Things to do & places to visit in Yilan, Taiwan

The natural beauty of Yilan flows like an enchanted river. The surrounding county is lush with waterfalls, lakes, rivers and botanical gardens. You can spend your vacation immersed in a watery paradise, swimming, surfing, white water rafting or simply taking in the scenery. If you prefer to soak up culture, Yilan offers museums that highlight traditional crafts and natural wonders, including Bei Guan Leisure Farm, known for its head-scratching exhibits of live crabs that live in boiling volcanic springs. A street snack from the Luodong Night Market is simply a must.

Yilan #8 destination in Taiwan 2023. The average rating score is 4.18 based on 7.989 traveler reviews, of 288 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Taipei, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 23:04.

Top things to do (24)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

4.5 Lanyang Museum (575 reviews)
- A stunning architecture, an excellent museum
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

The museum is a modern building with unusual architectural features. Inside there are permanent and temporary exhibitions showing the natural and human history of Yilan. The exhibition is well-designed and quite impressive. The legend of Count de Benyowsky is of most interest to me. Maurice Benyowsky (1746-1786 AD) was a well-known adventurer and writer of the Kingdom of Hungary (present Slovakia). In 1771, he landed on the coast of Yilan and stayed for over ten days. The museum itself is an artwork. It is a must for architecture and design lovers. See more..
4.5 Wufengchi Waterfall (355 reviews)
- Beautiful and short hike
Spent 2-3 hours Waterfalls

This is a wonderful waterfall not to be missed. Realised only locals go there and not tourist by coach as one needs to walk around 20 minutes at least to reach from the parking area. It is definitely a worth while fall to visit in Yilan. See more..
4.5 Jiaosi Hot Spring (320 reviews)
- Jiaosi offers more than just hot springs
Spent 2-3 hours Hot Springs & Geysers

We love Jiaosi largely becuse of the hot springs, both public park for the feet and hotel in room private and common pools for guests. But also, right by the train station are some shops with some of the best snack food (peanuts...) to load up on. And hiking trails with water falls. Plenty of active temples, like anywhere else. Convient by bus or train . There is history, vanishing fast, like the old battery factory, now just a bus stop name. Visiting Turtle Island or Yilan or LuoDong night market- all easy and close to Jiaoxi. I must admit, I've never visited the coast; maybe next time. See more..
4.5 Yilan Luodong Forestry Culture Park (220 reviews)
- Relaxing
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Spending an hour or so walking along the trails was relaxing and enjoyable. This is not your foreign visitors destination if you have limited time in Taiwan, but if you happened to be in this area and wondering what to do, this is a nice option. Check out the tiny museum inside the Japanese type buildings. Learn about the logging industry in this area. See more..
4.5 Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area (166 reviews)
- A wonderful trip
Friday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Mountains • Forests

Taipingshan area is a broad region that includes Tuchang, Hatonozawa, Jhongjian, Taipingshan, Maosing and Cueifong Lake. It is also regarded as one of Taiwan’s three major forestlands in addition to Alishan and Basianshan. The old lumber transportation railroad and lumber collecting machines have been left as relics of the past lumbering business. The Bong Bong train, hot spring, alpine lake, giant forest and Taiwan beech trees (Fagus, Fagus hayatae) reflect more than one hundred years of historical trails of the Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area. See more..
4.5 Crayon Factory (123 reviews)
- Kids loved it!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We were travelling with 5 children ranging from 2~9 and they all enjoyed it! There were 5 DIY's to do (colouring with emboss, DIY markers, 2 DIY crayons, and 1 DIY body tattoo) and the entrance fee included a credit for shopping at their souvenir shop. We've been to the Pencil factory- but if you had to pick one, we would recommend the crayon factory. See more..
4.5 Waiao Beach (90 reviews)
- The best beach in Yilan
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches

Waiao beach is always popular for locals and tourists, and it's so relaxing to spend your weekends here. See more..
4.5 Guishan Island (87 reviews)
- amazing boat trip around Turtle Island, saw hundreds of beautiful dolphins
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Islands

Nice boat, stunning views of Turtle Island, flying fish and hundreds of dolphins. We enjoyed the boat trip, the sun, the sea and the clouds. Wonderful photo opportunities ! See more..
4.5 Luodong Sports Park (85 reviews)
- A MUST-see!
Parks

When I first heard "sports park", I thought it didn't sound all that interesting. I was definitely wrong. The sports park is a BEAUTIFUL place with tons to do. There are all sorts of sports areas (of course) such as basketball courts, track fields, tennis courts, and the like. BUT FEAR NOT! For the non-sportsy people like me, it is still more than worth the trip! The entrance is a beautiful pond with a fountain. Paths leading all the way around the park will take you through a koi pond, a cool amphitheatre, a field, a woods-y area, a spot where you can see the entire park from up above, and much more. It's hard to describe all that goes on at the awesome Luodong Sports Park. Definitely worth the trip, even worth going all the way there from Taipei. See more..
4.5 Mingchih Forest Recreation Area (79 reviews)
- A picturesque landscape
Scenic Walking Areas

It hides in the deep mountain. Tourists need to drive along many curves to arrive at this spot. It takes about thirty mins. It has a greenish lake with many small island floating on it. The most recommended view is the tree trunks standing in the lake without any support. I was really surprised. There are some easy hiking routes around the lake. I definitely recommend anyone to be here for a relaxing day. See more..
4.5 Bee Museum, The Honey House (75 reviews)
- Cool place to visit right next to distillaty
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Not sure how this can be rated higher than the distillery but a good place to visit if you like honey but I came here wanting to see some real time honey picking in live action but didn't see that really a shop that sells honey. See more..
4.5 Linmei Shipan Trail (74 reviews)
- Paradise in summer
Hiking Trails

While the temperature raised up to 30 degree Celsius, a nice walk in the wood would be just great to spend a noon. The front half of the trail is just flooded by cars, tourists and vendors as the usual ones. However, as the broad flat path turns into stone slopes, and get more and more difficult to walk, the crowd just disperse. A refreshing fairyland. See more..
4.5 Qingshui Geothermal Park (73 reviews)
- So much fun
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks

The place located at foot of a mountain, and it’s kinda hidden. If you want to come here, You need to drive car or ride motorcycle. There is clear river and mountains beside us when we enter this place. Also the food is good and the way to cook is very special. You can bring eggs or corn from home. You need to use natural geothermal to cook your food. It’s an unforgettable memory for me. I have a lot of fun here. See more..
4.5 Memorial Hall of Founding of Yilan Administration (64 reviews)
- Japanese governor’s residence
Points of Interest & Landmarks

It is maybe one of the main touristic attractions in Yilan. The old Japanese house itself has a historical value. It was considered and used as a residence of governor during Japanese time. And its displays about Japanese administration at that time are also quite interesting. See more..
4.5 Fushan Botanical Garden (60 reviews)
- Fushan Botanical Garden
Gardens

A peaceful lovely place to visit if you have time and an interest in the forest ecology of northern Taiwan. Advanced planning is needed to visit the garden. If you're coming from outside Taiwan, a tour company or a local friend will be able to help with an application to visit the garden. Attaching yourself to a day tour group that provides transportation to the garden, lunch and visits other area sites is your best bet. Some of the garden staff speak English. The trails are well marked and maintained. See more..
4.5 Jioujhihze Hot Spring (60 reviews)
- Fresh air and comfortable hot spring room
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Hot Springs & Geysers

The source of Jioujhihze hot spring water comes from the cracks of stone on the hillside. The temperature there is about 140°C and is ameliorated to 38-42°C at hot spring bathing area to feel comfortable for human body. The hot spring here has no odor and is clear. Its content is weak based Sodium bicarbonate spring which can make skin feel slippery. So, it has the nickname “Hot Spring for Beauties”. The facilities here include a SPA pool, naked bathing pools for men and women, and the outdoor family thermal bathing area. It is worth mentioning that the SPA pool was built from a huge rock brought down the stream by typhoon. And naked bathing pools and outdoor family thermal bathing area can make visitors enjoy the pleasure of hot spring bathing and forest bathing at the same time. Furthermore, there is a volcanic cone shaped egg-boiling trough with flowing hot spring water for visitors to DIY. The hot spring egg tastes especially good with a unique flavor you will never forget. See more..
4.5 Neipi Beach (45 reviews)
- Hidden Jewelry behind crowd harbor
Beaches

It's a beautiful, peaceful and surprising spot out of expectation, especially good to take an easy walk during sunset. See more..
4.5 Cueifong Lake Circular Trail (40 reviews)
- 美哉仙境啊！
Friday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

Cueifong Lake is situated between Taipingshan and Tayuan Mountain at elevation 1,840 m. Its largest area can reach 25 hectares in rain season and Cueifong Lake is also the largest high mountain lake in Taiwan. Cueifong Lake Circular Trail is built on the old tracks of forest railway and is about 40-minute drive from Taipingshan Villa. The entrance of the trail is at 15.5 k of Cueifong Scenic Road. The trail starts from the slope on the west side of Cueifong Lake, then circumvents north of the lake and intersects the Pingyuan Nature Trail on the east of lake, just like two arms embracing a sapphire. The total length of Cueifong Lake Circular Trail is 3.95 km and the elevations are between 1,900-2,000 m. Visitors can appreciate the different views of Cueifong Lake in four seasons. Since this trail is deserted most of the time and the surface of trail are well protected by ground cover plants, mosses and forest floor, it still keeps the original outlook of tens of thousands years ago. By See more..
4.5 Yilan Lover's Bay (39 reviews)
- 宜蘭情人灣
Beaches

The other side of the sea is very beautiful, is blue, I really like, and a lot of beautiful stones. Although the weather is hot, but the sea is beautiful, will be very happy. . But not into the sea, because it is very dangerous. There have reastuant，there food are very yummy. See more..
4.0 Jimi Square - Yilan Station (638 reviews)
- Busy station
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Lots of people around, not very much seating available if you are waiting. Staff very friendly and helpful. Some speak english. See more..
4.0 National Center for Traditional Arts (525 reviews)
- Spend a few hours here
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

This is a very interesting spot that's worth spending time here. We actually spent the whole morning wandering around, going in and out of the many different shops and workshops. There are so much to see that would of interests to both adults and kids. One of the better destinations in Taiwan that feature 'old town'. Very clean and organized. I would definitely come back if there is a chance in the future. See more..
4.0 Luodong Night Market (499 reviews)
- Lots of local food at reasonable price
Flea & Street Markets

Not as crowded as Shilin, which i could never finished walking. Luodong night market is good for an hour's walk for food. Love the peanut wrapped ice cream popiah 花生冰淇淋薄饼 at NT 40, Weijie desserts 魏姐粉圆and the fruits. You will be spoilt for choices here See more..
4.0 King Car Kavalan Distillery (310 reviews)
- World's best whiskey?
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Distilleries

I have a number of friends who are very knowledgable about whiskey and they rate Kavalan Whiskey, from Yilan on Taiwan's north-east coast as being among the world's best, if not the best, I have visited the distillery several times and spent several hundred dollars on whiskey each time. I intend giving most of it away, so I can share it with my friends, but I will keep at least some of i for myself. I'd rate Kavalan as being at least as good as Jameson's or Bushmills, which I tasted in Ireland.. See more..
4.0 Meihua Lake (268 reviews)
- Good
Bodies of Water

I have been to there for many times. There is always beautiful when I go to every time. I often walk along the lake to see the view and buy 10NTD fish food to feed the Koi in the lake. Besides, you can rent the bicycle to bike around the lake. Moreover, there are a temple on the foothills. Walking to the temple is a good exercise, it approximately take 30 minutes. I once saw a eagle hovering in the sky at there. The temple overlook the lake, it is very beautiful. If you have a chance, you must go to the lake and temple. See more..
4.0 Tangweigou Jiaosi Hot Spring Park (226 reviews)
- Interesting
Friday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens • Hot Springs & Geysers

please put on your shorts and slippers for an experience just like a local there. There was many people who were just sitting and soaking their feet in the hotspring water area. Interestingly, the further in you walk, the fishes (spa treatment) is bigger in size... Wasnt there for very long, maybe like 10mins but it was a fun experience sitting and chatting with the locals there. See more..
4.0 Suao Cold Spring (174 reviews)
- Fantastic Experience
Hot Springs & Geysers

Went to this famous cold spring on a monday afternoon. The counter will sell you a room for 2 (depending on the number of persons) and it includes free usage at the common pool. The room for 2 was private, with the cold spring and a tub for hot water. Instructions is to dip in the hot water for 10 minutes and subsequently the cold spring for 15 minutes. The transition was mind-blowing. Overall a fantastic experience. The common pool cleaniness is less than desired so suggest you take up a room package. It costs us TWD400 for 40 minutes for the 2 of us. See more..
4.0 Dongshan River Water Park (145 reviews)
- Get a bike and ride along the banks
Water Parks

It is a venue for a mega festival, Yilan International Children Folklore and Folkgame Festival, since 1996.. See more..
4.0 Jiaosi Hot Spring Park (120 reviews)
- Good place for soak in hot water.
Friday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Parks • Hot Springs & Geysers

Always a nice spot for an evening hot spring visit. Bring your own towel. Lockers available for TWD20. Segregated bathing. Multiple pools. See more..
4.0 Luna Plaza (119 reviews)
- Easy access
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Shopping Malls

Bit confusing as some parts not accesible by elevator - you have to make sure you enter by the correct door. See more..
4.0 Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival (118 reviews)
- Lots of fun and really well done
Cultural Events

A fun-filled fair for children to gain exposure to cultures and customs from around the world, the Yilan International Children’s Folklore & Folkgame Festival is a truly global event. Since its founding, the festival has attracted 296 groups from 91 countries to Taiwan. The fiesta showcases music, dance, costumes, games, cuisines and customs from dozens of countries at a time – a crowd-pleaser for children and adults alike! See more..