Travel articles
Find practical ways to reach Yilan, plus places to visit around Luodong and Dongshan River, family-friendly outings, and ideas for planning your next trip.
Transport guide
Walking from Luodong Station is usually simplest. From the transfer station, compare an 18-minute walk with the day's limited buses; drivers should check official live parking before entering the market streets.
Sports guide
Whether you are booking your first lesson, bringing your own board, or simply joining friends at the beach, start with the location, transport, and conditions on the day. This guide compares three common choices so you can plan with less guesswork.
Family outing
Step into the animals' space rather than viewing everything from afar. Here is what makes the capybaras, alpacas, kangaroos, pelicans and fern greenhouse worth a half day.
Destination guide
Sanxing Township (三星鄉) is not a single attraction. On a first visit, choose two of its three areas—the town centre, the Annong River waterfront and the Tiansongpi foothills—for a workable day.
Place guide
Plan a walk to the first waterfall on Xinliao Waterfall Trail in Dongshan, Yilan, with current trail notices, the roughly 0.9 km one-way route, bus access, parking and wet-weather safety.
Destination guide
Plan Jiaoxi's hot-spring town, Wufengqi, Paoma Historic Trail, Linmei Shipan Trail and Longtan Lake, with car-free, family, one-day and two-day itineraries and timely trail checks.
Place guide
A practical guide to Wai'ao Surfskate Park: location, terrain, first-session steps, protective gear, wet-weather cautions, transport and a short Toucheng itinerary.
Place guide
Plan a Dongshan River Ecoark visit with current admission guidance, Dongshan Station access, the Mysterious Waterway and the difference between the inner-park and old-channel boats.
Itinerary idea
Choose 3.5, 16 or 24 km first, then plan rental checks, water, stops and a safe return time.
Place guide
Plan a visit to Luodong Forestry Culture Park, with its log pond, Zhulin Station, steam locomotive and forestry exhibits. The outdoor grounds are free, about a 20–25 minute walk from Luodong Station, while indoor halls follow different closure days.
Place guide
Plan a visit to Yilan Traditional Arts Park with current ticket, opening-hour, Monday schedule, Luodong transport, exhibition, family and rainy-day guidance.
Place guide
Plan a visit to Sanqi Beauty Trail in Dongshan: rice-field seasons, golden and painted rice, Fengzun Temple parking, toilets, S-curves, photos and field etiquette.
Place guide
Plan a half day at Meihua Lake with the 2.2 km loop, bike rentals, boat rides, transport, parking and the uphill extension to Sanqing Temple.
Family outing
The festival runs at Dongshan River Water Park from 4 July to 16 August 2026. Allow a full day, and recheck ticket eligibility, ride restrictions and weather notices before leaving.
Food guide
Start with five useful picks, then add more according to appetite and queues. Includes prices, opening reminders, a one-loop route and dessert stops.
Place guide
Check the day's operating mode first, then choose transport, parking, a riverside walk, boat enquiry or a short cycle.
Transport guide
Take 1661 when its limited airport schedule fits; otherwise use the Airport MRT and TRA. From central Taoyuan, start at TRA Taoyuan Station, then connect from Luodong to the night market, water park and arts centre.
Transport guide
Use early TRA train 272 for a one-seat ride when it fits. At other times, change trains in Banqiao/Taipei or take HSR to Nangang and bus 1878/1879, then continue to Luodong’s night market and the Dongshan River sights.
Transport guide
Take direct TRA train 423 through Taitung and Hualien for a one-seat ride, or use HSR to Nangang and change to an east-coast train for an earlier arrival. Includes Luodong and Dongshan River connections.
Transport guide
Compare trains, highway buses and driving, then continue to Luodong Night Market, Dongshan River Water Park, the NCFTA and other popular stops.
Transport guide
Use the east-coast railway first and book straight to Luodong for the river attractions. If through seats sell out, compare a change at Hualien; holiday route 1918 is a road-based backup from Hualien only.
Keep exploring
Check each place's highlights, suggested visit length, and location before planning a day trip or a longer stay.
A signature riverside attraction for walking, cycling, boating, and family time along Dongshan River.
A major summer family event held at Dongshan River Water Park, useful for planning summer stays in Yilan.
The Yilan venue of the National Center for Traditional Arts, combining heritage streets, architecture, exhibitions, performances and crafts.
A popular Yilan night market for dinner and late-night snacks after daytime sights around Dongshan River.
