YilanPlay Recommendations

Taiping Mountain Villa sits in the Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area in Datong Township, Yilan, at an altitude of about 2,000 meters, a mountain resort combining natural scenery with lodging. Mist swirls through the grounds across all four seasons, and rooms come in wooden types like the Red Cypress Hall and the Incense Cedar Hall, with buffet breakfast and electric blankets. Ideal for cloud seas, sunrises and forest scenery, the area's high altitude means opening can start as early as 4 AM for sunrise viewing, so advance booking and parking planning are essential. Beyond a great spot for cooling off and hiking, it's an outstanding choice for soaking up forest phytoncides and the deep quiet of the mountains.

Shanzi Waterfall sits on a tributary of Qingshui Stream in Nan-ao, Yilan, a natural spot centered on gorge river tracing. Shaped like a folding fan, the falls earned their name; in summer the flow is abundant and the cool mist makes it a great escape from the heat. The route is about 4 kilometers in total, graded intermediate, suited to visitors with baseline fitness and a love of the outdoors, and can also be tackled as a family. Parking is available nearby, and there has been recent commercial development, so checking parking info in advance is recommended.

Xinliao Waterfall in Dongshan Township, Yilan is a flat forest trail suited to whole-family outings. The trail runs about 900 meters to 1 kilometer, with level ground, clean restrooms and a free parking lot; a round trip takes about an hour. Visitors can take in two tiers of falls: the first is easy to reach, the second requires crossing a suspension bridge and a short set of stairs. The stream water is cool, making it a natural summer spa, and visitors can splash or soak their feet on the rocks along the path. Easy to reach, about an hour by bus from Luodong or Taipei, it's a popular family destination for cooling off in Yilan's summer.

Chaoyang Fishing Port in Nan-ao, Yilan is a hidden gem that combines natural scenery with fishing-village culture. Beside the port, the Chaoyang Trail and viewing platform look out over the Suhua coast, Wushi Nose cape and a secret beach, and offer sunset views and the lively scene of fishing boats returning to harbor. Each time a boat docks, crowds gather to snap up the freshest catch, giving visitors a taste of local fishing life. The harbor is lined with seafood snack stalls serving grilled sausages, flying tiger fish-ball soup and other local flavors, making it a perfect destination that blends seascape, walking trail and food.

Dongyue Spring in Nan-ao Township, Yilan is a natural cold spring open year-round, with water temperature holding steady at 14-20 degrees C. The water is clear and the depth stays below 60 cm, ideal for family fun and water play. Admission is free, with free parking, restrooms and a food market, and visitors can take in railway and mountain views, making it a popular summer cooling-off choice.

Linmei Shipan Trail in Jiaosi, Yilan is a low-altitude (200-300 meters) subtropical stream-valley trail about 1.7 km long with gentle grades, well-suited for relaxed walks with kids and elders. Dense forest, moss and trunk-fern trees flank both sides, with small waterfalls, cool streams and rock formations along the way, plus wooden bridges, plank walkways and distance markers, rest pavilions and restrooms. The trailhead is near Jiaosi Golf Course and Caonan Lake with free parking, and visitors can pair the walk with nearby Hot Spring Park or Wufengqi Waterfall. A popular pick in Yilan for escaping the heat and soaking up forest phytoncides.