Not Just the Children's Festival: Top 10 Cool Summer Picks in Yilan

By MOOK Travel Christopher, compiled and reported

Yilan boasts beautiful mountains and waters, encompassing the vast Lanyang Plain, Lanyang River, and the majestic Pacific Ocean. Its unique geographical feature of being surrounded by mountains on three sides also contributes to Yilan’s cool climate, leading many visitors to call it the “Little Europe” of Taiwan. As the warm summer arrives, aside from the internationally renowned Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival, Yilan also offers many great spots to escape the heat. Here are ten recommended scenic spots to help you beat the summer heat. On your next trip to Yilan, consider visiting these areas.

1. Jianqing Nostalgic Trail
 
The Jianqing Nostalgic Trail in Taipingshan was once selected as one of the 28 most beautiful trails in the world. The trail was developed from part of the old timber transport railway line in the Jianqing area of Taipingshan. It begins with a gravel path lined with long stretches of railway tracks. The area preserves sections of the historic timber transport railways, allowing visitors to enjoy the sea of clouds below while witnessing the dramatic shift from rainy to clear skies over the Lanyang Plain.

2. Pink Bird Forest
 
Located in Dong’ao, Pink Bird Forest has a uniquely secluded location that gives off a feeling of being at the ends of the earth. Though not large in size, Dong’ao Bay features gentle pebble beaches, lush green mountains embracing the blue ocean, and refreshing sea breezes—making it a must-visit destination for travelers along Taiwan’s east coast. The fishing harbor nearby, with its rocky terrain, is dotted with peculiar rocks and stones that attract photographers.

3. Yulan Tea Garden
 
Yulan Tea Garden is the highest point in the Yulan Leisure Agriculture Area. Not only can you breathe in the fresh air of the tea plantation, but you can also gaze out over the entire Lanyang Plain and the surrounding valleys. Standing on the viewing platform, the boundless view stretching out before you is both vast and uplifting. Here, you can prepare your own tea in a self-service style. While enjoying the beautiful scenery, brew yourself a pot of tea and savor a relaxing moment.