Taiwan

Yilan

Yilan

Yilan is a beautiful county located in northeastern Taiwan. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and de…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Exploring with transit or a car
  • Exploring the natural beauty of Yilan's coastline travelers
  • Visiting hot springs and enjoying spa treatments travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
Recommended stay
3-5 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Spread
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Yilan is a strong pick for exploring the natural beauty of yilan's coastline & visiting hot springs and enjoying spa treatments — plan about 3-5 days; group places into half-day loops. Peak season: Summer.

Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 96/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Spread density — Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops. (≈100 km span)

50 Places to explore
3-5 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: March · April · September · October

Weather

Autumn

20-25°C

Spring

20-25°C

Summer

25-30°C

Winter

15-20°C

How to get there

How to Reach Yilan in Taiwan

Located on the northeastern coast of Taiwan, Yilan is a beautiful city known for its stunning natural landscapes, hot springs, and rich cultural heritage. If you're planning a visit to Yilan, here are a few ways to reach this enchanting destination.

By Air

If you're coming from abroad or other parts of Taiwan, the quickest way to reach Yilan is by air. The nearest airport is Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, which is about a 1.5-hour drive from Yilan. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach your destination. Alternatively, you can also take a domestic flight to Taipei Songshan Airport and then continue your journey to Yilan by bus or train.

By Train

Yilan is well-connected to the rest of Taiwan by an efficient railway network. If you're already in Taiwan, taking a train to Yilan is a convenient option. From Taipei, you can catch a train from Taipei Main Station or Nangang Station to Yilan Station. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, and the trains are comfortable and reliable.

By Bus

Another economical way to reach Yilan is by bus. There are regular bus services from Taipei to Yilan, and the journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic conditions. Buses are a great option if you prefer a more scenic route and want to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Taiwan along the way.

By Car

If you prefer the flexibility of driving, you can rent a car and reach Yilan by road. From Taipei, you can take National Highway No. 5 and follow the signs towards Yilan. The journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. It's important to note that driving in Taiwan requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a Taiwan Driver's License.

Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, reaching Yilan is relatively easy and well worth the journey. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by the city's natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.

Getting to know Yilan

Yilan is a beautiful county located in northeastern Taiwan. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine. Situated between the Central Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, Yilan offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to explore.

One of the highlights of Yilan is its breathtaking natural scenery. The county is home to several national parks and reserves, including the famous Taroko National Park. Here, visitors can marvel at the majestic marble cliffs, deep gorges, and crystal-clear rivers. Yilan also boasts stunning beaches, such as Wai'ao Beach and Fulong Beach, where tourists can relax and enjoy the sun. The county is also dotted with hot springs, providing a perfect opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation.

In addition to its natural beauty, Yilan is steeped in history and culture. The county is home to many indigenous tribes, and visitors can learn about their traditions and customs at the Dongshan River Cultural Park. Yilan is also known for its traditional arts and crafts, such as wood carving and pottery. The Luodong Night Market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a variety of local street food, snacks, and handicrafts.

Furthermore, Yilan is renowned for its delectable cuisine. The county is famous for its seafood, particularly its fresh and succulent shrimp. Visitors can indulge in a wide array of seafood dishes, including grilled prawns, steamed fish, and seafood hotpot. Yilan is also known for its unique local snacks, such as sticky rice cakes, scallion pancakes, and taro balls. Food lovers will be delighted by the diverse culinary experiences that Yilan has to offer.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Try the local delicacies such as Yilan sausage and sticky rice dumplings
  • Pack comfortable shoes for exploring the hiking trails
  • Visit during the Lantern Festival in February for a unique cultural experience
  • Rent a bicycle to explore the scenic countryside
  • Book accommodations in advance during the high season

Places worth exploring

50 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Yilan?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Yilan, Taiwan.

When is the best time to visit Yilan?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Yilan?

Travelers often find better value in March, April, September, October.

What kind of trip is Yilan good for?

Yilan suits Exploring the natural beauty of Yilan's coastline, Visiting hot springs and enjoying spa treatments, Exploring the local food scene and night markets, Visiting historical sites and cultural landmarks.

Is Yilan walkable?

Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops.

Any local tips for Yilan?

Try the local delicacies such as Yilan sausage and sticky rice dumplings

Build your trip

Add Yilan and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.

Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Yilan → Wulai → Xindian · ≈33 km
  • Yilan → Wulai → Xindian · ≈33 km
  • Yilan → Yilan in China → Pinglin · ≈34 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

Explore nearby

Nearby places worth adding to your trip

Yilan in China

China

16 km · Best: Summer · 3-5 days · Compact

Yilan is a captivating city situated in the northeastern part of China. Nestled between the beautiful mountains and the picturesque Pacific…

Wulai

Taiwan

17 km · Best: Spring and Summer · 3-5 days days · Moderate

Wulai is a charming township located in the mountainous region of Taiwan. Situated just 27 kilometers away from the bustling capital city o…

Pinglin

Taiwan

30 km · Best: Spring and Autumn · 3-5 days · Moderate

Pinglin is a charming town located in the New Taipei City of Taiwan. Famous for its picturesque tea plantations and beautiful mountain land…

Xindian

Taiwan

33 km · Best: April to October · 3-5 days · Moderate

Xindian is a vibrant city located in Taiwan, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Situated in the southern…

Xindian

China

33 km · Best: Summer · 3-5 days · Moderate

Nestled in the heart of China, Xindian is a hidden gem that should be on every traveler's bucket list. This small town is located in a stun…

Shiding

Taiwan

33 km · Best: April to June · 5-7 days · Moderate

Shiding is a picturesque township located in the New Taipei City of Taiwan. Nestled amidst the lush green mountains and serene landscapes,…

Tucheng

China

40 km · Best: Spring and Autumn · 3-5 days · Moderate

Tucheng is a vibrant city located in China. Situated in the northern part of the country, Tucheng is known for its rich cultural heritage a…

Zhonghe

China

41 km · Best: Spring and Autumn · 3-5 days days · Compact

Zhonghe is a vibrant city located in China, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. Situated in the northeaster…