(opening)
Just next to Taipei in northeastern Taiwan lies Yilan (or Ilan) County, set on the Lanyang (Yilan) Plain. Surrounded by mountains, cliffs, and beautiful scenery, it’s an easy addition to any Taiwan itinerary. You can get around on the local train line, or explore further by scooter or rented bicycle.
Yilan’s weather features warm summers up to 33°C and mild winters that can dip to 13°C. Rainfall is common year-round, so pack accordingly.
Getting To Yilan From Taipei
By Bus
- Capital Star operated bus from Taipei City Hall Bus Station at Taipei City Hall MRT Station to Yilan Station (NT$131)
- Kamalan operated bus from Taipei Bus Station at Taipei Main MRT Station to Yilan Station (NT$140)
- It takes around 1 to 1.5 hours and tickets can be purchased online or on-site
By Railway
- Express trains: Tze-Chiang, Puyuma or Taroko train from Taipei Main Station to Yilan Station takes about an hour, at around NT$170 to NT$220
- Local train from Taipei Main Station to Yilan takes around 2.5 hours, at around NT$140
With its proximity to Taipei, Yilan is a popular stop for tourists. For those planning a trip, checking a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy won’t help here—but knowing that express trains cut the journey to about an hour makes day-tripping easy. The local train, while slower at 2.5 hours, costs less. Both options drop you at Yilan Station, close to the town’s attractions. From there, you can explore the area’s unique sights and activities. Whether you prioritize speed or budget, the railway offers a straightforward connection from the capital. Choose your train based on your schedule and preference, then dive into the 14 best things to do in Yilan.
Taste Yilan’s Specialities At The Night Markets
[caption id="attachment_72364" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Photo by Andy L on Flickr[/caption]
Bustling Night Markets are a vital part of Taiwan’s culture, offering street food, apparel, games, and fashion stalls. Luodong Night Market is the most famous in Yilan, perfect for sampling local snacks and desserts that are both delicious and affordable.
Some Must-Tries:
- Mutton Soup
- Spring Onion Pancake
- Dragon Phoenix Rolls
- Tapioca with Red Bean Fillings
- Scallion Pancakes
- Peanut Roll with Ice-cream
Take In The Sight Of Wufengchi (Wufengqi) Waterfalls
[caption id="attachment_74224" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Photo by Pipi on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Situated in Jiaxi Township, the Wufengchi Waterfalls boast a great view of nature, as well as a picturesque landscape. Three spectacular waterfalls are tiered along the hiking trail, drawing both locals and tourists alike. The total vertical height of the waterfalls is around 100m.
It is easy to be mesmerised by the sight before you — watching the gentle streams of water, and letting the sounds of the waters falling rhythmically down the pools below wash over you. For those planning a broader Taiwan itinerary, this spot pairs well with a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy only if you’re comparing climates—otherwise, stick to the trail’s own seasonal charm.
Have Fun At Dongshan Water Park
[caption id="attachment_72417" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Photo by Bevis Chen on Flickr[/caption]
“Get Close to Water, Embrace Green.” — this is the slogan of Dongshan Water Park, located at Wujie Township, Yilan.
This outdoor water park sits along Dongshan River and offers a mix of recreation and nature. Inside, you’ll find an ecological conservation area, a water activities zone, an outdoor theatre, and other leisure facilities. Rent a bicycle to cycle the park’s trail while taking in the river breeze and views.
The park hosts the annual Dragon Boat Festival and the International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival, making it a top pick for families—especially those with kids—seeking a fun, laid-back day out.
4.
Take A Long And Relaxing Dip In The Hot Springs
[caption id="attachment_72422" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Photo by Yusuke Kawasaki on Flickr[/caption]
When talking about Yilan, you can’t forget about its hot springs in Jiaoxi Township. The town is known for its clear and odourless hot springs due to its alkaline base. Even so, the hot springs still contain substantial amounts of minerals.
Many hotels in the town have hot springs and spas so you can easily relax in any one of them. What’s more, there is also a stream of free foot hot springs in the centre of Jiaoxi, as well as hot spring fish pools.
If you’re in Yilan, it’s always a good idea to take a relaxing night off in the midst of your trip to dip in the warm waters.
Cool Down In The Cold Springs
[caption id="attachment_72426" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Photo by Ming-yen Hsu on Flickr[/caption]
If you prefer something cooler, or for a more unique experience, try the cold springs in Su’ao Township—the perfect activity on a hot and sweltering summer day in Yilan.
The cold springs in Su’ao are one-of-a-kind in Taiwan. These carbonated springs are odourless and clear; it feels like you’re soaking in soda as the water bubbles around you. Interestingly, you can consume the water and use it to make food as well.
The temperature hovers around 22°C, easily cooling your body as you immerse yourself. The water is also said to have healing and rejuvenating properties.
Visit The National Centre For Traditional Arts
[caption id="attachment_72382" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Photo by Bernard Gagnon on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
The National Centre for Traditional Arts in Wujie, Yilan preserves traditional arts in a setting of period-style streets and architecture that instantly transports you back in time. Admission is NT$150, with discounts for students, children, and seniors.
Visitors can learn and make traditional handicrafts to take home, try traditional activities and games, and browse souvenir stalls along the streets. The site also offers a variety of traditional food and outdoor stage performances.
From the exhibition centre to the traditional temple, this complex delivers both enrichment and entertainment—a solid pick for anyone mapping out their own top 10 National and State parks to see in the region, though here the focus is culture rather than nature.
7.
Revisit Your Childhood At Lucky Art Crayon Factory
[caption id="attachment_72429" align="alignnone" width="732"]
Photo by the official website (lucky-art.com.tw)[/caption]
Lucky Art Crayon Factory in Su’ao Township is one of the few places in Yilan where a crayon factory still stands and where you can also learn about crayons.
A haven for children, the factory is definitely a place where young kids will get excited and starry-eyed for. Tickets are NT$200 per person, and you can redeem NT$100 on the factory’s products. There are also plenty of engaging DIY activities, from making your own markers and crayons to face painting. It’s a great place to enjoy learning all about crayons and to invoke your creativity.
While the factory seems to be targeted at children, the process and activities can also be equally enjoyable for adults too!
Take A Peek At Kavalan Distillery
[caption id="attachment_72435" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Photo by ironypoisoning on Flickr[/caption]
If you like whisky, you won’t regret visiting the Kavalan Distillery in Yuanshan Township, Yilan. Kavalan is Taiwan’s most popular and original whisky brand, and it’s also award-winning and a global favorite. There’s no entrance fee, and the hourly tour is free as well. For any whisky or alcohol geeks, adding this place to your itinerary will be a rewarding experience—you’ll get to taste one of the world’s best whiskies, blend some yourself, and learn about the actual process of making the renowned alcohol. It’s a hands-on stop that pairs well with a broader Yilan itinerary, much like checking off a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy before planning a trip.
9.
Spend Some Time At Yilan Lanyang Museum
[caption id="attachment_72390" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Photo by othree on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Yilan Lanyang Museum’s iconic pyramid-like structure mimics the shape of a cuesta, a distinctive rock formation. Located outside Wushigang Harbour in Toucheng Township, the museum is easy to spot.
General admission is NT$100, with discounts for students and groups.
Inside, each floor follows a topographical theme: The Mountains (4F), The Plains (3F), and The Sea (2F). The first floor houses a Time Gallery and a Kid’s Land. Exhibits trace the development of the Yilan Plains over time.
A visit here is both educational and immersive, offering a space to imagine and connect with the natural environment.
Check Out Yilan Brick Kiln
[caption id="attachment_72392" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Photo by Alice on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Preserved since the 1990s, this historical site began as a brick manufacturing factory in Bejin Village. Slated for demolition at the time, it was instead converted into the museum visitors see today.
The Brick Kiln features thirteen individual rectangular kilns lined up in a row, with a tall chimney at the end. Visitors can step inside each kiln to examine the historical architecture up close.
Visit The Brick Ark Museum
[caption id="attachment_72439" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Photo by pang yu liu on Flickr[/caption]
If you love Lego, the Brick Ark Museum is for you. It houses a variety of brick structures and statues, with masterpieces by famous local and U.S. Lego artists that will inspire any fan.
The exhibits let visitors of all ages appreciate creative block art, featuring characters from famous cartoons alongside real-life places and items—a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Entry costs NT$200, and the ticket includes a DIY session where you can build and take home your own brick souvenirs.
12.
Walk Around The Magical Jimmy (Jimi) Square
[caption id="attachment_72441" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Photo by pang yu liu on Flickr[/caption]
Sceneries and natural landscapes aren’t the only beautiful things you can photograph in Yilan. Take a walk down Jimmy Square and be captured by the interactive displays around.
Located just south of Yilan Station, Jimmy Square is the physical manifestation of the magical adventures in children’s picture books. Illustrations by Jimmy Liao, an acclaimed illustrator from Taiwan, are brought to life through the structures and statues built around Jimmy Square and its nearby park.
It’s a place where children’s fantasies can be fulfilled. There are many opportunities to take photographs too. Ignite the childhood spirit in you and bring your family along to this unique attraction!
Chill At Mr. Brown Castle Cafe
[caption id="attachment_72443" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Photo by Wei-Te Wong on Flickr[/caption]
Sitting on top of a mountain in Toucheng Township, Mr. Brown Castle Cafe offers a splendid view of the surrounding coastal landscape. Its exterior is designed like a castle, with two stories and a rooftop that provides a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the sea and Turtle Island. The cafe serves a variety of food and beverages, and outdoor seating is available.
Access is only by car or taxi, but it’s worth the trip. Spend an afternoon taking in the sights, or chill at the cafe after visiting nearby Waiao Beach.
Go To Turtle (Guishan) Island
[caption id="attachment_72447" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Photo by Joe Lo on Flickr[/caption]
Turtle Island is the largest island in Yilan, situated 10 kilometres east of the Toucheng Township. Its shape resembles a turtle, and it holds Taiwan’s only active volcano. In 1977, due to harsh living conditions, residents were relocated off the island.
You can take a comfortable boat tour around the island to watch whales, dolphins, and flying fish play in the ocean. Landing on the island requires a special permit applied for in advance. The island hosts a rich ecosystem and underwater hot springs, plus cliffs and caves to explore and hike.
Fun Fact: Depending on where you stand onshore, the “turtle head” can face either left or right.
If you’re planning a trip, check a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy for packing inspiration—though Yilan’s climate differs, layering works well for sea breezes here too. For outdoor enthusiasts, this spot rivals the top 10 National and State parks to see for its unique volcanic terrain.
Be Surprised by Yilan
A trip to Taipei is fun and all, however, don’t miss out on a chance to visit Yilan and its unique attractions! If you are in Taipei, you can easily take a bus or train out to Yilan and spend a few fun-filled days immersed in Yilan’s culture.
