YilanPlay Recommendations

Shipan Waterfall sits on a tributary of Dezikou Stream in Jiaosi Township, Yilan, and forms part of the Linmei Shipan Trail. The trail is about 1.7 km long at an altitude of 200-300 meters, with a route mostly of wooden walkways and gravel paths shaded by trees, comfortable to walk. The falls cascade down a massive rock face, the water mist fills the air and the perceived temperature drops noticeably, making it a superb spot to escape the summer heat and great for family trips and light hiking. A facility map and restrooms sit at the trailhead, reachable by car or local bus.

Shengmu Mountain Villa in Jiaosi, Yilan is a hiking trail famed for its matcha-colored mountain views. The route starts from an industrial road near Wufengqi Waterfall with a gentle warm-up stretch, then passes through a densely shaded forest path before challenging hikers with a roughly 1.6-km Sky Ladder steep climb to the villa's main peak. The full length is about 2.8 km and suits hikers with baseline fitness; spring and autumn bring cool, clear-air conditions ideal for taking in mountain views and looking out across the Lanyang Plain and Guishan Island. The trail is well maintained, but wet days make the path slippery, so trekking poles, anti-slip shoes and plenty of water are recommended. Hikers can rest in the Jiaosi hot spring area along the way for a double helping of mountains and hot springs.

Suao Cold Spring at No. 6-4, Lengquan Road, Suao Township, Yilan is Taiwan's only natural carbonated cold spring. The water is cool with a faint sulfur note, called 'xi-huang-shui' (sulfur-washing water) by locals. The park is built around a cold spring park and offers hot-and-cold spring rooms, a public foot-soak pool and separate men's and women's public baths, suited to families, couples and friends. Hours are 9 AM to 7:30 PM, closed on Thursdays; ticket prices vary by status, with local residents free on weekdays and other visitors and children at half price. The site provides parking, stroller-accessible paths, and does not allow pets or food. Nearby are Nanfang-ao Fishing Port, Qixingling Trail and local seafood restaurants, making it easy to plan a relaxed day trip that mixes cooling soaks with coastal scenery.

Jinyue Waterfall in Nan-ao, Yilan is a natural waterfall and river-tracing spot on the upper reaches of Lupi Stream. The water-play area is reached in about five minutes on foot; the water is crystal clear and the falls drop about 30 meters, well-suited to river tracing, cliff jumping and splashing around for families and teenagers. When summer temperatures soar, the falls become a cooling paradise; the surrounding area is shaded by dense trees, offering a quiet natural setting. Admission is free, but the parking lot is private land and charges about NT$100 per entry. Convenient to reach from TRA Nan-ao Station or the Suhua Highway; weekdays or early arrival on holidays are recommended to avoid crowds.

HaoHaoKaffe at No. 125, Lane 2, Sec. 1, Zhongzheng Road, Wujie Township, Yilan sits near the Luodong Forestry Culture Park in a quiet setting that feels like a country villa. The menu centers on brunch, desserts and coffee, with both espresso-machine and pour-over options, and the signature mille-feuille cake and cinnamon rolls are well loved. The biggest draw is the pet-friendly policy—leashed pets are welcome inside the dining area, so travelers with pets can enjoy the food worry-free. The interior is simple and minimal, framed by greenery, well-suited for relaxed chats or gatherings with friends.

A.maze Rabbit Maze has two locations in Yuanshan and Jiaosi, Yilan, a family-friendly landscape restaurant that combines maze trails, viewing café spaces and pet-friendly facilities. The grounds are themed around a pink castle, a rainbow glass skywalk and a 180-degree night view overlooking Guishan Island, with coffee, light meals and afternoon tea on offer, plus a small-animal zone for interactions with rabbits and turtles. Visitors can wander the maze and snap photos during the day, then take in the glittering lights of the mountain town at night. A great fit for couples, families and pet owners alike.