Things To Do
in Yilan
Yilan, Taiwan is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including rolling mountains, lush forests, and picturesque beaches. The region is home to various hot springs and natural reserves, offering visitors a relaxing and rejuvenating escape from city life. Yilan also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with traditional festivals, local crafts, and delicious cuisine that showcase its unique charm.
Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors, savor authentic Taiwanese flavors, or simply unwind in a tranquil setting, Yilan has something for everyone to enjoy.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Qing" - Please
- "Duibuqi" - Sorry
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Waiao Beach where you can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. Grab some breakfast at a local café while enjoying the beautiful ocean view.
Head over to the National Center for Traditional Arts to immerse yourself in Taiwan's rich cultural heritage. Enjoy traditional snacks and crafts made by local artisans.
After a busy day, dine at a seaside restaurant famous for fresh seafood. Enjoy the sunset views while tasting local specialties.
Begin with a visit to the Yilan Farmer's Market, where fresh produce and local delicacies await you. Sample some traditional Taiwanese breakfast pastries.
Join a cooking class to learn how to make iconic Yilan dishes, like scallion pancakes or dumplings. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch.
Explore the vibrant night market in Luodong for an extensive range of street food. Indulge in delicious snacks like stinky tofu and bubble tea.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Breathtaking natural scenery, including mountains, rivers, and hot springs.
- Rich cultural heritage with traditional festivals and local cuisine.
- Known for its agricultural products, especially rice and fruits.
- Less crowded compared to major cities like Taipei, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Close proximity to popular tourist attractions such as Taroko Gorge and the Pacific coast.
- Frequent rainfall and humidity, especially during the summer months.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Potential for typhoons and serious weather disturbances.
- Some areas may have fewer amenities and services for residents and tourists.
- Possible language barrier for non-Mandarin speakers in some rural areas.
Best Activities in Yilan
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Wai'ao Beach is a popular destination for surfing in Yilan, Taiwan, with consistent waves suitable for all levels of surfers.
The Dongshan River Bicycle Trail offers a scenic route through Yilan's countryside, with varying difficulty levels and beautiful river views.
Explore the lush forests and majestic waterfalls of Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, which offers numerous hiking trails for nature lovers.
Tours
Uncover the best of Yilan with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Yilan
Visit one of these nice places.
This stunning waterfall offers a picturesque view and great photo opportunities.
Scenic park with natural hot springs and beautiful landscape, perfect for photography.
Vibrant night market with delicious food and lively atmosphere, great for capturing local culture and street scenes.
Food in Yilan
Yilan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A savory pancake filled with fragrant Yilan scallions, usually found at local street vendors or morning markets.
Must-Try!
Glutinous rice steamed with ingredients like mushrooms and pork, wrapped in bamboo leaves. Can be found at traditional Yilan eateries and night markets.
Grilled wild boar or mountain pig meat, providing a taste of indigenous Yilan cuisine. Look for this dish at specialty aboriginal restaurants or night markets.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Yilan better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of Yilan’s largest and most popular night markets, offering a wide variety of local street foods such as barbecue skewers, oyster omelets, and fried taro balls.
Known for its bustling atmosphere and diverse food selection, including grilled seafood, oyster vermicelli, and tempura. A must-visit for street food enthusiasts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Yilan, it is important to show respect towards elders through polite language and gestures, such as bowing or nodding when greeting them.
It is considered respectful to keep public spaces clean and tidy in Yilan, so be mindful of littering and maintain personal hygiene.
When participating in tea ceremonies or gatherings, it is customary to learn and observe the traditional tea etiquette as a sign of respect for the local culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Yilan with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Yilan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not widely practiced in Yilan, Taiwan. It is uncommon to tip at restaurants, hotels, or for other services.
In Yilan, Taiwan, cash is widely used for smaller transactions, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. Larger businesses and hotels typically accept credit cards, but it's always good to have some cash on hand, especially when visiting more rural areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Yilan.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Yilan, Taiwan, as the weather is mild and comfortable. The hills and plains are covered in colorful flowers and the city comes alive with various festivals and events. It is a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Summer in Yilan, Taiwan, is characterized by hot and humid weather. This season is ideal for beach-goers, as Yilan is known for its beautiful beaches and coastal scenery. It's a great time to enjoy water sports, seafood, and other summer activities.
Autumn is another fantastic time to visit Yilan, Taiwan. The weather is still warm, and the fall foliage in the mountains and parks is stunning. It's a great time for hiking, biking, and enjoying outdoor adventures while taking in the beautiful autumn colors.
Winter in Yilan, Taiwan, is relatively mild with cool temperatures. It is a great time to experience hot springs, indulge in hot pot meals, and explore the local cultural and historical attractions. The Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival is also held during this season.
Yilan at Night
Hiking in Yilan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking trail that combines natural hot springs with beautiful mountain views, suitable for all skill levels.
A leisure park with walking trails along the Dongshan River, featuring beautiful landscapes and recreational areas.
Home to lush forests, this area offers a variety of hiking trails with stunning views of the mountains and rich biodiversity.
A short hike leads to picturesque waterfalls, perfect for photography and enjoying nature.
A tranquil area with serene trails through the forest, ideal for a peaceful hike and nature immersion.
A challenging trail that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Yilan through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Yilan by plane.
The largest international airport in Taiwan, located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Yilan.
A smaller airport primarily serving domestic flights and a few international routes, located about 65 kilometers northwest of Yilan.
The second-largest airport in Taiwan, located approximately 350 kilometers southwest of Yilan.
Located around 200 kilometers southwest of Yilan, serving both domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Yilan, comprising various sub-groups including Holo and Hakka.
Groups such as the Amis and Atayal, representing the original inhabitants of the region.
Includes migrant workers primarily from Southeast Asian countries, contributing to the local economy.
Expatriates and long-term foreign residents living in Yilan for work or study.
The Soul of Yilan
Discover the essence of Yilan through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is a popular sport in Taiwan, including Yilan, with many local teams and schools participating in competitions.
Basketball enjoys significant popularity among the youth in Yilan, with numerous courts available for public use.
Soccer is widely played in Yilan, with many local clubs and schools engaging in leagues and tournaments.
Taiwanese T’ai Chi is commonly practiced for both physical fitness and cultural reasons, with many parks hosting open classes.
Yilan's scenic landscapes make cycling a popular recreational activity, with many designated bike paths for riders of all skill levels.
Volleyball is also quite popular in Yilan, played both indoors and outdoors, with various clubs and school teams participating in competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yilan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Yilan’s cuisine is meat-centric, many establishments offer vegetarian options, such as noodle soups, vegetable stir-fries, and tofu-based dishes. Look for Buddhist vegetarian restaurants for more extensive vegan choices.
Gluten-free options may be limited in traditional Yilan cuisine due to the prevalent use of soy sauce and wheat-based products. However, international restaurants and cafes in Yilan often provide gluten-free selections, including salads, grilled meats, and rice-based dishes.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Yilan with these cultural adventures.