Yilan

Yilan City is the administrative center of Yilan County, located in the fertile Lanyang Plain of northeastern Taiwan. The city is bordered by the Xueshan Range to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, creating a distinct microclimate known for its high rainfall. Historically, the area was inhabited by the Kavalan people before the arrival of Han Chinese settlers in the late 18th century. The city has preserved much of its traditional architecture and street layouts from the Qing Dynasty and Japanese colonial eras. Since the completion of the Xueshan Tunnel in 2006, the city has become more integrated with the Taipei metropolitan area, facilitating rapid economic growth and tourism. Yilan is famous for its local agriculture, particularly scallions and garlic, as well as its unique folk traditions. The Yilan River flows through the city, providing water for irrigation and recreational activities.

Nearby cities

Jiaoxi

A modern hot spring town in Yilan, famous for its rare flatland thermal springs and local 'hot spring' agricultural products.

Luodong

Taiwan's smallest urban township, which is nevertheless the busiest business center in Yilan County.

Keelung

A bustling port city in the northeast, famous for its night market and rainy weather.

Wulai

A mountainous village famous for its natural hot springs, towering waterfalls, and indigenous Atayal culture.

Chiufen Sandiaojiao

A magical mountain village and the easternmost point of Taiwan, offering breathtaking Pacific views.

Yehliu

Yehliu is famous for its geological park featuring bizarre rock formations shaped by erosion along the northern coast.

Zhongjiao

A prominent surfing paradise on Taiwan's north coast, famous for its consistent waves and wide sandy beaches.

New Taipei City

The most populous city in Taiwan, completely enclosing the capital Taipei.

Hutoushan / Lalashan

A high-altitude mountain retreat famous for its millennia-old giant cypress trees and refreshing air.

Beitou

Taipei's famous hot spring district, known for its sulfurous steam and historical Japanese influences.

Chongde

A spectacular village at the foot of the Qingshui Cliffs, ideal for kayakers and nature lovers.

Xiulin

Xiulin is the gateway to the majestic Taroko Gorge, offering pristine pebble beaches along the Pacific.

Baishawan

A stunning white sand beach on the north coast, perfect for water sports and seaside relaxation.

Smangus

A remote Atayal tribal village known as 'God's Village', famous for its giant trees and communal lifestyle.

History & landmarks

Shifen

Famous for its wide waterfall and a historic railway track that runs directly through the town's market street.

Maokong Gondola

A cable car system in Taipei that takes visitors up to the tea-growing areas of Maokong, home to many traditional teahouses.

Jiufen Old Street

A charming mountain town that was once a center for gold mining, now famous for its narrow alleys and traditional teahouses.

Elephant Mountain

A steep hill near the center of Taipei, offering one of the best views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline.

National Palace Museum

A world-renowned museum housing one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks.

Yehliu Geopark

A geological park on the north coast, famous for its unusual rock formations.

Yangmingshan National Park

A volcanic national park right outside Taipei, known for its hot springs, fumaroles, and cherry blossoms blooming in spring.

Taroko Gorge

An impressive marble gorge carved by the Liwu River, offering spectacular hiking trails.

Nature

Qingshui Cliff

Spectacular cliffs that drop almost vertically into the Pacific Ocean.

Laomei Green Reef

A coastal formation with volcanic trenches covered in green algae during spring.

Tamsui River

The Tamsui River flows through the Taipei metropolitan area and empties into the Taiwan Strait in the northwest of the island.

More places

Port of Su'ao

A major civil and military port on Taiwan's rugged east coast.

Taipingshan Forest

Taipingshan Forest was once a major center of the logging industry and is now a misty recreation area with hot springs.

Pingxi Coal Mine

Formerly Taiwan's largest coal mine, which shaped the industrial development of the region.

Nangang Software Park

A major technology park in Taipei focused on biotechnology and software development.

Taipei Zoo

One of the largest zoos in Asia, well-known for its giant pandas.

Jinguashi Gold Mine

One of the largest gold and copper mines in Asia during the Japanese colonial era.

Taipingshan

A densely forested mountain that was formerly a major center for the logging industry.

Daan Forest Park

A large green oasis in the heart of Taipei providing recreation for city dwellers.