Stop being a homebody this holiday season—gather your friends and explore far-off places. Here’s your ultimate guide to Yilan’s hottest hidden gems.

▲Yilan is like a hidden treasure trove in Taiwan, concealing many breathtakingly beautiful secret spots. (Photo/Netizen)yuhsuan1115Provided by a netizen. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Travel Center / Compiled Report

The long-awaited winter vacation is just around the corner. Still struggling to decide where to go? Nestled in eastern Taiwan, Yilan boasts numerous picturesque scenic spots that have taken the internet by storm, becoming dream destinations for many. ETtoday EBC has handpickedYilan’s Five Most Popular Hidden Gems. Round up your family and friends and hit the road for an outdoor adventure now.

▲The evenly spaced rainbow eucalyptus grove looks stunning in photos no matter the season. (Photo/Netizen)boa_911Provided by a netizen. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

1. Sanxing Township Rainbow Eucalyptus Grove
▲Rainbow eucalyptus trees have recently become a huge hit. You can also find them in Yilan, where 200 of these perfectly aligned trees on the green lawn offer a naturally “clean and pure” aesthetic. During the holidays, snap some exotic-style photos here and you might even catch the trees turning red—a must-visit spot for all the artsy travelers.

Address: Section 28, East-West Road, Sanxing Township, Yilan County (next to Tianxin Bridge)

▲The dreamy, vibrant blue-green waters of Lipei Lake make everyone in the frame look effortlessly elegant. (Photo/Netizen)1114phoebeProvided by a netizen. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

2. Lipei Lake
▲The mirror-like oyster-shaped lake, paired with wooden boardwalks lined with a few bald cypress and ginkgo trees, reflects the natural blue-green water onto the ground, creating a postcard-perfect scene. Visitors can stroll along the S-shaped path, immersing themselves in the surreal beauty and enjoying a rare romantic afternoon with family.

Address: No. 27, Lipei Road, Dong Village, Yuanshan Township, Yilan County

▲The sight of the river split into two by a long corridor is striking, offering a fresh alternative beyond just a picturesque style. (Photo/IG@)jia_yi_1022Provided by a netizen. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

3. Annongxi Flood Diversion Weir Scenic Area (Spring Water Park)
▲Want to try a uniquely powerful photo op? Spring Water Park is the place to be. The park’s water gate is specially designed to divide the Annongxi River into two parts. The best hotspot is the long corridor at the end of the park, where the roaring sound of water fills your ears, and the turbulent flow is split into two sides, rushing relentlessly past. Its appeal rivals that of any picturesque hidden gem.

Address: No. 101, Annong Road, Dongshan Township, Yilan County

▲Jianqing Ancient Trail has gained massive popularity with its nostalgic, abandoned charm, earning a spot on the international stage. (Photo/Netizen)smile_albeeProvided by a netizen. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

4. Jianqing Nostalgia Trail
▲Among the winding, continuous railway tracks, you can still spot remnants of wooden boardwalks. After a century of harsh weathering, the rust-streaked and weather-beaten Jianqing Ancient Trail retains a wild, enchanting charm, even making it onto the list of the world’s 28 most beautiful trails. Its precarious state exudes an alternative kind of decaying beauty.

Location: Within Taipingshan National Park
Holiday opening hours: Closed on New Year’s Eve, reopens at 8 AM on New Year’s Day

▲Pink Bird Forest has been a top spot for visitors from the beginning of last year to the end, making it one of Yilan’s most popular local attractions. (Photo provided by Netizen Zhou Wanzhen. Do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement. The same applies to the following photos.)
5. The Secret Spot of Fen Niao Lin (Pink Bird Forest)
The hidden gem of Fen Niao Lin (Pink Bird Forest), stretching from Dong’ao in Dongsha all the way to fame across Taiwan, continues to be a major draw. The view unfolds like an endless ocean, almost seamlessly blending with the blue sky and white clouds overhead — a breathtakingly healing sight that seems to stretch into the heavens. The surrounding scattered rocky hills resemble scenes from a romantic movie, making it a must-visit destination for many young women traveling to Yilan.

Location: Dong’ao Village, Su’ao Township, Yilan County (Fen Niao Lin Fishing Port)