So romantic—head to an "idol drama" location in Yilan for a date and sample some “tender meat”!

Photos and text byAilishi

The pastoral scenery of Yilan is a popular getaway for city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle on holidays. This time, we mainly introduce two nostalgic hidden-gem train stations—Wanglongpi and Tiansongpi Stations—which served as filming locations for the idol drama “Smiling Pasta.” They’re easily accessible by car, and you can plan additional nearby attractions along the way for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here’s a guide for your reference.

1. Orange Home Preserved Fruit Sightseeing Factory
This is the sightseeing factory of Orange Home Food Company, primarily producing preserved fruits and kumquats. It operates by processing local specialties, and the park also offers DIY workshops where visitors can make their own kumquat preserves. Making your own kumquat treats adds a fun twist and helps connect tourists with local culture.

▲ The Orange Home park features vintage-style buildings perfect for photos. (Photo/Ailishi)

▲ A café inside the Orange Home park. (Photo/Ailishi)

2. Wanglongpi
Wanglongpi, also known as Ruanpi, is located in a spot best reached by car or bike. Hundreds of years ago, due to flash floods and soil erosion, a lake formed at the foot of Dajiao Stream Mountain. Locals, drawing from the old saying “wind follows the tiger, cloud follows the dragon,” named it “Wanglong” (Gazing at the Dragon) Lake. There’s also a Flower Field Village here, which was a filming site for “Smiling Pasta,” home to Auntie Hua and Huo Tuoya.

▲ Wanglong Pond in Wanglongpi, where you can enjoy coffee by the lakeside.。(Photo/Ailishi)

3. Tiansongpi Station
This is a historic train station that also served as a filming location for the idol drama “Smiling Pasta.” In the past, the Taiping Mountain Sanglin Railway was built here for timber transport. Though now abandoned, it remains well-preserved, with traditional Japanese wooden architecture still standing. Nearby, you’ll find popular eateries such as Sanxing Grandma’s Scallion Pancake, He Family’s Scallion Pie, Zhenwei Xiang Braised Pork, and Sanxing Scallion Pancake.

▲ Tiansongpi still retains its Japanese-style buildings. (Photo/Ailishi)

▲ Tiansongpi remains well-maintained even after renovation. (Photo/Ailishi)

▲ The surrounding fields of Tiansongpi. (Photo/Ailishi)

4. Nantian Temple
Dedicated to Mazu, this temple is located at the harbor of Nanfang’ao, right by the Pacific Ocean. The residents of Nanfang’ao worship Mazu for protection at sea. Nantian Temple has three stories: the first floor houses the main Matsu statue from Meizhou, the second holds the jade-bodied Matsu, and the third enshrines the golden-bodied Matsu. Each is a towering deity. Each level also has a terrace offering views of Nanfang’ao Fishing Port.

▲ Nantian Temple gathers the faith of many locals and has enjoyed flourishing incense offerings through the years. (Photo/Ailishi)

▲ Nantian Temple boasts great views overlooking Nanfang’ao Fishing Port. (Photo/Ailishi)

5. Lover’s Bay
Located within Neipi Zi in Nanfang’ao, also known as Lover’s Bay, this Pacific-facing bay is famed for its pristine white arc-shaped beach. It was once home to the Pingpu and Kavalan tribes and later became the second fishing port area of Nanfang’ao. With its quiet environment, it’s perfect for couples to take a stroll and have heart-to-heart talks.

▲ Lover’s Bay is a romantic and private spot ideal for couples. (Photo/Ailishi)

6. Zhenghao Fresh Meat Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)
One of the must-queue foods, these xiao long bao feature thin skins, lots of juice, and a filling of pork and scallions—the green of the scallions peeking through the white dough. Be careful when eating, as they’re very hot—use a spoon to hold them to avoid burning your mouth, and to catch any juice that might spill out. After eating the dumpling, you can sip the juice, ensuring nothing goes to waste. The restaurant’s spicy and sour soup contains shredded pork, wood ear fungus, shredded radish, and egg drop, and is fairly mild—not too sour or spicy.

When asked about the shop’s name, the owner explained, “Originally, it was called ‘Normal Fresh Meat Xiao Long Bao,’ but my younger brother registered that name first. My older brother once thought of changing it to ‘Abnormal Xiao Long Bao,’ but eventually, we settled on ‘Zhenghao Fresh Meat Xiao Long Bao.’” The shop is located at the triangular intersection opposite Guangfu Elementary School, making it easy for drivers to park. Since the xiao long bao are made to order, there’s often a wait and occasional lines.

▲ Zhenghao Fresh Meat Xiao Long Bao opens early in the morning. For travelers, it’s recommended to stop by for a meal right after arriving in Yilan from Taipei. (Photo/Ailishi)

▲ The fresh meat xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Zhengqi are made with thin wrappers and generous fillings, freshly handmade to order. One bite releases a burst of delicious broth. (Photo / Ailishi)

▲ In addition to hot and sour soup, you can also pair your xiaolongbao with soy milk. The dumplings can also be dipped in the restaurant’s chili sauce for a unique flavor. (Photo / Ailishi)

Itinerary
Departure in the morning / Depart from Banqiao at 10:00, take the Huajiang Bridge and head towards Xindian. You’ll reach Yilan after approaching the Hsuehshan Tunnel.
Zhengqi Fresh Meat Xiaolongbao → Juzhixiang Preserved Fruit Sightseeing Factory → Wanglong Pi → Tiansongpi Railway Station → Nantian Temple → Lovers’ Bay → Return to Taipei in the evening / Back by 18:00.

Juzhixiang Preserved Fruit Sightseeing Factory (Preserved Fruit Image Pavilion)
Address: No. 33, Meizhou 2nd Road, Yilan City, Yilan County
Phone: (03)9285758
Official Website:http://www.agrioz.com.tw/

Wanglong Pi
Address: No. 54, Pocheng Road, Yuanshan Township, Yilan County (behind Hushan Elementary School)

Tiansongpi Railway Station
Address: No. 27-41, Fushan Cross Alley, Fushan Street, Sanxing Township, Yilan County

Nantian Temple
Address: No. 17, Jiangxia Road, Su’ao Town, Yilan County
Phone: (03)9962726
Official Website:http://www.goldma.tw/intro.html

Lovers’ Bay
Address: Neipi Road, Su’ao Town, Yilan County (next to North Coast Park)

Zhengqi Fresh Meat Xiaolongbao
Address: No. 25, Taishan Road, Yilan City, Yilan County
Phone: (03)9325641

Author: Ailishi, a music composer and singer who enjoys gourmet food and exploring new places in their spare time. They also love cooking, researching mysticism, and embracing an “ice cream philosophy” of life—enjoying the moment. Known as a wildly fun-loving woman.

Fan Page:Ailishi-AlicesVoice