Yilan's Dongshan River Ecological Park, a Summer Hit, Is No Longer Free

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled report

After Hualien’s Taroko Qilu Ancient Trail and Taitung Forest Park introduced fees in stages starting in 2017, Yilan’s Dongshan River Eco Park officially began charging an on-site cleaning and maintenance fee from July 1, 2017. The fee is applied per entry between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, at a rate of NT$30 per person.

Since its official opening on April 22, 2015, Yilan’s Dongshan River Eco Park has gained popularity among many visitors, with cumulative visitor numbers exceeding 680,000. In 2017, apart from hosting the Green Expo, the park also features the unique landscape of the country’s only railway bridge running through it, which is a major attraction for tourists. The park is home to a variety of natural ecosystems, including birds, fish, insects, frogs, reptiles, and mammals. Activities such as fishing, swimming, playing in the water, crossing the railway tracks, picking plants, bird-netting, angling, and releasing animals are all prohibited within the park.

After confirming that fees will be charged starting July 1, 2017, residents of Yilan County, children under 115 cm in height, or those under 6 years of age are exempt from the fee. Additionally, individuals presenting a disability handbook and one accompanying person are also exempt. Smoking is prohibited in the park, as is the release of balloons or kites. Operating drones or unmanned aerial vehicles is also not allowed—these guidelines must be carefully observed.