Yilan

Yilan is a vibrant county on Taiwan's northeast coast, known for its dramatic coastline, hot springs, and thriving food scene. It offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, making it an ideal stop on a self-drive tour of Taiwan's east coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Taiping Mountain – A forested retreat with hiking trails, the iconic “Banger’s Path” (a narrow-gauge railway turned walking trail), and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
• Wulaokeng (Wulao Valley) – A scenic valley known for its terraced fields, hot springs, and the Wulao Creek, perfect for a relaxing soak or a riverside picnic.
• Dongshan River Water Park – A sprawling park with cycling paths, boating, and the annual Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival.
• National Center for Traditional Arts – A living museum showcasing Taiwanese crafts, performances, and traditional architecture, with hands-on workshops.
• Jiaoxi Hot Springs – A popular hot spring town where you can soak in public foot baths or private resorts, especially after a day of hiking.
• Yilan Distillery Chia Chi Lan Wine Museum – Learn about the production of Taiwan’s famous Kavalan whisky and sample local brews.
• Lanyang Museum – An architectural landmark shaped like a mountain ridge, with exhibits on the region's geology, ecology, and culture.

Suggested Time to Spend

Yilan is best explored over 2 to 3 days. Spend a day visiting Taiping Mountain and the nearby hot springs, a second day exploring the coast and traditional arts center, and a third day for the southern valleys or simply relaxing. The county is compact enough to use as a base for day trips, but you'll want to move slowly to savor the hot springs and local food.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Taipei – Just a 40-minute drive via the Hsuehshan Tunnel, Taipei offers urban contrasts and easy access to Yilan.
• Hualien – About 2 hours south along the scenic Suhua Highway, Hualien is the gateway to Taroko Gorge.
• Taroko National Park – Taiwan’s most famous marble gorge, with incredible hiking trails and temples.
• Northeast Coast National Scenic Area – Stretching from Yilan to Taipei, this coastline features sea-carved rock formations, lighthouses, and fishing villages.
• Wulai – A mountainous area south of Taipei known for hot springs and Atayal indigenous culture.

Please check official sources for current details.