Jiaoxi TRA Station (take a Tzechiang or Puyuma train to Yilan Station then change to a local train to Jiaoxi Station)
• Bus: one hour plus journey from Taipei Bus Station to Jiaoxi Transfer Station via Kamelan Bus

Jiaoxi Township has many hot springs options for you.

A. Hotels for overnight stay

• with hot spring pools you can swim in
• with private hot spring baths in your room.

B. Paid hot springs

• some are hot springs pools
• some offer private hot springs rooms for an hour or so.

C. Public hot springs pools and parks to dip your feet in

We have tried all these options and we personally prefer to stay in a hotel with a private hot spring bath in the room, as you can enjoy a bath as many times as you wish!

You can rent a car or motorcycle using your international driving licence in Jiaoxi. We found the motorcycle rental rates in Jiaoxi to be one of the more affordable ones in Taiwan (from TWD350/day).

You can rent from the motorcycle shops outside the Jiaoxi TRA Station, and there is also one opposite the Jiaoxi transfer station (where you alight the Kamelan bus).

Bonus tip: If you’re in Luodong, there is also a hot springs Water Geothermal Square where you can boil eggs.

3. Dip in Su’ao Cold Springs (Su’ao TRA Station)

In Yilan County, you have the options to have both a hot and cold spring experience in a single trip!

Su’ao Cold Springs are 22 degrees Celsius and you can see bubbles forming on your skin.

We enjoyed the cold springs after a hot Qixingling Trail walk to cool ourselves down.

You can choose either:

A. Paid private cold springs room

B. paid public baths (entrance is at the park at the foot of the qixingling trail, look for a new pinkish building behind the local wet market), c. free public foot baths (at the same new pinkish building near this location ).

As a bonus, we treated ourselves to the classic Yilan street dessert, peanut ice cream roll, near the private baths, to beat the hot weather.

4. Yilan Factory Hopping and Shopping (Self-drive)

Yilan is home to so many delicacies you can discover something new on every trip.

There are various factory outlets celebrating the quality and diversity of Yilan’s local specialties.

Some factory outlets have their own museum, cafe and DIY classes too.

Here are just a few options you can drive to:

A. Agrioz Cafe (preserved kumquat, kumquat drinks and snacks)

B. CP Cheese Factory (cheese and cheesecakes)

C. green house workshop (spring onion and other local products).

D. Herbelle (floral skincare, tea, household products)

E. bee farmer (honey products), f. kavalan distillery (liquor), g. artemis garden (plant products), h. king car biotech (orchids, plants and local products), i. lucky art crayon (crayons and stationery), j. yilan cake factory (local cakes and biscuits).

K. Onemit (barley and bean-related products)

5. visit yilan museums and parks.

To learn more about Yilan and explore its history, culture and nature, you can visit several museums and parks such as:

A. Lanyang Museum (history and culture of Yilan)

Read about my visit to Lanyang Museum .

B. 羅東文化工場 (architecture)

C. Luodong Forestry Culture Park

D. 綺麗珊瑚博物館 (corals), e. brick ark museum (lego sculptures), f. jimmy park (theme park for kids), g. dongshan river water park (super huge water park), h. 宜蘭傳藝中心 (cultural park with traditional arts and crafts and local products), i. 冬山河生態綠舟 (big park for walking, cycling), j. wu lao keng scenic area (a paid park for picnics, photo-taking and enjoying the creek), k. 祝大漁物產館 zhu dayu culture museum (for seafood and snacks, if you happen to be at nanfangao harbour).

Bonus: If you’re up for a boat ride, book a tour around Turtle Island (to visit the island, apply for a permit in advance) and watch whales and dolphins along the way.

There are many niche museums and parks not listed here but easily discoverable on Google maps.

6. Feast on Yilan’s Food Delicacies

If you’re in Yilan, try these local delicacies. We couldn’t get enough of it.

A. Bread from Yih Shun Shiuan Bakery (3 branches in Jiaoxi, Yilan, Luodong)

B. Pork Garlic Noodle soup (try Mother’s Love )

C. Wei Jie (Sister Wei) Heart desserts

D. Peanut ice cream pancake rolls ( 老兄花生捲冰淇淋 found at Suao Cold Springs (outside the private baths), Meihua Lake entrance, or you can also buy at a higher price at Luodong Night Market)

E. sizzling hot plate pork chops (my favourite is at 牛小妹牛排鋪 ).

F. Ramen and Xiao long bao ( 傻師傅湯包 has amazing 炸醬麵 – the noodles taste so deceptively simple and innocent but it is secretly winning your heart)

7. Tour Yilan Fruit Farms

Taiwan fruits have a wondrous juicy flavour burst that will surprise you. Depending on the season you are visiting Yilan, you can make a trip to a fruit farm to try their fruits and even book a farm tour.

Read about my visit to Jinpu Orchard fruit farm which has amazing pears and guavas.

Learn more about various fruit farms in Yilan here .

8. Yilan Lake Hopping

Yilan County has several picturesque lakes you can visit.

A. Longtanhu Park

Many people come here to shop at Herbelle and take photos at the garden near the lake across the road from Herbelle.

You can walk along the path and boardwalk around the lake, but we decided to ride the motorcycle instead as the lake is quite big.

B. Meihua Lake

Meihua Lake is a smaller lake which you can easily walk around in less than an hour, or rent a motorised cart (choose either a 2 or 4-seater) to circle the lake. If the weather is good, you can also rent a small boat at the lake.

There are quite a few ducks and geese, and a bridge leading to a little island in the middle of the lake.

Enjoy a peanut ice cream pancake roll and a Taiwanese sausage as you admire the scenery.

Other lake options: Wanglongpi Lake , 蜊埤湖 , 虹明湖

9. Visit Nanfangao Harbour and Neipi Beach

A short drive away from Su’ao is the Nanfangao Harbour which is home to Nantian Temple, Jinan Temple, and many local product shops and seafood restaurants.

Drive to the nearby Neipi Beach (not safe to swim in) for the wind and scenery, and enjoy a cup of coffee at the beachside cafes.

Visit Tofu Cape to admire the landscape and take photos.

Unfortunately, the Nanfang’ao Bridge has collapsed on 1 October 2019. Take note of any travel advisories for Nanfang’ao before you plan a trip there.

10. Eat Your Heart Out at Yilan Night Markets!!

Last but not least, visit Yilan County’s night markets to sample Taiwan’s legendary street food.

Our favourite night market is Luodong Night Market (walkable from Luodong TRA Station), where most of the stalls circle around a park.

From sizzling hot plate restaurants, yam milk to the humble pumpkin balls, you will definitely put on weight here.

If you need a respite from the crowd and weather, hop into the nearby Daiso or enjoy a hot+cold dessert from Wei Jie Heart Desserts .

Parking can be difficult here with a car, but there is a multi-storey carpark which you can try your luck at. It is easier to find motorcycle parking along one of the roads.

Nearer to Yilan TRA Station is the Dongmen Night Market . There is a food street and a perpendicular clothes/knick knacks street for a leisurely night walk.

The crowds aren’t as intense as Luodong Night Market but it can get busy on weekends.

Besides enjoying the street food like Taiwanese sausages and pink guava, our favourite restaurant to eat at is 牛小妹牛排鋪 where the pork chops are one of the best I’ve ever tasted.

The meat is thick and juicy, and the pork chop sizzling hot plate is fantastic value at only TWD90. Enjoy your meal with a complimentary cup of cold winter melon tea.

Besides night markets, the regular shops are open late too which makes Yilan County a fun place to visit at night too.

If you have more recommendations and great things to do for my Ultimate Yilan Guide, please share in the comments 🙂

Click on my other Taiwan guides to exciting places:

Taiwan guides, in-depth taiwan itineraries for your next trip:, taiwan 8d7n south coast itinerary (kaohsiung, kenting, little liuqiu, tainan), taiwan 8d7n east coast itinerary (taipei, jiaoxi, yilan, hualien, taitung), related posts:.

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13 Best Things to Do in Yilan

Yilan attractions.

Many of the best things to do in Yilan stem from the region’s wonderful natural diversity. The county is known for its ample amount of hiking trails, mountain peaks and innumerable natural getaways. The extensive forestry is especially worth exploring, particularly as it contains therapeutic hot springs.

If you’re more interested in culture than the great outdoors, you’ll find that in spades in Yilan , too. There are plenty of art venues and major museums dotted around the historical towns in the area. Each provides a fascinating glimpse into a different aspect of Taiwanese life and heritage.

What are the best things to do in Yilan?

Luodong night market.

Located in the Chungshan Park area, Luodong Night Market is one of the most happening places in Yilan. It not only offers a great shopping experience, but it’s lined with street vendors and cafés offering mouth-watering local Taiwanese cuisine. Despite its name, the market actually opens early in the morning, but runs late into the night.

Some of the most popular snacks to be found here include mutton herbal soup, rice noodle soup and iced tapioca. This is a must-visit location for those who love to hang out and enjoy the sweetness of doing nothing but munching on delicacies. Yilan pastry, smoked duck meat and ya shang are some of the other delicacies you may want to try at Luodong Night Market.

Location: No. 6, Xingdong Road, Luodong Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 265

Phone: +886 (0)3 954 5102

photo by Chi-Hung Lin ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Gueishan Island

Gueishan Island is one of the major attractions of Yilan. The island is in the shape of a sea turtle due to many long years of volcanic activity and, unsurprisingly, many people refer to it as Turtle Island. You will require a permit to visit this remote place and the number of people allowed to go is usually limited. You can enjoy whale-watching here, and Turtle Island is also known as one of the best places to appreciate the beauty of the sunrise.

Location: Toucheng Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 261

photo by miquitos ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

10 Best Restaurants in Yilan

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Yilan

10 Best Things to Do for Families in Yilan

Annong creek.

Annong Creek is known for its splendid whitewater rafting venues. It also has a number of smaller attractions and, because it’s so popular, there are plenty of budget and luxury hotels in the area. Apart from some great whitewater rafting destinations, there are places of historical interest as well as a number of untouched natural belts.

photo by lienyuan lee ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area

The Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area is located in Datung Village and the whole recreational belt is built around Mt. Tiaping, which rises to almost 2,000 metres above sea level. Although the mountain is covered in mist all the year round, the peak offers epic views of the surrounding area and is one of the few places in Taiwan where you’ll see snow. The forest below is an especially diverse one, with attractions ranging from from cypresses to hemlocks and other types of vegetation. If you love nature, visiting the Taipingshan region should certainly be on your list of things to do in Yilan.

Hot springs are located towards the centre of the region and are said to possess therapeutic properties. The famous Pong-Pong trail is also in this area. This trail was used for transporting logs and wood in the past. These days, it’s open to visitors and enjoying a ride along this trail is a great experience. There are so many areas of interest in the Taipingshan region that you really have to visit the place with plenty of time available to catch the essence of it.

Location: No. 58-1, Datong Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 267

Phone: +886 (0)3 980 9806

Yilan Distillery Chia Chi Lan Wine Museum

The Yilan Distillery Chia Chi Lan Wine Museum is a one-of-a-kind place which, as the name suggests, is devoted to alcohol-related collectibles and souvenirs. The museum is located in one of the oldest distilleries in Taiwan and the place is a must-visit for those who want to have a sneak peek at historical methods of wine production and preparation. There is also a small gift shop here.

Location: No. 3, Jiucheng West Road, Yilan City, Yilan County, Taiwan 260

Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm

Phone: +886 (0)3 935 5526

photo by Mnb ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Kavalan Distillery

The Kavalan Distillery offers a very literal flavour of the Yilan countryside. The whisky produced here has a smooth and creamy flavour, which has even beaten Scotch whiskies in blind taste tests. Since the distillery opened in 2005, it’s been racking up the awards and praises, particularly for its single malts.

Taking its name from the indigenous people of the Kabalan Plain where it’s located, the distillery is a little bit out of town, on the outskirts of Yuanshan Township. Hourly tours of the factory are run throughout the day and are free, but you’ll need to make a reservation if you want it in English.

Location: No. 326, Section 2, Yuanshan Road, Yuanshan Township, Yilan County, Taiwan

Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm

Phone: +886 (0)800 232 589

Yilan County Historical Museum

The Yilan County Historical Museum exhibits some old relics and souvenirs from the Japanese colonial era and gives you the chance to get personal with the rich culture heritage of Yilan. Most parts of the museum are free, except for County Prefect’s House, which is about NT$30 for an adult.

Location: No. 3, Xianzheng North Road, Yilan City, Yilan County, Taiwan 260

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +886 (0)3 925 5488

photo by Wei-Te Wong ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

National Centre for Traditional Arts

The National Centre for Traditional Arts is one of the most important centres of traditional and fine arts in Taiwan. It’s located in Wujie and its main focus is to promote Taiwanese arts and culture. You can also shop for souvenirs that are sold along the ‘Old Street’ – a renovated part the town which is part of the complex. The entry fee is NT$150 for adults.

Location: No. 201, Section 2, Wubin Road, Wujie Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 26841

Phone: +886 (0)3 950 8859

photo by 江皓正 ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Dong Shan River Park

Dong Shan River Park offers a fun way to escape the sweltering heat of a Yilan summer. It has some really cool activities that you can indulge in, often accompanied by trance-techno music, giving you a head-rush beyond imagination. Some of the most popular attractions of the park include slides and jumping water jets.

Location: No. 2, Section 2, Qinhe Road, Wujie Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 268

Open: Daily from 7 am to 10 pm

Phone: +886 (0)3 950 2097

photo by P1340 ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

With mighty waves rolling in from the Pacific Ocean, the northeastern coast of Taiwan is known as a surfing mecca. Yilan has some really cool surf spots. Suao is one such harbour town of which is known the world over for its challenging surfing.

Taiwan Theater Museum

Th Taiwan Theater Museum is located in the cultural centre of Yilan and it showcases traditional Chinese art forms, including puppetry. You can try your hand at traditional opera on the 3rd floor of this building. It’s a must-visit for all art connoisseurs.

Location: No. 101, Section 2, Fuxing Road, Yilan City, Yilan County, Taiwan 260

Phone: +886 (0)3 932 2440

Mary Leu Fine Art Carving Gallery

Mary Leu Fine Art Carving Gallery belongs to one of the most famous artists to have emerged out of Taiwan. The art gallery not only houses her works, but is also a workshop for the students of this renowned artist. Entry fee is NT$100.

Location: No. 1, Lane 322, Xingnong Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 260

Phone: +886 (0)3 988 0558

Shengmu Hiking Trail

This Shengmu Hiking Trail starts at a church near Wufengchi Waterfalls, giving it the nickname of the Sacred Mother Hiking Trail or St. Marian Trail. Divided into a total of 4 sections, the trail spans about 7 km and covers some breathtaking landscapes. It picks up in terms of difficulty as you moves further up from Wufengchi, but the landscape also keeps getting better. You end up at a point that gives an awesome view of Turtle Island and the Lanyang Plain. The view is worth the effort and time spent.

Location: Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 262

Phone: +886 (0)3 954 5114

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Yilan Taiwan guide: Yilan City, Yuanshan, Jiaoxi, Toucheng

By: Author Jaclynn Seah

Posted on Published: August 18, 2020  - Last updated: January 14, 2024

Categories Taiwan

Most people only focus on Taipei when they visit Taiwan but for those who are seeking out somewhere more relaxing, I usually recommend nearby Yilan County as an alternative. Just an hour away from Taipei on the northeastern end of Taiwan, it’s great for a day trip from Taipei, but you can easily spend much more time there. Here’s a guide to Yilan Taiwan that I put together about my favourite things to do in Yilan’s northern half: Yilan City, Toucheng, Jiaoxi and Yuanshan for your next Taiwan trip.

My Yilan Guide was so massive I had to break it up into two parts: Check out my Yilan southern half guide that covers Luodong, Wujie, Dongshan and Su’ao.

Where is Yilan, Taiwan?

Yilan can refer to Yilan County 宜蘭 that covers the larger northeastern region in Taiwan, but it can also refer to Yilan City 宜蘭市 which is one of the main hubs in the northern half of Yilan County, which is divided by the Lanyang River. This guide focuses on the towns in that northern half.

How to get from Taipei to Yilan City?

Yilan is about 50 minutes away from Taipei City by express coach or car thanks to Highway 5 and the Xueshan tunnel that cuts through the mountains. I usually take a comfortable coach from the Taipei Main Bus Station direct to Yilan City – a 1-way ticket costs 140 NTD (~S$6.30) .

• Kamalan Bus #1916 from Taipei Main Bus Station to Yilan City Bus Station
• Kamalan Bus #1915 from Taipei Main Bus Station to Jiaoxi Bus Station
• Kuokuang Bus #1878 from Taipei Yuanshan Bus Station to Yilan City Bus Station
• Kuokuang Bus #1877 from Taipei Yuanshan Bus Station to Wushigang Harbour (Toucheng)
• Capital Star #1571 from Taipei City Hall Bus Station to Yilan City Bus Station

I usually prefer taking trains over buses, but it actually takes longer and costs more to take a train from Taipei to Luodong. You can take a Ziqiang or Puyuma Express from Taipei Main Station to Yilan Train Station that will take around 60-75 mins and cost about 238 NTD (~S$11.25) .

Transport in Yilan

Trains and buses connect Yilan to Taipei, Keelung up north or Hualien along the Eastern Coastline, and a highway cuts through the mountains in the central region and links to Taichung and Nantou.

In Yilan itself, you can take public buses to get to major sights, but if you can I highly suggest you rent a car or a scooter to get around as it will make exploring that much easier. Because Yilan is less crowded, bus frequencies are not as high so you might end up waiting quite long for the bus if you miss it.

You can flag down a taxi which is not too expensive in Taiwan overall – these are easy to find at the main train/bus station or popular tourist spots, but you may need to call or get someone to call a taxi for you if you are going somewhere more remote. You can also consider Tripool Taxi which works like Uber or Grab.

Yilan City 宜蘭市

Yilan City is the transport hub of northern Yilan and the most convenient jump-off point for most things in Yilan.

All things Jimmy Liao 幾米

Jimmy Liao is a Taiwanese artist and writer famous for his whimsical illustration style and stories – the most well known book being Turn Left, Turn Right 向左走, 向右走 which became a film in 2003 starring Takeshi Kaneshiro and Gigi Leung. I actually have several of his books in my shelves, having first been introduced to his works by my friends in secondary school. I was captivated by his poetic writing and fantastical illustrations, so I was pretty stoked to finally visit Yilan City which pays major tribute to his works with life-size dioramas and recreations of his most popular characters and scenes around the city.

Jimmy’s works are front and center the moment you step out of the Yilan Train Station in Jimmy Plaza 幾米廣場 – this stretch south of the train station used to be the old railway dormitory and now has many large statues of his works.

Across the road from the station is the Diudiudang Forest 丟丟噹森林 , a large plaza with a green roof and the train from one of his books Starry Starry Night suspended above.

Turn left from the station and head south and you’ll come across the Happy Station 幸福轉運站 , featuring a whimsical elephant and giraffe playground structures as well as his works from Kiss and Goodbye.

How to get there: Everything is within 5 mins walk from Yilan Train Station.

Dongmen Night Market 東門夜市

Most people in Yilan will head to the more famous Luodong Night Market , but if you prefer somewhere a little less crowded, Yilan City’s Dongmen Night Market is conveniently located close to the Yilan train station, somewhat tucked under the Donggang Bridge flyover. Most of the food stalls are located on Shenghou Street while the shopping and sundry is along Hemu Road .

This night market is definitely a lot smaller than Luodong’s, but here are some of the stalls that were drawing crowds that you can check out:

• Peng Cong You Bing 彭蔥油餅 : Crispy freshly fried pancake with Scallions with the options to add an egg
• Dongshan Laodian Ya Tou 老店東山鴨頭: For those of you guys daring enough to eat duck head, tongue and other spare parts, pick what you want and it’s deep fried for you on the spot to snack on
• Yaoyao Bing 搖搖冰 : this old-school shaved iced dessert stall has just a few selections (green bean, milk, lemon, passionfruit) but was super popular, but it’s a great way to cool down quickly
• Duhaoshao 嘟好燒: this stall has quite a long history and sells duhaoshao, a stick of fried donut balls stuffed with taro and red bean
• 30-year old store LongFengTui 30年老店龍鳳腿: Another long-time local favourite, this stall basically sells chicken and longfengtui (translates to Dragon-Phoenix leg, it’s really pork and cabbage stuffed into intestines) skewers as well as spring rolls.

How to get there: Dongmen Night Market is located at Shenghou Street . It’s a 5-min walk from the Yilan Train Station and open from 5pm-12am daily.

Yilan Distillery 宜蘭酒廠 / Chia Chi Lan Wine Museum 甲子蘭酒文物館

The Yilan Distillery is the oldest wine distillery in all of Taiwan dating back to 1909. This distillery focused on producing an award winning red rice wine made from red yeast. It is also known as the Chia Chi Lan Wine Museum – Chia Chi Lan being one of the old names for Yilan back in the day.

Currently it’s been converted into a museum cum market of sorts were you can buy the red rice wine and lots of other red-yeast infused products – I got myself some unusual sweets with the red yeast flavour as well as other souvenirs, but other than that there’s not much else to do here, so I wouldn’t plan on spending too much time here.

How to get there: The Yilan Distillery is located at 3 Jiucheng West Road . It’s about 15mins walk westward along Wuying Street from Yilan Train Station. Alternatively, take a longer path along the Jiucheng South Road past Zhongshan Park and the Memorial Hall of Founding of Yilan Administration for a more scenic route. Open daily 8am – 5pm.

Yuanshan 員山

The main reason to visit this rather rural part of western Yilan is for the Whisky Distillery.

Kavalan Whisky Distillery 金車噶瑪蘭蘭威士忌酒廠

Whisky might not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to Yilan, but the pristine water from the adjacent Snow Mountain (Xueshan) has apparently contributed to the high quality whisky that is made here in Kavalan Whisky Distiller y and has been winning international awards in recent years.

You can visit the museum part of the distillery which shows you the machines and walks you through how whisky is made – free tours in English and Chinese are available, but the part most people are excited about is the free whisky tasting session that happens ever hour on the hour. This is where all the tour groups converge so it can get pretty hectic. No one is quite paying attention to the person talking and are mostly focused on sampling what they have on their table.

If you prefer something a little more exclusive, pay to do a smaller private tasting where you can choose some of the more premium options. I did a paid workshop where I got to make my own blend of whisky from 3 different whiskies, which I thought was quite fun!

I last visited in 2019, but in 2020 they launched the fancy looking Kavalan Whisky Bar which I hope to visit soon! The selection of whisky-based cocktails looks really nice. If you’re curious about the name Kavalan, that’s an old name for Yilan County derived from the indigenous people.

How to get there:   No. 326, Section 2, Yuanshan Road, Yuanshan . It is a little bit out of the way amidst agricultural land – I rode there on a scooter but if you are taking public transport, you can take the E-Lan Bus #752 from Yilan Transfer Station and stop at Yuanshan Farmers’ Alliance Cheng Kung Branch 員山農會成功分部.

Read my original post about bottling my own customised whisky bottle at Kavalan Whisky Distillery

Jim and Dad’s Brewing Company 吉姆老爹啤酒工場

If you prefer craft beer over whisky, just further down the road from the whisky distillery is Jim and Dad’s Brewing Company which is worth checking out since you are all the way out in this rather rural spot already. It looks like a large mansion with a 5-storey rotunda viewing tower. It’s mostly a place where you can eat and drink craft beers – the main hall has lofty ceilings and a warm wooden finishing, but you can book a brewery tour beforehand if you have a large enough group.

If you’re on your own and driving yourself, you can pick up a few bottles to enjoy at your own leisure back at your accommodation which is what I did – J&D sell their beers all around Taiwan as well.

How to get there:   No. 411, Section 2, Yuanshan Road, Yuanshan . I rode there on a scooter but if you are taking public transport, you can take the E-Lan Bus #752 from Yilan Transfer Station and stop at Xiashengou (Fengcaiguan)下深溝 (蜂采館).

Jiaoxi 礁溪

Two words describe Jiaoxi: Hot Springs.

Hot Springs

I headed to Jiaoxi on a rather cool evening to check out the hot springs that they had to offer. This town is famous for its sodium bicarbonate hot spring waters which have made it into quite a touristy hot spot. Everywhere you turn is a hot spring hotel in this town!

I was looking for a bit more privacy than the public hot springs at Tangweigou Hot Spring Park 湯圍溝溫泉公園, so I found this cute hot spring facility on Klook [affiliate link] called Hot Spring Onion 蔥澡 . Unlike your traditional hot spring bath facilities which tend to be very dark and grey stone-based, this one was youthful and hip, and I enjoyed my hour or so soaking in this lovely bath.

How to get there: No. 77, Section 5, Jiaoxi Road, Jiaoxi Township . Hot Spring Onion is a short 5-minute walk from the Jiaoxi train station. I rode on a scooter so I simply found the nearest parking and walked over.

Soaking in hot springs gets you really hungry, so the rest of the town is dedicated to feeding the hungry. I wandered down a nearby street and found myself at Yu Jen Babao Bean Thread 玉仁八寶冬粉 – which really translates into Yu Jen 8 Treasure glass noodles, the star dish in this little eatery. The hot bowl of noodle soup packed with 8 different yummy ingredients was the perfect end to a rainy night and a good hot soak.

How to get there:   No. 131, Section 2, Zhongshan Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County . Near the junction with Deyang Street and very close to the Jiaoxi Train Station.

Read about Hot Spring Onion and more about my favourite Hot Springs in Taiwan . I’d recommend checking out Su’ao Cold Springs in the southern bit of Yilan as well.

The northernmost county of Yilan

Lanyang Museum 蘭陽博物館

One of the places I definitely wanted to visit in Yilan is this rather unusual building that houses the Lanyang Museum . Lanyang is a name that refers to the plains of Yilan and its people, and this museum was built to look like the mountains that surrounded the area.

Inside the building are several floors of exhibitions that show you the history and geography of Yilan which I found very interesting – mountains, oceans and the land come together in a unique natural combinations here in Yilan. There are English translations as well, so if you felt a bit lost while exploring spots like Su’ao or Turtle Island, the museum does a great job of explaining their origins and history in interesting ways.

How to get there:   No. 750, Section 3, Qingyun Road, Toucheng Township, Yilan County . Take the train to Toucheng Station and either take a 20min walk or local buses 1766, 1767, 1877 or GR18. The museum is located right next to the Wushi Harbour and Wushi Harbour Bus Interchange.

Wai’ao Beach 外澳沙灘

Wai’ao Beach is a stretch of black sand beach located just north of Wushi Harbour and the Lanyang Museum. This is a popular spot for surfers, though when I visited in November it was pretty rainy and kinda choppy, so no surfers and swimming happening while I was there. I imagine during the warmer summer days, this would be a nice spot to chill out.

This is the furthest north I got in Yilan so far though – I was on an electric scooter and a bit concerned about running out of electricity if I went too far. Also, it got dark quickly in winter. I would like to see some of the other smaller towns along this stretch some day.

How to get there:  No. 6, Section 2, Binhai Road, Toucheng Township. You can walk over from the Lanyang Museum / Wushi Harbour or take a train that stops you at Wai’ao Train Station on the northern end of this long stretch of beach.

Guishandao / Turtle Island

One of Taiwan’s offshore islands, Guishandao actually does look like a turtle and makes for an interesting day trip with several activities like cruising through undersea sulphur hot springs that change the colour of the water, exploring an abandoned village, or climbing up the 401 Peak. If you love nature and up for something quite local, I highly recommend visiting Turtle Island.

NOTE: you need to apply for a permit/tour to visit the island, but it’s really not difficult to get, especially now that you can book directly through services like Klook [affiliate link] – this wasn’t available when I visited, so my guesthouse owner made the calls for me. If you go to the visitor centre at Wushi Harbour they can help you too, but you might need to prebook during peak holiday periods to guarantee a spot.

The island which is usually only open from March to November and most people like to combine it with a dolphin or whale watching tour and typically takes about 4 hours. I did something a little different and signed up for the 401 Peak tour which saw me climb up over 1,600 steps to the 401m high peak of Turtle Island – read more about that experience .

How to get there: Head to Wushi Harbour in Toucheng. You can book a tour at the harbour or prebook online via Klook [affiliate link] to take the boat to Turtle Island.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to visit Guishandao or Turtle Island as well as more on the Lanyang Museum

Other things to do

There’s still a lot of Yilan left to see! Here’s a list of things that I have yet to check out – tell me whether I should go see them or not:

• Toucheng north of Wai’ao: there looks like lots of scenic hiking spots around Dali and Beiguan. I’m just curious to see this quieter coastal stretch of Yilan
• Wufengqi scenic area: I didn’t have time to visit these natural spots around Jiaoxi, like the Linmei Shipan trail and Wufengqi waterfall
• Toucheng seaside forest park: there’s an interesting 8-sided tower people like to take pictures with here

Best time to visit Yilan

When it comes to the best seasons to travel in Taiwan, Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November) are usually a little cooler and less wet – check out this article I wrote for Skyscanner about the best times to visit Taiwan . For Yilan though, you have to be prepared for rain at anytime because of its coastal valley surroundings which makes the weather a bit more unpredictable.

Also another note about Yilan’s coastline: be very careful on the beaches at all times, particularly during the monsoon periods around mid June to September as Yilan has experienced some extreme weather and rogue waves sweeping people away in recent years. I’ve been warned by locals about keeping an eye out even just walking along the beach.

Yilan Festivals

If you want to experience some of Taiwan’s culture and Yilan customs, here are some unique Yilan festivals worth considering braving the crowds for:

• Qianggu 搶孤 [July/August]: On the last day of the seventh month on the Lunar Calendar (usually July or August), Toucheng hosts a festival called Qianggu of the Ghost Grappling Festival, a unique tradition that sees people compete to climb up giant greasy poles, all in the name of scaring away the wandering spirits during the “ghost month”. It sounds like an incredible bizarre sight to see but also gets immensely crowded.
• Jiaoxi Hot Spring Festival [December]: Hot spring town Jiaoxi has a month full of hot spring promotions and packages, perfect when it gets chilly

See the full calendar on the Yilan Tourism website .

Where to stay in Yilan City?

Yilan City is of course the most convenient option in this part of Yilan because of connectivity with the train and bus stations. Jiaoxi which is a little further north is also quite well connected as it is a popular hot spring spot and has many hot spring hotels.

I’ve mostly stayed in Luodong to date, but recently found a cute hotel in Yilan City that I adore:

Hotel/Hostel in Yilan City: Hangkhau Hotel 行口文旅

This boutique hotel has a perfect hipster cafe lobby and dining area, and also has an excellent location right next to the train station in Yilan City, as well as the quieter Dongmen Night Market. There are private rooms, but I stayed in a shared 10-bed dormitory which had spacious bunk beds with curtains and individual plugs. No. 14, Kangle Road, Yilan City, Yilan 260宜蘭縣宜蘭市康樂路14號 [ Google Maps ]

Taiwan Tales Day 4 – Li Yu Lake 鯉魚潭 and live jumping prawns

Taiwan Tales Day 7 – A stomach churning welcome to Lyudao

Cool things to do in Taipei in summer

Thursday 22nd of December 2022

Thank you ms seah. you information provided about yilan is most helpful for our next travel. we will stay in the hostel you recommend. thank you very much again. mei mei

Jaclynn Seah

Friday 23rd of December 2022

have a great trip!

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The city of Yilan is located in the central and most favored part of the Lanyang Plain. Streams and rivers provide a constant source of replenishment for the nutrients in the soil here, making Yilan a breadbasket county.

Yilan looks out to the sea on Taiwan's Northeast Coast, with mountains on the three other sides forming a unique geography that has nurtured an equally distinctive cultural landscape and human warmth. The county is home to Asia's second longest highway tunnel, the Hsuehshan Tunnel, which has reduced the driving time between Yilan and Taipei to less than 50 minutes. From natural environments and cold and hot springs to a wealth of ocean recreation resources and verdant country scenes, Yilan offers the perfect setting to slow down and enjoy nature at its best.

The Land of Sacred Trees Among Yilan's diverse arboreal attractions, the Qilan Sacred Trees Garden is one of the most unique. The garden is home to a hundred indigenous trees over a millennium old, including Formosan red false cypresses and Taiwan hinoki false cypresses. Each tree is named after a famous person contemporary with the birth year of the tree, adding a note of historic interest for visitors.

Whale and Dolphin Watching Surrounded by submarine hot springs that emit steam all year round, Guishan Island is a rare sight in the Pacific. The sea area here is a favorite haunt for whales and dolphins. The dolphins can often be seen jumping and spinning above the water in groups like ballet dancers, presenting a spectacle far different from what one sees at marine parks.

Night Market Snacking Taiwan has a plethora of popular snacks, from soy-marinated foods and stuffed starch ball desserts to oyster omelets and Chinese angelica mutton soup. All of these tasty dishes and more can be enjoyed at the Luodong Night Market and Yilan Night Market. There are also plenty of shops here selling inexpensive clothes and shoes.

Cold and Hot Springs For a relaxing hot spring soak, visitors to Yilan County can choose between the lowland hot springs of Jiaoxi Township and the carbonic acid cold springs in Su'ao Township, one of only two cold springs in Southeast Asia. The clear and tasteless spring water pampers your skin and embraces you, body and mind, in a world of relaxation

Yilan: A Natural Paradise with a Human Touch Yilan offers a welcome escape from the urban bustle with the tranquility of rustic B&Bs and the down-to-earth hospitality of farmer hosts.

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1. Jiaosi Hot Spring

2. National Center for Traditional Arts

3. Lanyang Museum

4. Luodong Night Market

5. Yilan Luodong Forestry Culture Park

6. Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area

7. Jimi Square - Yilan Station

8. Meihua Lake

9. Wufengchi Waterfall

10. Mingchih Forest Recreation Area

11. Dongshan River Water Park

12. Crayon Factory

13. Tangweigou Jiaosi Hot Spring Park

14. Suao Cold Spring

15. Waiao Beach

16. Linmei Shipan Trail

17. Qingshui Geothermal Park

18. Luodong Sports Park

19. Jioujhihze Hot Spring

20. Luna Plaza

21. Guishan Island

22. Bee Museum, The Honey House

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26. Yilan Dongmen night market

27. Neipi Beach

28. Yilan Longtan Lake

29. Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival

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The Top 13 Things to Do in Yilan, Taiwan

Sightseeing

The whole of Taiwan's east coast is incredibly beautiful and much less explored than cities along the west coast. Yilan is the easiest area to reach from Taipei and there are plenty of beautiful places to check out there. Here are some of the best things to do in Yilan that you can't miss out on.

table of contents

Guishan Island

Jianqing huaigu hiking trail, cueifong lake, yilan matcha mountain (shengmu hiking trail), jiaoxi hot springs, su'ao cold and hot springs, suhua highway, kavalan whiskey distillery, yilan national center for traditional arts, luodong night market, wai'ao beach, dong'ao bay and nanao beach, nanfangao harbor and neipi beach.

Photo by unterwegs/Shutterstock

Just off the northeast coast of Taiwan , Guishan Island or Turtle Island is a small but beautiful island that's a popular day trip from Yilan. The island and the surrounding waters are also a famous spot for whale and dolphin watching, which can often be seen during the boat tours of the island. Guishan's name (meaning turtle mountain) comes from the island looking like a turtle when viewed from several points around its coastline. See some more beautiful offshore islands around Taiwan here .

Getting to Guishan Island: While you can't actually stay on the island, boat trips leave from Wushi Harbor, just north of Yilan City. The tours normally circle around the island, pausing for whale watching if there are sightings around. You can also choose to set foot on the island for a short time, or for tours of just viewing the island from the boat. There is a daily quota for visitors to Guishan Island so make sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Yilan County Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area

Photo by Jack Hong/Shutterstock

If hiking along abandoned moss-covered railway tracks through misty mountain paths sounds like you're kind of thing, make sure to check out the Jianqing Huaigu Trail. This long-untouched stretch of nature feels like you're exploring a lost forgotten world, engulfed in clouds traversing along the old mountain logging railway, the Jiancing Line. It's one of many great hiking trails around Yilan County's Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area. As you pass through the eerie forest scenery, you'll start to get glimpses of the incredible scenery and vistas over the mountains of Taiwan.

The largest high mountain lake in Taiwan, Cueifong Lake sits at 1,840 meters in the mountains of Taipingshan. Due to its high elevation the lake is famous for its cloud-covered scenery, surrounded by mountains either side it's an incredible scenic spot. Take the Cueifong Circular Trail around the lake which also takes hikers up to various vantage points with beautiful sweeping vistas over the lake. It's also a popular hike during winter, as the area is one of the few places in Taiwan that often gets snow in the colder months. The white winter scene of Cueifong Lake is one of Taiwan's most beautiful snow scenery spots.

Named for the fluffy bright green slopes reminiscent of matcha powder, Mt. Sanjiaolun or Matcha Mountain is another of Yilan County's many popular hiking spots. Shengmu Hiking Trail (also called Marian Hiking Trail) traverses up the mountains from Wufengqi Scenic Area, passing by scenic spots like Wufengqi Waterfall and out towards the Yilan Plain.

Yilan Hot Springs

Photo by CHEN MIN CHUN/Shutterstock

The perfect antidote to too much hiking, Yilan is also famous for its hot springs, in particular Jiaoxi Hot Springs. Jiaoxi and the neighboring Tangweigou Hot Spring Park have a number of public hot spring baths, foot spas and high-end hot spring resorts with private baths. Most of the foot spa pools are free to use for visitors and are a great way to sooth the feet after too much walking. If you're coming straight from Taipei, you can get off at Jiaoxi Station, a couple of stops before Yilan Station.

Further to the south of Yilan, Su'ao is particularly famous for its cold springs, which is perfect for cooling off Taiwan's hot summer weather. With a pleasant average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, the water contains high levels of carbon dioxide and numerous minerals that are good for the skin. The carbon dioxide makes the water fizzy, making it feel like you're bathing in sparkling water.

Photo by Jeff Hung/Shutterstock

Also known as the Suao-Hualien Highway, the Suhua Highway is an epic 118-kilometre stretch of coastal road that connects Yilan with neighboring Hualien City . The dramatic mountain-meets-sea scenery around the coast here is absolutely stunning and warrants seeing and driving down once in a lifetime.

Photo by ironypoisoning/Flickr

In 2010 Taiwanese whisky brand Kavalan shocked whisky enthusiasts around the world when their single malt came number one at a blind tasting event in Scotland. Distilled in Yilan, Kavalan single malt is famous for its unique taste that comes from an intense aging process using high humidity and Taiwan's hot summer heat to make it taste like single malts aged for double or even triple the time. The Kavalan Whiskey Distillery is located just outside the city of Yilan, at the foothills of Taiwan's central mountain range. The name of the whisky comes from the indigenous Kavalan people, who have long lived in the area around Yilan. Along with providing tours, distillery has tasting rooms and a gift shop, perfect for buying some souvenirs from Taiwan.

Getting to Kavalan Whiskey Distillery: Take the No. 752 bus from Yilan Train Station (or Yilan Bus Station) or the 1744 bus towards Nanshan Village and get off at Wenyan Rd Station. To get to Kavalan Whiskey Distillery from Taipei, just get a train or bus to Yilan Station and then follow the above.

Things to Do in Yilan and Luodong City Area

Photo by Jason/Flickr

A short journey from Luodong, the National Center for Traditional Arts is an important tourist spot in Yilan aimed at promoting and developing traditional arts such as through performances and exhibitions. The main street for the center feels like walking back in time with its old fashioned style buildings and traditional architecture.

One of the largest night markets in Taiwan, Luodong Night Market is the place to go for snacks and street food in Yilan. A Zao Bo Angelica Mutton Soup is one of the oldest and most famous stalls in the night market, but there are plenty of delicious places to eat. Luodong Night Market is focused on mainly street food and doesn't offer much shopping or other entertainment like some markets. Zheng Ji Run Bing (鄭記潤餅) is another famous old vendor at Luodong that makes traditional Taiwanese style wraps known as run bing. While most tourists are a little apprehensive trying stinky tofu, one of Taiwan's most famous street foods, a street vendor at Luodong (堂堂薯臭薯條) offers stinky tofu fries. These deep fried wedges of stinky tofu are coated in cheese to create an ingenious take on a Taiwanese classic and much more approachable for most foreigners.

Other Things to Eat in Yilan

Photo by Kit Leong/Shutterstock

Beimen Garlic Pork Soup (北門蒜味肉羹) has been serving regulars its delicious meaty pork broth for over 50 years and is a staple of the area. Yilan is famous for growing green onions so it's no surprise you'll find some of the most delicious green onion pancakes all over the town. Also called spring onion pancakes or cong you bing, these are one of Taiwan's most famous snacks, you'll find them all over Yilan and at Luodong Night Market. You'll also find a lot of the common night market snacks come with a helping of green onions.

Best Beaches around Yilan

Photo by CHC3537/Shutterstock

The most famous of Yilan's beaches, Wai'ao Beach is a long stretch of sandy beach north of Yilan city. From the beachfront you can get a beautiful view out towards Guishan Island on clear days. As Wai'ao Beach is close by to the Wushi Marina where boats leave for Guishan, you can easily visit both places in one day.

Dong'ao Bay and the nearby Nan-ao Beach are popular spots along the coast of Yilan. The beach at Dong'ao Bay is popular for its beautiful scenery, although it's mostly a pebble beach there are some sandy parts. Nan-ao is particularly famous for the coastal caves such as Mystery Beach Sea Cave located right next to the beachfront.

Photo by YUSHENG HSU/Shutterstock

A small coastal fishing town and port in Yilan, just south of Suao Cold Springs, Nanfangao Harbor is a popular spot to visit seafood markets and restaurants selling freshly caught produce from earlier in the day. Neipi Beach is just in front of Nanfangao Harbor and is surrounded by beautiful scenery from the adjacent mountains.

Recommended Hotel in Yilan

Lakeshore hotel suao.

Lakeshore Hotel Suao is one of the most popular hotels around Yilan, offering both hot spring baths and the famous cold spring baths in rooms for its guests. The four star hotel is in Suao, about 30 minutes drive from Yilan City. Rooms also have ocean views which is perfect for staying at to view the sunrise, a popular activity due to Yilan's east-facing direction.

Getting from Taipei to Yilan

While it once took over two hours to drive around the coast from Taipei to Yilan, nowadays the journey can be done by car in about 45 minutes through the Hsuehshan Tunnel which cuts through the mountains. By public transport you can take the train from Taipei Main Station to Yilan Station (Tze-Chiang Limited Express 238 towards Hualien) which takes just over an hour. The slower train (Fuxing / Shuttle 4216) takes over two hours but is cheaper and often not booked as quickly. There are also buses from multiple places around Taipei to Yilan Bus Station which takes over an hour.

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Must-Visit Attractions in Yilan Tourist Factories

Posted on 23 April 2023

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Top Things to Do in Yilan, Taiwan

Places to visit in yilan, explore popular experiences, ways to tour yilan.

• 9 Hour Northeast Coast Bay View Tour in Yilan

• Full-Day Private Custom Yilan Tour from Taipei

5-day Taiwan Family Fun Private Tour

Private 7 Day Tour in East Taiwan

• Private Tour to Yilan Kavalan Whisky Distillery

• Hualien Taroko Day Tour From Ximending

Yilan 1-Day Private Tour to Kavalan Whisky & Cultural Gems

Private Yilan Green Expo Day Tour from Taipei

Northern Taiwan (Taipei, New Taipei City, Yilan County) 3-Day Tour

• Taipei Northeast Corner Private Day Tour

Private Sightseeing Tours

Top Attractions in Yilan

Multi-day Tours

Cultural Tours

Tours & sightseeing, what travellers are saying.

• Aohua Waterfall
• Guangsing Farm
• Yi Lan King Car Toucheng Afforestation Park
• Jiaosi Hot Spring
• Wufengchi Waterfall
• Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area
• Meihua Lake
• Tangweigou Jiaosi Hot Spring Park
• Lanyang Museum
• Yilan Luodong Forestry Culture Park
• National Center for Traditional Arts