Yilan: Discover Taiwan’s Tranquil Gem of Nature, Culture, and Hot Springs
Located in the verdant northeast corner of Taiwan, Yilan is a place where lush mountains, bubbling hot springs, charming small towns, and the serene beauty of the coastline combine to create a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life. This scenic region offers everything from immersive nature experiences to rich cultural encounters, making it one of Taiwan’s hidden gems for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, and tradition.
Often overshadowed by nearby Taipei or Hualien, Yilan has been attracting more attention in recent years for its beautiful landscapes, its hot springs, and its proximity to some of Taiwan’s most pristine coastlines. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast eager to hike up a mountain trail, a foodie wanting to sample fresh local delicacies, or a traveler looking to unwind in a tranquil retreat, Yilan is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy life’s simpler pleasures.
📍 Where Is Yilan?
Yilan is located in the northeastern part of Taiwan, nestled between the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Central Mountain Range to the west. It is easily accessible from Taipei, just about an hour by train or car.
Getting there:
By Train: The TRA (Taiwan Railways) offers frequent services from Taipei to Yilan city, with a journey time of around 1 hour.
By Car: From Taipei, it takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to drive via the North-South Freeway (No. 5) or the Suhua Highway along the coastline.
By Bus: Several bus services connect Taipei and Yilan, with various departure points in Taipei city.
🌟 Why Visit Yilan?
🏞️ Beautiful Nature & Outdoor Activities – Rolling mountains, lush forests, waterfalls, and coastline.
🛀 Hot Springs – Yilan is known for its natural hot spring resorts, perfect for relaxation.
🍇 Local Produce & Cuisine – Yilan boasts fresh seafood, locally grown fruits, and unique specialties.
🏙️ Traditional Culture & Festivals – A rich indigenous and cultural heritage to explore.
🐉 Peaceful Vibe – Escape from the city hustle and immerse yourself in nature and serenity.
🏞️ Top Attractions in Yilan
1. National Center for Traditional Arts (國立傳統藝術中心)
This cultural center in Wujie Township is a must-visit for those interested in Taiwan’s folk traditions and indigenous culture. It showcases a variety of performances, exhibits, and workshops related to Taiwan’s craftsmanship, music, dance, and more.
Don’t Miss:
Traditional puppet shows
Indigenous craft markets
Interactive exhibits about Taiwan’s ethnic diversity
2. Jiaoxi Hot Springs (礁溪溫泉)
Yilan is famous for its natural hot springs, and Jiaoxi is one of the most popular places to experience them. The hot springs here are known for their therapeutic mineral properties and are often combined with wellness resorts offering stunning mountain views.
Best for:
Relaxing in open-air baths
Visiting Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park, where you can enjoy free foot baths by the river
Wellness spas with traditional Taiwanese treatments
3. Wulai Waterfall & Indigenous Village (烏來瀑布與原住民村)
Located just outside of Yilan County in nearby New Taipei City, Wulai is famous for its stunning waterfall and its rich indigenous culture. You can take a cable car to get panoramic views of the valley or explore the traditional Atayal indigenous village, where you can experience their art, food, and handicrafts.
4. Lanyang Museum (蘭陽博物館)
Situated along the coastline in Toucheng, this sleek, modern museum showcases the natural history and cultural heritage of the Yilan region. It offers fascinating exhibits on the local ecology, geology, and history, as well as stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Don’t Miss:
Exhibits on Taiwan’s indigenous peoples and coastal ecology
A unique architectural design inspired by local culture
5. Dongshan River Water Park (冬山河親水公園)
A great spot for a family day out, the Dongshan River Water Park offers lush green spaces, bike paths, and water activities. Visitors can rent bicycles and explore the scenic trails that run along the river or paddle in the calm river waters.
Best for:
Bike rentals and cycling around scenic spots
Boat rides along the river
Picnics and outdoor relaxation
6. Toucheng Old Street (頭城老街)
Toucheng Old Street offers a charming glimpse into Taiwan’s traditional market life, with street vendors selling local delicacies, fresh fruits, and souvenirs. This quiet town by the coast also has some beautiful historical architecture and cozy teahouses.
Try:
Freshly made Taiwanese cakes and rice dumplings
Traditional soy sauce, which has been produced here for generations
7. Taiwan East Coast National Scenic Area
Although the majority of this scenic area extends into the eastern part of Taiwan, parts of it lie in Yilan. The area is known for its rugged coastline, mountainous terrain, and tropical forests.
Best activities here:
Hiking trails leading to beautiful cliffside viewpoints
Scenic drives along the coastal roads
Whale watching and water sports along the coast
🍊 What to Eat in Yilan?
Yilan is a culinary destination in itself, with fresh seafood, locally grown fruits, and traditional Taiwanese snacks. The region is particularly famous for its rich agricultural produce and seafood markets.
Local Delicacies:
Spring Onion Pancakes (蔥油餅) – A savory, crispy pancake made with fresh spring onions.
Yilan Rice Noodles (宜蘭米粉) – Slender, chewy noodles served with pork, chicken, or vegetables.
Sanxing Shallots (三星蔥) – Famous for their distinctive flavor, these shallots are used in a wide range of local dishes.
Bitter Gourd Soup (苦瓜湯) – A healthy local dish often paired with other vegetables and meat.
Yilan Pineapple Cake (宜蘭鳳梨酥) – Sweet and delicious pineapple cakes made with the region’s famous pineapples.
Fresh Seafood – Particularly shrimp, fish, and clams, often served in hot pots or as part of a traditional Taiwanese seafood feast.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Yilan
Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.
Summer (June–August): Warmer weather, great for beach days and hot springs, though expect occasional rain.
Autumn (September–November): Perfect for clear skies, cool weather, and vibrant foliage.
Winter (December–February): Cooler temperatures, great for hot spring soaks and cozy getaways.
📍 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the Cultural Side of Yilan
Visit National Center for Traditional Arts
Explore Jiaoxi Hot Springs and enjoy a foot bath
Discover Toucheng Old Street for a traditional market experience
Day 2: Nature and Relaxation
Take a trip to Wulai Waterfall and explore the indigenous village
Spend the afternoon at the Dongshan River Water Park, cycling or boating
End the day with a relaxing soak in Jiaoxi’s hot springs
Day 3: Coastal Beauty
Head to Lanyang Museum and enjoy its architecture and coastal views
Visit the scenic beaches and enjoy fresh seafood along the coast
Hike along part of the Taiwan East Coast National Scenic Area
🌟 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Yilan
Yilan is a place to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re soaking in the therapeutic waters of the hot springs, hiking through lush green hills, or indulging in delicious local food, Yilan offers a perfect balance of tranquility, culture, and adventure. It’s a slower-paced alternative to Taiwan’s urban cities, allowing you to take a breath, step back, and truly experience the island’s beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
From the indigenous villages to the coastal roads, Yilan is a peaceful retreat that captures the heart of Taiwan’s nature and spirit—and is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
Top Tips for Visiting Yilan: Taiwan’s Nature-Lover’s Retreat
Just a short trip from the urban buzz of Taipei, Yilan County is a refreshing escape known for its lush mountains, hot springs, rice paddies, and relaxing coastal towns. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer countryside retreat, Yilan is the perfect blend of nature, food, and local culture. Here are some must-know tips to help you make the most of your visit to this hidden gem in northeastern Taiwan.
🚗 1. Getting There: Know Your Options
Yilan is only about 1–2 hours from Taipei, making it a popular day-trip or weekend destination. You can get there by:
Train: Scenic and affordable; book a seat in advance for express trains.
Bus: Budget-friendly and convenient from Taipei City Hall or Taipei Main Station.
Car with Driver: Best option for families or groups who want to explore multiple spots without hassle.
✅ Pro Tip: Avoid traveling during national holidays — the road through the Xueshan Tunnel can get seriously jammed!
🏞️ 2. Explore the Outdoors
Yilan is known for its breathtaking natural scenery. Must-visit spots include:
Taipingshan: A misty mountain forest with ancient trees and hiking trails
Qingshui Geothermal Park: Boil eggs in natural hot springs!
Wufengqi Waterfalls: A three-tiered waterfall hike near Jiaoxi
Lanyang Museum: For a deeper look at Yilan’s natural and cultural heritage
✅ Bring: Rain gear and good walking shoes — the weather can shift quickly in the mountains.
🌾 3. Slow Down and Enjoy the Countryside
Yilan isn’t just about famous sights — it’s also about the pace of life. Stay in a minsu (local guesthouse), rent a bike to ride past rice fields in Dongshan, or enjoy a tea-tasting session in Luodong.
✅ Pro Tip: Book accommodation in Luodong, Jiaoxi, or Dongshan for the most authentic local vibes.
🌊 4. Soak in a Hot Spring in Jiaoxi
One of the top attractions in Yilan is Jiaoxi, a town famous for its natural hot springs. Many hotels and spas offer both private and public pools.
✅ Don’t Miss: Foot-soaking pools around town (they’re free!) and a night dip at one of the local hot spring hotels.
🍧 5. Eat Local and Seasonal
Yilan is a paradise for food lovers. Try:
Scallion pancakes – Yilan’s green onions are famous!
Red yeast pork – A local specialty
Peanut ice cream rolls – Perfect for hot afternoons
Fresh seafood – Especially in Toucheng or Wai’ao
✅ Tip: Visit Luodong Night Market or Dongmen Night Market for the best variety of local snacks.
🪁 6. Release a Sky Lantern in Pingxi (Nearby)
While not technically in Yilan, Pingxi is just next door and easily accessible. Writing wishes on a sky lantern and releasing it into the sky is a classic Taiwan experience — and makes for great photos.
✅ Plan: Combine this with a visit to Shifen Waterfall or a hike in the area.
🚴 7. Rent a Bike for a Scenic Ride
Yilan’s flatlands are perfect for biking. Popular bike paths include:
Dongshan River Cycling Path – Beautiful, quiet, and ideal for families
Lanyang River Trail – Great for sunrise or sunset rides
Meihua Lake Loop – A peaceful, easy ride with mountain views
✅ Bring: Sunscreen, hat, and water — it can get sunny and warm during the day.
📷 8. Visit the Instagrammable Spots
Yilan has plenty of beautiful, photo-worthy locations:
Mr. Brown Castle Café – A European-style coffee spot with sweeping views
Jimmy Park – A whimsical art park based on famous Taiwanese picture books
Yilan Distillery Chia Chi Lan Liquor Museum – Great for photos and a taste of local rice wine
☔ 9. Prepare for Rain
Yilan is lush for a reason — it rains often, especially in winter and spring. But don’t let the weather stop you! There are many indoor attractions like museums, hot springs, and tea houses.
✅ Always bring: A compact umbrella or raincoat, just in case.
💳 10. Use an EasyCard and Travel Light
Your EasyCard (Taiwan’s transport card) works in Yilan for buses and local trains, and it’s accepted at most convenience stores and even hot spring foot baths.
✅ Pro Tip: Travel light and dress in layers — mountain weather can be unpredictable.
Final Thoughts
Yilan is where Taiwan slows down and breathes. Whether you’re soaking in a hot spring, sipping tea beside a rice field, or biking through the misty countryside, you’ll feel a special kind of calm that city life just can’t offer.
Take your time, follow the rhythm of the land, and let Yilan surprise you.