Swimming, camping, and barbecues for all generations—East Yue Spring, Yilan’s hidden summer retreat

▲ East Yue Spring is perfect for kids to play in the water.

Reported and photographed by Chen Shichang, Yilan

Soaking in cold springs is a great way to beat the summer heat. The well-known Su’ao Cold Spring Park in Yilan offers a full day of fun for just NT$70 per adult ticket. For another option, about a 20-minute drive from Su’ao, East Yue Spring is a hidden gem. With water temperatures below 18°C year-round, this natural spring in Nan’ao Township is touted as a secret treasure—and the best part? It’s completely free.

▲ Under the railway overpass is a great spot to escape the sun and have a barbecue. The spring park also has a camping area (right photo).

East Yue Spring is located along the Su-Hua Highway near the coast of Dong’ao. As you approach Dong’ao, clear signs will direct you to East Yue Spring. After turning right, it’s just a three-minute walk. The spring pool lies beneath two old and new railway bridges. While soaking here, you can often hear the rumble of trains passing overhead. Despite the urban vibe, it feels far from the city.

▲ Many people set up tents for camping (left photo). The spring pool is scattered with rocks of various sizes—it’s best not to go in barefoot (right photo).

The large concrete area beneath the two bridges provides shade from the sun, wind, and rain. Many visitors who come to soak also set up tents here, start campfires for barbecues, play games, and enjoy tea and chats. You can spend a relaxing morning or afternoon here. If you bring your own gear, camping, barbecuing, and stargazing here is incredibly budget-friendly—with zero extra costs. There’s also a wire fence around the spring area, making it relatively safe for camping activities.

▲ East Yue Spring

Regardless, the main attraction is the spring pool itself. The entire pool stretches from south to north, gradually getting deeper, and is made up of several square-shaped smaller pools. Liu, a mother who brought her kids to play, said the ground isn’t even and there are many rocks of different sizes, so it’s best to wear proper water shoes—or at least sandals. Going barefoot isn’t very convenient.

Grandma Li, in her 70s, played in the water with her young granddaughter. Their three-generation family came for a picnic and fun in the water. She described the pool as similar to a regular children’s pool—relatively safe and not deep at all, making it a paradise for kids.

Despite the blazing sun and temperatures exceeding 35°C that day, East Yue Spring kept flowing with water at around 18°C. It’s said the temperature stays between 14–18°C year-round, making it incredibly refreshing. Soaking here is completely free, though that also means fewer amenities—there are no public showers or changing rooms. However, the surrounding park is still maintained, and some local vendors sell drinks and simple meals. There are also restrooms available, so overall it’s fairly convenient.

It’s said that East Yue Spring appeared in 1998 (the 87th year of the Republic of China), when the North-Link Railway was undergoing a double-tracking project in Dongyue Village. During tunnel excavation, an underground water vein was struck, causing continuous water flow inside the tunnel. Due to the spring’s clear and cool water, many locals came to swim. In 2007 (the 96th year of the Republic of China), the township office turned the spring area into East Yue Spring Park.