Known for its blustery winds (perfect for surfing), black sand beaches, Jiaoxi hot spring hotels and cycling paths, there are plenty of things to do in Yilan. Here’s 10 of them to get you started.
Like many other areas in Taiwan, Yilan encompasses both beaches and mountains, as well as extensive plains in between. As such, the area offers an unlimited variety of activities for visitors. There’s even surfing and whale watching!
Though made up of more than 10 cities, the most popular towns in Yilan are Jiaoxi (for the Jiaoxi hot spring hotels), Su’ao (for the port and harbor), and Toucheng (for the sandy beaches). This is also where the majority of food choices are and is likely to be where your hotel is located too.
While many of the things to do in Yilan occur here, there is so much more to Yilan than just these three districts. So, without further ado, let’s get into the top 10 things to do when in Yilan.
1. Relax with Hot Spring Hotels in Yilan
Nothing beats a cold front or stressful week at work like a relaxing hot spring bath. While Taiwan is blessed with many natural hot springs, the most popular are the hot spring hotels in Yilan, particularly in Jiaoxi, Yilan!
Jiaoxi hot spring hotels are a highlight of Yilan, with practically every hotel in the district offering a soothing hot spring bath. Although guests usually have the choice to bathe in a public pool, I strongly recommend booking a personal bath for more of an on-demand hot spring experience (link the one I had in the video in Nantou).
2. Go to Tofu Cape
Yes, the delicious sounding Tofu Cape 豆腐岬 does derive its name from its resemblance of the soybean dish. As a massive rock (that’s the tofu) sitting on a pebble beach, Tofu Cape offers visitors unobstructed views of the harbor and the Pacific Ocean beyond.
In addition to being a great place to relax and soak up the fresh salty sea air, Tofu Cape also has an easy hiking trail along its coastal side. What’s more, proving that there are plenty of things to do in Yilan, the semi enclosed waters in the cape offer some pretty sweet coral reefs for scuba diving.
3. Visit the National Center for Traditional Arts
The National Center for Traditional Arts 國立傳統藝術中心 (NCFTA) is a delightful interactive museum, performance center, and training center for every aspect of traditional folk arts in Taiwan. It’s also my favorite place in Taiwan, so you know it has to be good.
Showcasing a changing array of performances, from musical puppet shows to traditional Taiwanese opera, and even acrobatic juggling and martial arts, there’s something for everyone at the NCFTA.
The National Center for Traditional Arts also has a wide collection of art available for browsing and purchasing. I particularly recommend taking a stroll through The Gallery of Taiwan Traditional Art, which exhibits works made by masters of their trade. A visit to the jade gallery also comes highly recommended as Yilan is famous for black jade, as well as green jade.
- Address: No.201, Section 2, Wubin Road, Wujie Township, Yilan County
- Website: NCFTA
4. Slurp it up at a Bubble Tea Museum
Bubble tea (or boba tea 泡泡茶) is a classic Taiwanese beverage known for its delicious mix of milk, black tea, and QQ (chewy) tapioca balls. And chances are that, if you’ve tried it, you’ve had Kili Bay pearls too.
Kili Bay is a renowned manufacturer of tapioca pearls, supplying their bubble tea-based goods to over 60 countries globally. It’s fitting then that they should have their own Kili Bay Pearl Milk Tea Cultural Center to showcase the drink. With a the world’s first bubble tea museum (that’s free) museum and DIY bubble tea activities, you won’t want to miss this sweet trip!
5. Gorge on Oodles of Noodles
Ever wanted to stuff your face silly with rice noodles? Well, at Tiger Brand Cheng Tung Rice Noodle Cultural Center you can get way more than just a mouthful. Since 1970, the famous Tiger Brand Cheng Tung 虎牌正通 has been serving Taiwan with delicious rice noodles, and you can snag a freshly cooked bowl (or five) at their noodle tourism factory in Yilan.
Not only do visitors get to experience life in Taiwan in the ‘70s with an interactive museum, but there’s also a viewing area to see the rice noodles being manufactured in the actual Tiger Brand Cheng Tung factory! Definitely worth the trip if you’re a noodle fan…or just want a bite to eat.
6. Eat a Green Onion Pancake
Green onion pancake (葱油餅), also known as scallion pancake, is a Taiwan night market staple. Thin, crispy, and oh so addictive, this fragrant pancake can be found throughout Taiwan but really should be had on a visit to Yilan. It’s where many of the local green onions are grown, after all.
Ke’s Scallion Pancake is the perfect spot to try this traditional Taiwanese dish. With a Michelin recommendation to its name and a loyal local following, there’s really no better place to try your first green onion pancake in Taiwan than at Ke’s in Yilan. Plus, it makes for a super satisfying post/pre-hot spring snack.
- Address: No.128, Sec. 4, Jiaoxi Rd., Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County 262, Taiwan
- Price: Under $50
7. Admire Turtle Island
Taiwan is made up of more than 20 official islands (which are not just rocks for strategic purposes), with Turtle Island 龜山島 (Guishan Island) being the largest in Yilan. A little under 45 minutes away from the mainland by ferry, Turtle Island is a significantly different experience that the rest of Yilan. For one, the water is white. Or “milky”, according to the Taipei Times.
Visitors can also experience Turtle Island from the water in a kayak or paddle board. Full access to Turtler Island is restricted, but tourists can get as close as they want by sea. Just remember to check your physical fitness before setting off on this Yilan adventure.
8. Enjoy fresh fish in Su’ao Harbor
Aside from traditional snacks like green onion pancakes, cow tongue, and dried duck, Yilan is not particularly known for its food. Even in the busiest of areas like the Jiaoxi hot spring hotels, there still seems to be a serious lack of restaurants to people ratio.
So, if you’re in the mood for a proper meal, look no further than 元町活海鮮餐廳 in Su’ao Harbor. With Yilan being a coastal city, it goes without saying that visitors have to try the seafood, and nowhere does it better than this 40 year old establishment. Their freshly steamed grouper is especially recommended.
- Address: No. 76, Yugang Rd, Su’ao Township, Yilan County, 270
9. Cycle along the Yilan Coastal Bike Path
It’s no secret that Taiwan has amazing bike trails letting cyclists ride the entire island. The coastal bike path is the primary trail for such an adventure, and you can experience the Yilan section of it yourself with over 17km of uninterrupted cycling, right by the sea.
A straight shot with no steep parts, this path is one of the best things to do in Yilan that’s fit for everyone, regardless of the fitness type. Some highlights along the Yilan Coastal Bike Path include forests, scenic spots to enjoy the majesty of the Pacific Ocean, and an old house used for military exercises.
10. Visit Lanyang Museum
This airy and modern museum on the coast of Yilan offers visitors a detailed history of the region, from the ocean to the Lanyang mountains and the plains in between. With permanent and visiting exhibitions, visitors to the Lanyang Museum will be amazed at just how rich the plant life, wildlife, history, and culture is in Yilan.
Lanyang Museum additionally offers a glimpse into the human development in Yilan, of which Taiwanese indigenous tribes (referred to as Aboriginal Tribes in Taiwan) are the focus. The two main tribes that visitors will learn about are the Atayal and Kavalan tribes, and the museum showcases many archeological relics, including jewelry, pottery, tools, and ceremonial objects.
- Address: No. 750, Section 3, Qingyun Road, Toucheng Township, Yilan County
- Open hours: 9am to 5pm (Closed Wednesdays)
- Admission: $100
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