As I stepped out of Yilan Station, a sense of freshness greeted me. The whimsical illustrations and giraffe motifs inspired by Jimmy Liao’s picture books on the station’s façade 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.
Contents
◦ Yilan Travel Guide
01｜Transportation in Yilan
🚌 Shared City Transfers Between Taipei and Yilan / Jiaoxi / Luodong by Kamalan・礁溪・羅東：多點搭乘，輕鬆往返臺北及宜蘭。
🚗 Yilan Car Rental with Driver from Taipei
🛵 Yilan Scooter Rental - Jiaoxi/Luodong/Yilan Railway Station Pickup
02｜Popular Attractions in Yilan
🎫 National Center For Traditional Arts Ticket in Yilan
🎫 Zhang Mei Ama's Farm Yilan Capybara Ticket
🎫 Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area Ticket in Yilan
🎫 Bambi Land Ticket in Yilan
🎫 Lanyang Museum Permanent Exhibition Ticket in Yilan
03｜Things To Do in Yilan
🐳 Guishan Island Half-Day Tour
🙌 Scallion Pancake DIY Experience in Yilan
♨️ Jiaoxi East Hotel Hot Spring Hotel Fenghua Yang Hotel｜Touble hot spring bath coupon
🚣🏻 Paddy Field Canoe Experience in Yilan
◦ The History of Yilan
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’s 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.
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.
◦ Attractions in Yilan
01｜Jimmy Park
I’ve 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’t help but feel a sense of familiarity as I read the quotes and phrases from his picture books scattered throughout the park.
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 “Starry Train” 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.
YilanPark No. 240, Sec. 1, Yixing Rd., Yilan City, Yilan
02｜Yilan Hankou
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’s once-thriving commerce and dynamic flow of goods and people.
From the Japanese colonial period to the early years after Taiwan’s retrocession, Yilan’s 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 cafés. 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.
YilanHankou No. 280, Sec. 1, Yixing Rd., Yilan City, Yilan
03｜Yilan Style
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’s lives.
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.
Yilan Style Opening Hours: 1000-1800, closed on Tuesday. No. 1, Ln. 430, Sec. 2, Zhongshan Rd., Yilan City, Yilan
04｜Yilan Story Museum
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.
Yilan Story Museum Opening Hours: 1000-1800, closed on Monday. No. 426, Sec. 2, Zhongshan Rd., Yilan City, Yilan
05｜The Institute of Yilan County History
Stepping into the Institute of Yilan County History, my first thought wasn’t about its rich collection of artifacts. Instead, I found myself marveling, “This space is so inviting—it’s perfect for settling down with a good book!” 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’t resist picking up historical records and immersing myself in a thoughtful dialogue with the land's past.
Established in 1993, the Institute of Yilan County History is Taiwan’s first county-level historical archive. Its creation reflects Yilan’s 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’s history, it offers a clear and invaluable pathway to the past.
The Institute of Yilan County History Opening Hours: 0900-1700, closed on Monday. No. 3, Xianzheng N. Rd., Yilan City, Yilan
06｜Memorial Hall Founding of Yilan Administration
At first, I wasn’t quite sure what “設治” (she zhi) meant. After looking it up, I learned that it refers to “establishing governance,” meaning this site was once the official residence of Yilan’s 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.
In 1997, this residence was transformed into the Memorial Hall Founding of Yilan Administration. The space not only provides a comprehensive look into Yilan’s administrative history since the Qing Dynasty but also opens its doors for visitors to explore and appreciate its historical significance.
Memorial Hall Founding of Yilan Administration Opening Hours: 0900-1700, closed on Monday. No. 3, Lixing 3rd Ln., Jiucheng S. Rd., Yilan City, Yilan
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Yilan
01｜Hao Ke Steakhouse
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’s clear this place caters to the neighborhood, with about 70% of its customers being loyal regulars—a 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—flavors you simply can’t find in steakhouses abroad.
Hao Ke Steakhouse Opening Hours: 1100-1400、1600-2100 No. 222, Sec. 3, Nongquan Rd., Yilan City, Yilan
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
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◦ Other Areas in Yilan
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