Taipei's back garden 🇹🇼 YILAN TRAVEL GUIDE

MK
Mar 2
3 min read

Updated: Mar 3

Why Visit Yilan?

Located just one hour from Taipei, Yilan offers a refreshing escape from the city. Known for hot springs, coastal views, night markets, and lush mountains, Yilan is perfect for travelers who want to experience authentic Taiwan at a slower pace.

Best for: nature lovers, food explorers, couples, solo travelers, and culture seekers.

3-Day Yilan Itinerary

DAY 1 – Culture & Local Life (Yilan City)

Morning

Arrive at Yilan Railway Station，Walk around the city center

Visit Yilan Distillery Chia Chi Lan Liquor Museum

→ Learn about traditional Taiwanese rice wine

→ Free tastings available

Afternoon

Explore Yilan Museum of Art, Relax at Yilan Park

Evening

Street food at Dongmen Night Market, Street food at Dongmen Night Market, Recommended must-try at Dongmen Night Market in Yilan: the 16th stall of the Dongmen Tourist Night Market, Friendship Charcoal Grilled Chicken Cutlet, is a must-try after sunset. The chicken cutlet is fried and then grilled, with a sweet sauce and charcoal aroma. Pair it with Green Elf, a hand-shaken beverage shop that evokes memories for Yilan locals. Dongmen Night Market recommends charcoal grilled chicken cutlet with Green Elf, a perfect dinner or late-night snack to indulge in some meat.

Scallion pancakes, Taiwanese sausages, Peanut ice cream rolls

Budget: $25–40 USD/day

Stay: Local guesthouse or boutique hotel

DAY 2 – Hot Springs & Waterfalls (Jiaoxi Area)

Morning

Head to Jiaoxi，Soak at Jiaoxi Hot Springs

Afternoon

Hike to Wufengchi Waterfall, Jiaoxi Waterfall is most famous for its "Wufengqi Waterfall," boasting a spectacular three-tiered view and a well-maintained, gentle trail. "Houdongkeng Waterfall," on the other hand, is known for its short and accessible route, taking only about 10-15 minutes to reach the clear, deep pool, perfect for the whole family to enjoy water activities and cool off. Both waterfalls are located in Jiaoxi, Yilan, offering natural shade and tranquil streams, making them excellent summer retreats and short trip destinations, and both are free of charge.

Relax at Tangweigou Hot Spring Park (free foot bath!), There are many traditional street foods here, such as fried Yilan scallion pancakes.

Enjoy fresh beer

Barley Farm Manual Beer is a well-known freshly brewed beer in Yilan, available in four flavors. It's hard to find this type of beer in Taipei, but you can find it in Luodong or Jiaoxi. You must try it; I highly recommend it.