Whether you are driving or not, Yilan offers suitable ways to explore. This article features 40 recommended attractions, 6 itinerary routes, must-try food recommendations, and a comparison of transportation costs. Whether departing from Yilan or Taipei, you can head out immediately after reading this!

How to Explore Yilan? Important Considerations for Day Trip Planning
- Yilan’s attractions can be divided into three major areas: North, Central, and South. We recommend identifying which area your preferred attractions are in and arranging them within the same zone to avoid wasting time traveling back and forth.
- For self-driving or private car charters, plan for a maximum of 4–6 main attractions. For public transportation, 3–4 attractions are recommended, as weekend queues and traffic can consume a significant amount of time.
- While it takes about 1 hour to reach Jiaoxi from Taipei on weekdays, the Hsuehshan Tunnel is often congested on weekends. It is recommended to depart before 7:00 AM. For the return trip, avoid peak afternoon and evening hours; returning before 2:00 PM or after 8:00 PM is relatively smoother. Note that High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) controls are in effect for northbound traffic on Sundays from 15:00 to 20:00.
- Traveling Yilan without a car offers less flexibility, so itineraries should be concentrated around Jiaoxi, Yilan City, or Luodong. To visit multiple dispersed attractions, self-driving or a private car charter is recommended.
- Many outdoor attractions, seaside cafes, and pet farms in Yilan have many biting midges (black flies). Be sure to apply plenty of insect repellent.
- Yilan is prone to rain (especially in winter). When planning your itinerary, be sure to prepare indoor attractions, factory tours, or cafes as backup options.
Yilan Attractions Map

Recommended Yilan Day Trip Itineraries (Driving/Charter vs. Non-Driving)
When planning your trip, you can divide Yilan attractions into three major routes from north to south. Confirm which area you want to visit first, then select attractions within that same area to create the smoothest route and save travel time:
- North Yilan (Toucheng, Jiaoxi, Zhuangwei): Hot springs, seaside cafes, surfing, and views of Guishan Island.
- Central Yilan (Yilan City, Yuanshan, Wujie, Luodong, Dongshan): The highest density of attractions and factory tours, with the most food options.
- South Yilan (Sanxing, Datong, Suao, Nan’ao): Primarily natural outdoor attractions, healing pet farms, and cold springs.
*Nan’ao is quite far for a day trip departing from the north and can result in a rushed itinerary; therefore, this article does not specifically recommend Nan’ao attractions.
Recommended Yilan Day Trip Routes (Driving/Private Charter)
- Route A: Classic Northern Coastline (Ideal for first-time visitors) Depart from Taipei/Yilan → Lanyang Museum → Waiao Beach (view Guishan Island) → Wushi Harbor Seafood/Xiao Ei Café (Lunch with ocean view) → Toucheng Old Street → Jiaoxi Tangweigou Hot Spring Park (Foot soak) → Jiaoxi Hot Spring Street (Dinner) / Return to Taipei
- Route B: Family Pet Nature Line (Ideal for families with children or seniors) Depart from Taipei/Yilan → Lanyang Animal Plant Kingdom (Interact with small animals) → National Center for Traditional Arts / Luodong Forestry Culture Park / Luodong Sports Park (Lunch and stroll) → Chun Nostalgic Restaurant / Luodong Night Market (Dinner) / Return to Taipei
- Route C: Rainy Day Indoor Line (Rain backup or summer heat escape) Depart from Taipei/Yilan → Agrioz Candied Fruit Museum → Lanyang Original Center → Yilan City Local Snacks (Lunch) → Sanxing Four Seasons Blue and White Porcelain DIY Experience → MASLOW CAFE Afternoon Tea → Luodong Local Snacks (Dinner) / Return to Taipei
For more Yilan self-driving/charter routes, please refer to: Popular Yilan Private Charter Day Trip Routes
Recommended Yilan Day Trip Itineraries (Non-Driving)
- Route A: Jiaoxi Hot Spring Healing Day Trip (By Train / Bus) Depart from Jiaoxi Railway Station / Bus Station → Linmei Shipan Trail (Take Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Jiaoxi Line) / Toucheng Old Street (Take train to Toucheng Station) → Jiaoxi City Center for Ke’s Scallion Pancake, Yuren Eight Treasure Bean Thread, etc. → Tangweigou Hot Spring Park (Experience doctor fish) → Return to Taipei
- Route B: Luodong Traditional Arts Classic Tour (By Train / Bus) Depart from Luodong Railway Station / Bus Station → National Center for Traditional Arts (Take Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Dongshan River Line) → Luodong Forestry Culture Park (Stroll and see old railway tracks) → Luodong Night Market for food → Return to Taipei
- Route C: Jiaoxi + Yilan City Day Trip (By Train / Bus) Depart from Jiaoxi Railway Station / Bus Station → Jiaoxi Hot Spring foot soak or private bathhouse → Explore Jiaoxi Hot Spring Street (Lunch) → Take train or bus to Yilan City Center → Yilan Jimmy Park → Lanyang Original Center / Yilan Museum of Art / Yilan Literary Museum, Memorial Hall of Founding of Yilan Administration → Dongmen Night Market or city center snacks (Dinner) → Return to Taipei
Comparison of Yilan Day Trip Transportation (Departing from Taipei)
For 1–2 people traveling light with itineraries concentrated in Jiaoxi, Yilan, or Luodong city centers, consider taking an intercity bus. Self-driving or “rent here, return there” options offer more flexibility. For groups of 3 or more, those traveling with seniors/children, carrying lots of luggage, or wishing to visit mountain attractions like Taipingshan, a private car charter is more convenient.
Comparison of methods is as follows:
| Transportation | Estimated Cost | Pros | Cons | Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving | Yilan 5-seater car rental for 10 hours starts at approximately NT$1,400–2,200 per day; fuel, tolls, and parking fees are extra. | Highest flexibility; can utilize “rent here, return there” schemes to plan routes without backtracking. | Tiring in weekend traffic; difficult to find parking. | Northbound “HOV Control” is implemented on Sundays from 15:00 to 20:00. (Northbound entrances at Suao, Luodong, Yilan, and Toucheng on National Highway 5) |
| Chartered Car (Onetaiwantrip Private Charter) | Departing from Yilan: 8 hours from NT$4,800; Departing from Taipei: 8 hours from NT$5,200; 10 hours from NT$5,600 (5-seater) | Point-to-point pickup, stress-free, no need to find parking, safe mountain driving, can rest in the car during traffic jams. | Requires advance booking; higher price. | Costs are base prices; actual quotes depend on the itinerary. For the price list, please refer to: Yilan Private Charter Departures from Taoyuan Airport, Taipei, Taichung, and other cities to Yilan can be arranged! |
| TRA Tze-Chiang Limited Express | Taipei to Luodong one-way adult fare is approximately NT$332/person. | No traffic jams. | Fixed schedule, low flexibility; suitable for exploring Toucheng/Jiaoxi/Yilan/Luodong areas. Requires taxis or transfers for remote attractions. | Fastest travel time from Taipei to Luodong is about 1.5 hours. For schedules/fares, please refer to: TRA Booking System |
| Intercity Bus | Taipei to Luodong one-way adult fare is approximately NT$150/person. | Most economical. | More frequent departures than Tze-Chiang trains; suitable for exploring Jiaoxi/Yilan/Luodong areas. Requires taxis or transfers for remote attractions. | Kamalan and Capital Star are the most convenient; Kuo-Kuang and Ubus also operate routes. |
Transportation Between Yilan Attractions
Can be combined with Taiwan Tourist Shuttle:
- Jiaoxi Line: Jiaoxi Station ↔ Wufengchi Waterfall, Linmei Shipan Trail, Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park, Tangweigou Hot Spring Park, etc. Ideal for hiking and nature walks; offers Routes A and B.
- Northeast Coast Line: Jiaoxi Station ↔ Toucheng, Waiao. Ideal for connecting coastal attractions near Wushi Harbor (Lanyang Museum).
- Zhuangwei Dune Line: Yilan Station ↔ Toucheng Railway Station. Stops include: Yilan Bus Station, Yilan Railway Station, Zhuangwei Sand Dunes Visitor Center, Yongzhen Seaside Recreation Area, Dafu Seaside Recreation Area, Toucheng Beach Forest Park, Wushi Harbor (Lanyang Museum), etc.
- Dongshan River Line: Luodong Sports Park ↔ National Center for Traditional Arts. Stops include: Dongshan River Water Park, Luodong Forestry Culture Park, Luodong Night Market, and other popular attractions.
If you are only using one specific Taiwan Tourist Shuttle line, you can buy a day pass. There are also discounted combo tickets for intercity buses + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle!
40 Recommended Yilan Day Trip Attractions
Yilan has an endless selection of attractions, including nature trails, animal farms, factory tours, and seaside cafes. Here are our top picks that are worth including in your itinerary, many of which are favorites among Yilan locals:
Recommended Classic Must-Visit Yilan Attractions
Lanyang Museum (Toucheng)

Lanyang Museum 
Local history and cultural exhibitions, with a children’s hands-on area in a modern seaside building.
Yilan’s most iconic museum. The architecture is designed to mimic the “Cuesta” (single-sided mountain) terrain, appearing like a giant rock slanted into the ground. It is a highlight in itself, offering different beauty from every angle. The permanent exhibitions are well-designed with interactive devices perfect for children to learn while playing. After your visit, you can head to the nearby Wushi Harbor for a seafood feast!
Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park / Tangweigou Hot Spring Park (Jiaoxi, Free)

Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park 
A tranquil garden environment featuring public hot spring baths and soaking pools that blend natural elements, with an attached cafe for relaxation.
Jiaoxi is home to a rare lowland hot spring in Taiwan. Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park and Tangweigou Hot Spring Park are the most popular spots in the Jiaoxi city center. Both offer free outdoor foot soaking pools, and there are paid private bathhouses nearby. Tangweigou is particularly lively, with many shops offering the “doctor fish” experience. Both parks are within easy walking distance of the Jiaoxi Bus Station or Jiaoxi Railway Station.
Luodong Night Market (Luodong, Free)

Luodong Night Market 
A bustling night market famous for its diverse food stalls, drink vendors, and clothing shops.

Yilan’s largest tourist night market. The main stalls are concentrated on Gongyuan Road and Minquan Road, surrounding Zhongshan Park. You can find all of Yilan’s specialty traditional snacks here. We recommend arriving around 5:00 PM to avoid long queues at popular stalls.
Recommended Eats: Yang Pu Zi / Ah Zao Bo Angelica Mutton Soup, Xiao Chun Gao Zha Bu Rou, Scallion Pancakes, Long Xin Yi Chuan Xin, Mu Nai Nai Fresh Milk Tea, and nearby Cai Ji Stinky Tofu and Luodong Diye Temple Du Gu Noodles.
If it feels too crowded, you can try “Dongmen Night Market” in Yilan City; if you are in Yilan on a Wednesday, we recommend the “Qinggou Night Market” frequented by locals.
National Center for Traditional Arts (Wujie)
A vast and well-planned cultural park that combines traditional craft displays, opera performances, and hands-on activities. It’s both photogenic and fun—a must-visit for first-timers in Yilan! The ancient-style streets are great for photos, and there are DIY experiences like calligraphy, pottery, and bamboo weaving. It’s perfect for families, seniors, or bringing foreign friends. In summer, you can also enjoy the “Yilan International Children’s Folklore Folkgame Festival” at the nearby Dongshan River Water Park.
Qingshui Geothermal Park (Datong, Free)

Qingshui Geothermal Park 
This hot spring park allows visitors to cook eggs and corn in hot water pools or soak their feet in shallow baths.
A free experience where you can use geothermal steam to cook food. You can buy eggs, corn, and water bamboo on-site to cook; they are exceptionally sweet and delicious! There are also free foot baths. It’s suitable for all ages, though a downside is the presence of flies and competitive weekend parking; arriving before 10:00 AM is advised. You can also visit Changpi Lake, Tiansongpi Railway Culture Park, or nearby animal farms and Sanxing scallion DIY experiences.
Taipingshan (Datong)

Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area 
A vast, picturesque forest featuring mountains, valleys, lakes, waterfalls, and nature trails.

Yilan’s most “ethereal” forest recreation area. The journey is long, and the mountains often get foggy in the afternoon. For a day trip, we recommend entering the park early and exploring from high to low altitudes: the Bong Bong Train, the Jianqing Huai-gu Trail (voted by CNN as one of the world’s 28 most beautiful trails), and cooking eggs at Jiuzhize Hot Spring are must-dos. Bong Bong Train tickets are limited and only sold on-site, so buy them as soon as you enter.
For a complete itinerary and ticket guide, please refer to: How to Explore Taipingshan in One Day?
Recommended New Yilan Attractions

- Liu Liu Sanxing (Sanxing): Taiwan’s first “White Fox” themed greenhouse farm. Besides white foxes, you can observe capybaras, tortoises, and pygmy goats up close. The translucent greenhouse design uses natural lighting; while beautiful, it can get quite hot in summer, making it perhaps better as a rainy-day backup. The white foxes are adorable, but interaction requires an extra fee and has limited slots!
- Changpi Lake Aquaman Theme Park (Sanxing): Fully upgraded from the original Elf Village. In addition to the lakeside trail and cute animal area (sheep, sika deer, meerkats, etc.), it now features water bikes, SUP, electric boat tours, and a water inflatable park. Tickets are affordable, highly recommended for families in summer.
- Xiao Ei Café (Toucheng Branch): A prime oceanfront cafe in Toucheng Beach Forest Park. The space is spacious and comfortable with both indoor and outdoor seating. You can also go to the roof to see the sea and Guishan Island. We recommend coming after 3:00 PM to avoid the heat; watch out for biting midges in outdoor seats.
- Deng Ri Chu (Zhuangwei): A seaside cafe with large floor-to-ceiling windows for ocean views. The food is also delicious, making it a popular new spot. The downside is the weak air conditioning and walk-in only policy.
- Mediterranean Casa Starry Sky Hall 2 (Yuanshan; formerly Rabbit Maze): A vast park with a skywalk, swings, angel wings, and Greek-style blue and white architecture. It’s perfect for night views and is very family and pet-friendly with easy stroller access.
Recommended Yilan Attractions for Families/Seniors


Image Source: Bambi Hills Facebook
- Luodong Sports Park (Luodong, Free): A great exercise spot for locals. It’s flat and easy to walk, perfect for kids and seniors. You can also enjoy the bald cypress trees in autumn and winter.
- Lanyang Animal Plant Kingdom (Zhuangwei): A highly-rated animal park for both tourists and locals. The space is well-planned, and the indoor areas are great for escaping the summer heat or rain. You can interact closely with many animals (parrots, capybaras, kangaroos, meerkats, eagles, alpacas, etc.), and the animals are well-cared for.
- Anyoung Food Museum (Suao): A factory tour themed around marine technology and food safety. It features exhibition halls, interactive areas, a restaurant, and a shop. It’s photogenic, has good food, and plenty for kids to do. While there is an entrance fee, they often have promotions for free entry. Paid DIY courses like pizza making are also available.
- Bambi Hills (Dongshan): Yilan’s original “Little Nara.” The park is exquisitely planned; though not large, it’s very photogenic. You can interact with capybaras and sika deer or join DIY workshops. Watch out for biting midges! Meihua Lake is nearby for a combined trip.
- Meihua Lake (Dongshan): Yilan’s version of Sun Moon Lake. You can walk, rent an electric tandem bike, or take a boat tour around the lake. There is plenty of natural shade, making a bike ride very pleasant.
- Dongshan River Ecoark (Dongshan): A perfect park for kids with ecological tours. You can experience electric boats through mysterious tunnels or water biking. You might even see trains passing by up close. Suitable for the whole family.
- Beiho Temple (Yuanshan): A beautiful temple hidden among rice paddies, blending Chinese and Japanese Zen architecture. It’s small but perfect for a peaceful stroll. The adjacent “Ting Shui” cafe offers a unique atmosphere where you can dine to the sound of flowing water. Be sure to use plenty of insect repellent.
Explore Yilan by private charter to make traveling with seniors and children easier and more relaxing!

Recommended Yilan Indoor Attractions for Rainy Days

- Agrioz Candied Fruit Museum (Yilan City, Free): Taiwan’s first candied fruit factory tour. The space is perfect for photos and buying souvenirs. We highly recommend the paid DIY experience where you can make your own preservative-free kumquat preserves!
- Chung Hsing Cultural and Creative Park (Wujie, Free): A creative park converted from Taiwan’s largest early paper mill. The industrial-style buildings are very photogenic, perfect for a stroll or DIY crafts on a rainy day.
- Sanxing Four Seasons Blue and White Porcelain (Sanxing): Create your own unique porcelain and have it shipped home. This is a distinctive DIY experience different from typical farms, suitable for couples or families. The experience takes about 1.5–2 hours; online booking is recommended.
- Kavalan Distillery (Yuanshan): The birthplace of the world-famous Kavalan Whisky. You can tour the production process, enjoy tastings, join advanced DIY blending, or taste in the cellar. A must for whisky lovers and great for bringing foreign friends.
- Yilan Cake Invention Museum (Suao): The flagship hall of the famous ox-tongue cracker brand by Liu Deng-hui. It’s grand, offers free tours, and has DIY workshops where you can try making 0.1cm ultra-thin crackers. There are many samples, including Ovaltine flavor! While the main store is in Luodong, there are branches in Wujie and Jiaoxi if you just want to buy souvenirs.
- Tiger Brand Rice Noodles Museum (Wujie): A retro-themed factory tour centered on rice noodles. The interior recreates a 1970s Taiwanese old street, perfect for those who love nostalgia. A highlight is the all-you-can-eat rice noodle area, offering great value.
Recommended Yilan Outdoor Attractions (All Free)


- Matcha Mountain (Jiaoxi): The lush green rolling hills look like they are covered in a thick layer of Uji matcha powder. The round trip takes about 4–5 hours and requires some physical stamina, but the view at the top makes it all worth it!
(Closed for construction from 2026/6/10, expected to reopen in November) - Wufengchi Waterfall (Jiaoxi): Features three tiers of waterfalls. It takes about 5–10 minutes to reach the first tier from the entrance, another 10 minutes to the second, and about 15 more to the third. It’s well-shaded and not too difficult, making it a refreshing escape in summer.
- Linmei Shipan Trail (Jiaoxi): A gentle 1.7km family-friendly trail with plenty of shade. It’s not too hot even in summer, though there are stairs and some sections can be slippery, so it may not be ideal for some seniors.
- Longtan Lake (Jiaoxi): The largest natural lake among Yilan’s five famous lakes. It offers beautiful scenery and takes about an hour to walk the perimeter. We highly recommend visiting the popular “Herbelle Tea House” cafe; the interior is spacious and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer a great view.
- Luodong Forestry Culture Park (Luodong): A forestry base from the Japanese colonial era, now open for free. You can see old locomotives, log ponds, and railway remains. It’s well-planned and a must-visit in Luodong. The famous “Lin Chang Meat Thick Soup” is nearby.
- Renishan Botanical Garden (Dongshan): A great place for exercise and walks with fewer tourists. The uphill asphalt road from the parking lot to the entrance is a bit tough, but the observation deck offers views of the Lanyang Plain and Guishan Island. Watch out for monkeys and keep food hidden.
Recommended Yilan Ocean View Spots

- Manshan Wanghai (Toucheng): A highly-rated oceanfront cafe. The first floor has large glass windows for air-conditioned viewing, while the semi-outdoor sofa area on the second floor offers even better views of Guishan Island and the Pacific Ocean. The bamboo-woven resort style is very relaxing.
- No. 9 Cafe Waiao (Toucheng): Beautiful scenery, good food, and direct access to the beach. You might even see paragliders!
- Waiao Beach (Toucheng): Ideal for surfing, playing in the sand, cycling, or simply walking on the black sand beach with views of Guishan Island. Paid rinsing facilities are available, making it great for kids.
- Beiguan Tidal Park (Toucheng): One of the Eight Views of Lanyang. It’s a coastal trail park featuring the famous “Thread of Sky” rock formation. A full loop takes about 40–60 minutes and is an easy walk.
- Zhuangwei Dune Ecological Park (Zhuangwei): Quieter than Waiao, featuring many art installations and driftwood swings for photos. It has restrooms and a cafe, perfect for those who prefer a quiet seaside.
- Nanfang’ao Lookout (Suao): The best vantage point to overlook Nanfang’ao Fishing Port and Neipi Bay. The sight of fishing boats packed in the harbor against the sea and sky is spectacular. Though far from Yilan City or Jiaoxi, it’s worth it when combined with a visit to Tofu Cape and seafood at the harbor!
Recommended Yilan Hidden Gems
- Wanglongpi (Yuanshan): Once famous as “Flower Field Village” from the drama “Autumn’s Concerto,” it now has fewer tourists. You can enjoy a 30-minute walk around the lake and rest at the lakeside cafe.
- Lipi Lake (Yuanshan): A small but beautiful lake that looks great in photos, especially with the bald cypress in autumn. Note that it is near a cemetery; those who are sensitive may wish to avoid it.
- Annong River Cycling Path (Sanxing): A 15–17km path along the Annong River, passing rice paddies and a hidden bald cypress spot (best in winter). It’s quiet and peaceful; we recommend renting a bike in Sanxing and riding to Tiansongpi Railway Station.
- Ruentex Cement Railway (Dongshan): An industrial railway abandoned for 30 years. The highlight is the free manual rail handcars that travel through a hidden field of purple fountaingrass. It’s fun but be sure to prioritize safety!
Recommended Must-Eat Food for Yilan Day Trip
Every township in Yilan has its own famous shops for local specialties. This list provides various options; you can decide which area to visit first and then find nearby food.
Ke’s Scallion Pancake (Jiaoxi)
Uses fresh hand-rolled dough, deep-fried in high-temperature oil to make the crust crispy, then generously topped with fresh, sweet Yilan Sanxing scallions. There are three sauces to choose from. Queues are common except on weekday mornings. Closed on Wednesdays.
Other recommended scallion pancakes:
- Dingpu Grandma’s Scallion Pancake (Toucheng)
- Qianjin Scallion Pancake (Yilan City)
- Pengji Scallion Pancake (Yilan City Dongmen Night Market)
- Jin Zhu Scallion Pancake (Luodong, Dongshan)
Ah Niang Ge’s Garlic Meat Thick Soup

Ah Niang Ge’s Garlic Meat Thick Soup 
A simple, relaxed wooden restaurant serving home-style garlic meat thick soup.
A long-standing shop in Yilan City recommended by “Super Taste.” The broth is filled with an incredible amount of fresh minced garlic. Garlic lovers will adore this unique Yilan flavor. The taste is more layered than typical meat soup, and the meat isn’t floury. It’s even better with vinegar and a bit of chili oil!
Other recommended meat thick soups:
- Luodong Forestry Meat Thick Soup (Luodong)
- Beimen Garlic Meat Thick Soup (Yilan City, Luodong)
- First Meat Thick Soup (Yilan City)
Yang Pu Zi Angelica Mutton Soup (Luodong Night Market)
As famous as “Ah Zao Bo” on the same street, but this one is often the preferred choice for locals. The Angelica broth isn’t too heavy on herbal taste; it’s sweet and smooth. The mutton slices are generous, tender, and without any gamey smell.
Overall, the flavor is slightly stronger than Ah Zao Bo’s, though Ah Zao Bo’s stinky tofu is more recommended. Try both if you have the chance.
Fuxing Road Fried Sauce Noodles (Yilan City)
Yilan’s fried sauce noodles (Zha Jiang Mian) are different from other places; the sauce is sweeter and the taste is simple, a daily brunch staple for Yilan City locals.
You can choose between wide or thin noodles. If you’re afraid of getting tired of one flavor, you can order the “double sauce” noodles to enjoy both fried sauce and sesame sauce. Add some chili at the end for a different kick! We recommend pairing it with wonton soup or pork rib soup; adding a spoonful of soup to the noodles makes them easier to mix.
Other recommended traditional noodle shops:
- Wenchang Fried Sauce Noodles (Yilan City)
- Luodong Diye Temple Du Gu Noodles (Luodong)
- Lanyang Spicy Noodles (Luodong)
Riverside Park Ah Pao / Pao Ge Yi Chuan Xin (Yilan City)
“Yi Chuan Xin” is a unique Yilan cold snack. It uses hollowed-out fried tofu as a base, stuffed with various side dishes (like sausage, pink sausage, pig’s scalp, etc.). Different shops offer different fillings, topped with the essential cilantro and skewered with a bamboo stick.
At this Riverside Park shop, you’ll get a bag of sauce for dipping; you pay by counting the toothpicks at the end. Pair it with traditional black tea for the most authentic Yilan afternoon snack experience! You can also try “Long Xin Yi Chuan Xin” at Luodong Night Market for more filling options.
Ah Tian Fish Ball Rice Noodles (Yilan City)
A long-standing fish ball rice noodle shop. The menu is simple: firm and bouncy fish balls, clear broth, thick rice noodles, and celery. It’s the most traditional Yilan breakfast. Only open in the morning!
Sanxing’s “Ah Chuan Rice Cake Fish Ball Rice Noodles” is also good, featuring a large piece of fried tofu. Arrive early for the rice cake or call ahead to ask the owner to reserve some.
Chun Nostalgic Restaurant (Luodong)
Stepping inside feels like traveling back to 1960s Taiwan. The interior features retro decor and specializes in authentic traditional Lanyang banquet dishes and stir-fry. There are many options, including vegetarian dishes. There’s even a “grocery store” selling old-fashioned snacks and toys. It’s great for kids and seniors alike, perfect for large group gatherings.
Recommended Dishes: Bu Rou, Gao Zha, Xi Lu Rou, Hei Lu Lu (Century Egg Meat Sauce)
Jia Fu Ge Live Seafood (Dongshan)

Jia Fu Ge Live Seafood 
A simple restaurant with a rustic atmosphere specializing in traditional fish dishes.
(Image Source: Jia Fu Ge Live Seafood Facebook)
The best affordable seafood restaurant in Yilan; reservations are highly recommended! You can choose fresh ingredients from the display outside, and cooking methods can be customized. The highlight is the complimentary deluxe fruit platter at the end, which is varied and delicious. High CP value.
For those who don’t want to worry about ordering or have fewer people, we recommend “Shan Yu Hai – Local Seafood Set Meal” also in Dongshan, which offers individual set meals and a la carte options.
Beimen Mung Bean Smoothie Milk King (Yilan City, Luodong)

Beimen Mung Bean Smoothie Milk King 
A busy shop specializing in traditional mung bean smoothies with milk and avocado milkshakes.
The mung bean milk is smooth, thick, and creamy without being too sweet. A must-drink in Yilan! The taro smoothie milk is also highly recommended, and there are other refreshing juices available.
Other recommended drink shops:
- Mu Nai Nai (Luodong)
- Yi Lan Tea House (Yilan City)
- Jiu Shi Cha Mi (Toucheng)
- Ah Dan Taro Milk Smoothie (Toucheng)
I-Shun-Hsuan (Jiaoxi, Luodong, Yilan City)

I-Shun-Hsuan 
A bright bakery with counter service offering bread, cakes, pastries, and various desserts.
Yilan’s most famous souvenir is the milk roll. I-Shun-Hsuan’s milk rolls, Napoleon pies, Cheddar cheese pastries, and breads are all recommended. The milk rolls have a balanced sweetness and refreshing milk aroma; the taro and tiramisu flavors are both good. The breads are large and delicious.
Note that milk rolls must be refrigerated within 2 hours. There are stores in Jiaoxi, Luodong, and Yilan City; we recommend buying them right before your return trip.
Other recommended souvenirs:
- Yilan Cake: A local brand; ox-tongue crackers are the most popular, including a unique Ovaltine flavor.
- Guishan Cake: Cute appearance, perfect for gifting.
- Lao Yuan Xiang Ox-Tongue Crackers: A traditional local brand for thin and crispy crackers.
- Toucheng Fishermen’s Association Limited Mazu Guishan Island Kuai Kuai: Only available in Yilan, a great conversation starter for gifts.
- Agrioz Kumquats: Candied kumquats and kumquat tea, a Yilan specialty.
MASLOW CAFE (Sanxing)
An old house cafe hidden in the alleys of Sanxing, surrounded by lush greenery. The interior has a retro, artistic style and a cozy atmosphere. The coffee, cakes, and bread are all excellent. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again!
Other recommended cafes/restaurants:
- Wan Ji Store (Jiaoxi, Yilan City): Has cats.
- Kong Ei Farm (Jiaoxi): Great for night views.
- DailyBlossom Cafe More (Jiaoxi): White North African Moroccan style architecture, popular for photos.
- Shan Li Shi Hua Light House (Yuanshan): Glasshouse restaurant.
- Gather Cafe (Yuanshan): A must for dessert lovers.
Yilan Day Trip FAQ
Q: How many attractions can I visit in a Yilan day trip?
For self-driving or private charters, we recommend a maximum of 4–6 main attractions. For those using public transportation or walking, 3–4 main attractions are advised. Yilan has many attractions, but weekend queues and traffic can take time, so it’s better to arrange fewer spots and experience them fully.
Q: What are some photogenic spots in Yilan?
- Architecture/Culture: Lanyang Museum (Cuesta-shaped building), Chung Hsing Cultural and Creative Park (industrial-style old factory), Beiho Temple (Chinese + Japanese garden).
- Natural Scenery: Matcha Mountain (panoramic view of matcha-colored ridges), Waiao Beach (Guishan Island), Annong River Bald Cypress (winter).
- Scenic Restaurants: Deng Ri Chu, Manshan Wanghai, No. 9 Cafe Waiao (seaside cafes); Longtan Lake Herbelle Tea House (view through floor-to-ceiling windows); Mediterranean Casa Hall 2, Kong Ei Farm (night views).
- Farms/Animals: Bambi Hills (deer interaction), Liu Liu Sanxing (greenhouse white foxes).
Q: How long does it take to get to Yilan from Taipei?
On weekdays with smooth traffic, it takes about 1 hour from Taipei through the Hsuehshan Tunnel to Jiaoxi, and about 1 hour and 15 minutes to Luodong. On weekends, we strongly recommend entering the highway before 7:00 AM. The return trip will almost certainly be congested; return before 2:00–3:00 PM or after 8:00 PM, otherwise the journey could take 1.5 to 2 hours or more.
Q: Is a Yilan day trip possible without a car?
Yes, but the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle only covers specific routes like Jiaoxi, Northeast Coast, and Zhuangwei. Frequencies are not high, and waiting times between attractions can be long, resulting in lower flexibility. If your itinerary is concentrated in Jiaoxi, Luodong, or Yilan City, walking or short taxi rides are feasible. For dispersed attractions, self-driving or a private charter is recommended.
Please refer to this article: Recommended Yilan Day Trip Itineraries (Non-Driving).
Q: How much does a Yilan private charter day trip cost?
- From Taipei, 5-seater, 8 hours: from NT$5,200
- From Taipei, 5-seater, 10 hours: from NT$5,600
- From Taipei to Taipingshan, 5-seater, 10 hours: from NT$6,200
- From Taoyuan/Airport, 5-seater, 10 hours: from NT$6,500
Fees include: passenger liability insurance, tolls, parking, fuel, driver’s wage, etc. No hidden fees.
Q: When is the best season to visit Yilan?
- Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November): The weather is most stable with relatively less rain, ideal for outdoor attractions.
- Summer (June–August): Though hot, it’s the best time for beaches, cold springs, and water activities. You can also plan indoor factory tours to escape the heat.
- Winter (December–February): Yilan is rainy, but it’s the most comfortable time for Jiaoxi hot springs and the most beautiful for bald cypress (late Nov to Dec). Plan more indoor factory tours and food stops, and always have a rainy-day backup.
Are itinerary planning, tunnel traffic, and finding parking giving you a headache?
Leave your Yilan day trip to the professionals at Onetaiwantrip Private Charter!


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