{"id":6803,"date":"2025-05-07T17:00:32","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T09:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/?p=6803"},"modified":"2025-03-23T10:32:48","modified_gmt":"2025-03-23T02:32:48","slug":"yilan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/en\/yilan\/","title":{"rendered":"Yilan | A Local Guide to Exploring the Historic Town | TAIWAN 368-38"},"content":{"rendered":"

As I stepped out of Yilan Station, a sense of freshness greeted me. The whimsical illustrations and giraffe motifs inspired by Jimmy Liao\u2019s picture books on the station\u2019s fa\u00e7ade seemed to warmly welcome travelers. These charming details immediately lifted my spirits, filling me with excitement to embark on a journey to explore the Lanyang Plain. Yilan, the administrative hub of Yilan County, also radiates a strong cultural and educational vibe.<\/p>\n

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\u25e6 Yilan Travel Guide<\/span><\/h6>\n

01\uff5cTransportation in Yilan<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude8c Shared City Transfers Between Taipei and Yilan \/ Jiaoxi \/ Luodong by Kamalan\u30fb<\/strong>\u7901\u6eaa\u30fb<\/strong>\u7f85\u6771\uff1a\u591a\u9ede\u642d\u4e58\uff0c\u8f15\u9b06\u5f80\u8fd4\u81fa\u5317\u53ca\u5b9c\u862d\u3002<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude97 Yilan Car Rental with Driver from Taipei<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udef5 Yilan Scooter Rental - Jiaoxi\/Luodong\/Yilan Railway Station Pickup<\/a><\/p>\n

02\uff5cPopular Attractions in Yilan<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfab National Center For Traditional Arts Ticket in Yilan<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Zhang Mei Ama's Farm Yilan Capybara Ticket<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area Ticket in Yilan<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Bambi Land Ticket in Yilan<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab Lanyang Museum Permanent Exhibition Ticket in Yilan<\/a><\/p>\n

03\uff5cThings To Do in Yilan<\/strong><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc33 Guishan Island Half-Day Tour<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude4c Scallion Pancake DIY Experience in Yilan<\/a>
\n\u2668\ufe0f Jiaoxi East Hotel Hot Spring Hotel Fenghua Yang Hotel\uff5cTouble hot spring bath coupon<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udea3\ud83c\udffb Paddy Field Canoe Experience in Yilan<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25e6 The History of Yilan<\/span><\/h6>\n

Long ago, the Lanyang Plain in northeastern Taiwan was home to the Kavalan people. They lived in harmony with the forests and the sea, relying on these natural resources for their livelihood. However, this peaceful existence was disrupted in 1796, the first year of the Jiaqing Emperor\u2019s reign. During this time, Wu Sha, a settler from Zhangzhou, Fujian, led migrants to reclaim the Kavalan lands. They built fortifications, opened roads, and brought new developments to the area, but this also intensified conflicts between the Han settlers and the indigenous Kavalan people. To manage this region, the Qing government officially incorporated Kavalan into its territory in the 15th year of Jiaqing's reign (1810). Two years later, they established the Kavalan Subprefecture and built Yilan City. This new city featured government offices, schools, markets, and temples, becoming a political, economic, and cultural center.<\/p>\n

Over the years, through the Japanese colonial era and the post-war period, the town's appearance has changed significantly. In recent years, the Yilan County Government launched the \"Old Town Revitalization Project\" to breathe new life into this historic town. The project not only preserves key historic buildings within the old city but also integrates natural resources and cultural features, aiming to revitalize the Lanyang Plain and restore its vibrant charm.<\/p>\n

\u25e6 Attractions in Yilan<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cJimmy Park<\/h6>\n

I\u2019ve always loved the whimsical world created by Jimmy Liao. His works are a series of poetic, colorful scenes that often carry an undercurrent of solitude beneath the vibrancy. Each character seems to seek connection with others amidst their loneliness. Strolling through Jimmy Park in Yilan, I couldn\u2019t help but feel a sense of familiarity as I read the quotes and phrases from his picture books scattered throughout the park.<\/p>\n

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Located in front of Yilan Station, the Jimmy Park brings scenes from his books to life. Among the installations, the one that caught my eye the most was the \u201cStarry Train\u201d under a large tree. A little girl and a group of animals peek out of the train windows, inviting every visitor to step into their world of imagination. In that moment, I felt a deeper connection not only with Jimmy Liao, the picture book artist who hails from Yilan, but also with this city itself.<\/p>\n

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Yilan<\/strong>Park<\/strong>\r\n\r\nNo. 240, Sec. 1, Yixing Rd., Yilan City, Yilan<\/pre>\n
02\uff5cYilan Hankou<\/h6>\n
In its early days, the \"Hankou\" played a vital and energetic role in economy. Acting as intermediaries between producers or distributors and retailers, they worked tirelessly in wholesale markets, brokering the sale of fruits and vegetables and earning commissions. Beyond facilitating transactions, they were key to connecting people with goods. It was within this context that \"Yilan Hankou\" emerged, bearing witness to Yilan\u2019s once-thriving commerce and dynamic flow of goods and people.<\/p>\n
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From the Japanese colonial period to the early years after Taiwan\u2019s retrocession, Yilan\u2019s primary means of transportation was rail. During that time, numerous railway freight companies gathered in the warehouses near the train station. The area was bustling with activity, marking the golden age of Yilan Hankou. However, as transportation methods evolved, the warehouses grew quiet and began to decay. The Yilan County Government once renovated the warehouses, transforming them into an artsy hub with bookstores and caf\u00e9s. For a brief moment, the area was lively again. Unfortunately, with the expiration of leases and failed bids to revitalize the space, the warehouses once more fell into silence, becoming a refuge for the homeless.<\/p>\n
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Yilan<\/strong>Hankou<\/strong>\r\n\r\nNo. 280, Sec. 1, Yixing Rd., Yilan City, Yilan<\/pre>\n
03\uff5cYilan Style<\/h6>\n
To promote the economic and cultural development of indigenous communities, the Yilan County Government established the \"Yilan Style,\" a vibrant platform that integrates creativity, craftsmanship, and local agricultural specialties. As the first lifestyle and aesthetic space in Yilan centered on indigenous culture, the Yilan Style acts as a window into the unique charm of indigenous heritage, bringing it closer to people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n
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Stepping into one of the shops, I bought a woven bracelet and a phone accessory. Every item here seamlessly combines cultural significance with practicality, allowing visitors to carry a piece of this land's beauty wherever they go and cherish the memory of its breathtaking landscapes.<\/p>\n
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Yilan Style<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1000-1800, closed on Tuesday.\nNo. 1, Ln. 430, Sec. 2, Zhongshan Rd., Yilan City, Yilan<\/pre>\n
04\uff5cYilan Story Museum<\/h6>\n
The Yilan Story Museum was originally the old Yilan County Council building, completed in 1959. After the council relocated to the county administrative center in 2001, this timeworn structure was designated a historic building in 2002. To preserve and breathe new life into this cultural landmark, the Yilan County Government undertook a revitalization project. By inviting unique restaurants and businesses to settle in, the building was transformed, blending its historical charm with a fresh, modern identity.<\/p>\n
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Yilan Story Museum<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1000-1800, closed on Monday.\nNo. 426, Sec. 2, Zhongshan Rd., Yilan City, Yilan<\/pre>\n
05\uff5cThe Institute of Yilan County History<\/h6>\n
Stepping into the Institute of Yilan County History, my first thought wasn\u2019t about its rich collection of artifacts. Instead, I found myself marveling, \u201cThis space is so inviting\u2014it\u2019s perfect for settling down with a good book!\u201d Even though the seating area is located in the basement, the warm, soft lighting and understated, calming decor create an atmosphere that naturally slows you down. I couldn\u2019t resist picking up historical records and immersing myself in a thoughtful dialogue with the land's past.<\/p>\n
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Established in 1993, the Institute of Yilan County History is Taiwan\u2019s first county-level historical archive. Its creation reflects Yilan\u2019s deep respect for its own culture. The museum houses a wealth of materials, including documents from the Japanese colonial period, government records, and even genealogies of Yilan families. For those seeking to uncover the region\u2019s history, it offers a clear and invaluable pathway to the past.<\/p>\n
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The Institute of Yilan County History<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0900-1700, closed on Monday.\nNo. 3, Xianzheng N. Rd., Yilan City, Yilan<\/pre>\n
06\uff5cMemorial Hall Founding of Yilan Administration<\/h6>\n
At first, I wasn\u2019t quite sure what \u201c\u8a2d\u6cbb\u201d (she zhi) meant. After looking it up, I learned that it refers to \u201cestablishing governance,\u201d meaning this site was once the official residence of Yilan\u2019s successive administrative leaders. As a former official residence, the landscaping and architectural design naturally reflect a certain level of sophistication. The building combines both Japanese and Western styles and sits gracefully amidst lush greenery. Despite the passage of time, it remains elegant and timeless.<\/p>\n
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In 1997, this residence was transformed into the Memorial Hall Founding of Yilan Administration. The space not only provides a comprehensive look into Yilan\u2019s administrative history since the Qing Dynasty but also opens its doors for visitors to explore and appreciate its historical significance.<\/p>\n
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Memorial Hall Founding of Yilan Administration<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0900-1700, closed on Monday.\nNo. 3, Lixing 3rd Ln., Jiucheng S. Rd., Yilan City, Yilan<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Restaurants and Snacks in Yilan<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cHao Ke Steakhouse<\/h6>\n
Hao Ke Steakhouse was recommended by a friend who grew up in Yilan City and has been a regular customer since childhood. Tucked away in a quiet alley, this cozy spot feels like a warm, family-run restaurant. The menu is unpretentious and designed to suit the tastes of the locals, offering not only steak but also dishes like fried rice and rice with gravy. It\u2019s clear this place caters to the neighborhood, with about 70% of its customers being loyal regulars\u2014a testament to its popularity. I personally love these Taiwanese-style steakhouses, especially for the signature side dishes like the buttery dinner rolls and creamy corn soup\u2014flavors you simply can\u2019t find in steakhouses abroad.<\/p>\n
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Hao Ke Steakhouse<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 1100-1400\u30011600-2100\nNo. 222, Sec. 3, Nongquan Rd., Yilan City, Yilan<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 Flying Over Taiwan<\/span><\/h6>\n