[Recommended Yilan Attractions]Six family-friendly fixed-point tours that are super relaxing—fun without getting tired!

Ever since having kids, weekends and holidays are no longer just about personal activities. Fixed-point family tours in Yilan are actually a great way to travel.

Nowadays, we opt for light trips during regular weekends and plan longer journeys during holidays—even going abroad. But no matter the type of trip, traveling with kids brings unique life experiences and strengthens parent-child bonds. That said, one unavoidable truth is that everyone ends up exhausted after the trip!
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When kids are little, parents can still carry them when they get tired—but it’s the parents who suffer. As kids grow older and can’t be carried anymore, the whole family gets worn out. Over time, children’s excitement and anticipation before outings gradually fade, leaving only post-trip fatigue.

Not only can you save a lot of travel time, but you can also visit multiple attractions at a single spot. Most importantly, you’ll create deep, wonderful family memories without wearing yourself out. This win-win fixed-point travel is highly recommended!

I’ve also compiled a list of attractions I’ve visited before, organized by fixed points along the Taipei–Yilan route via the Hsuehshan Tunnel, for your reference. Hope you find it useful.

Suggested one-day itinerary: Lanyang Museum -> Guishan Island OR Guishan Island -> Lanyang Museum

The closest Yilan town to Taipei is Toucheng. Toucheng is home to the uniquely shaped Lanyang Museum, which looks like a toppled house. The museum introduces early Yilan’s local ecology, culture, and history. Before heading into Yilan, it’s the perfect place to learn about Lanyang culture. (Recommended stay: half a day)

Next to the Lanyang Museum is Wushih Port, the departure point for boats to the mysterious Guishan Island. Whale and dolphin watching season runs from March to the end of October each year, with registration opening on March 1. When visiting Toucheng, why not try something different? Take a boat to see whales and dolphins, then head to the mysterious Guishan Island. Otherwise… you’ll only ever wave at it from afar. (Recommended stay: 3–4 hours)

So it’s suggested to plan a half-day Guishan Island whale-watching trip (earliest boat departs at 9:00) + a half-day visit to the Lanyang Museum (open 9:00–17:00)
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Suggested one-day itinerary: Longtan Lake Scenic Area -> 15-minute drive -> Jiaoxi Township Household Registration Office -> 1-minute walk -> Ke-style Scallion Pancakes -> 15-minute walk -> Tangwei Gully Park -> 8-minute walk -> Onion Bath -> 1-minute walk -> Chili Cultural and Creative Museum -> 1-minute walk -> Leshan Hot Spring Ramen -> 7-minute drive -> Siwei Fort Station Restaurant (take the ramp home)

The Jiaoxi attractions we visited are mostly concentrated near Jiaoxi Railway Station. If you’re coming to Jiaoxi by train and want to do a fixed-point tour, you might have to skip the more distant Longtan Lake Scenic Area and Siwei Fort Station Restaurant.

Suggested itinerary: Jiaoxi Railway Station -> 15-minute walk -> Jiaoxi Township Household Registration Office -> 1-minute walk -> Ke-style Scallion Pancakes -> 15-minute walk -> Tangwei Gully Park -> 8-minute walk -> Onion Bath -> 1-minute walk -> Chili Cultural and Creative Museum -> 1-minute walk -> Leshan Hot Spring Ramen -> 5-minute walk -> back to Jiaoxi Railway Station

Longtan Lake, the largest of Yilan’s five major lakes, is a great place to relax. Its vast grassy areas are perfect for letting kids run free or renting a kart to bike around the lake. Plan to stay here a bit longer than expected—there’s a giant bowl-shaped slide that kids won’t want to leave until it gets dark. (Recommended stay: at least 3 hours, including time on the slide)

If Taiwan’s most beautiful public office is the Tainan Immigration Agency, then the Jiaoxi Household Registration Office is the quirkiest. Right next to Ke-style Scallion Pancakes, there’s a building you might overlook—or one you’ll find yourself staring at for ages. It may look like an abandoned ruin, but it’s actually a design marvel. Don’t miss the Jiaoxi Household Registration Office when you’re in town. (No need to register for a household change!) (Recommended stay: 15 minutes)
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A must-try queue-worthy snack: Ke-style Scallion Pancakes, just a minute’s walk from the Jiaoxi Household Registration Office across from Chunghwa Telecom. After admiring the oddly shaped building, grab some delicious scallion pancakes!

Shop info:
Address: No. 128, Section 4, Jiaoxi Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County (next to Chunghwa Telecom side entrance)
Phone: 0972-158603
Business hours: 09:00–18:00 (until sold out)

An open recreational space where visitors can enjoy the natural comfort of cypress hot baths, free outdoor foot spas, and even fish spa treatments to soothe tired feet after a long day. (Recommended stay: 40 minutes)

For a unique bathing experience, check out Taiwan’s only art-themed hot spring bathhouse. The artistic murals inside make soaking a rather hipster affair—an unusual and refreshing way to unwind. When it’s cold, warm your body and treat your eyes at the same time. (Recommended stay: 1–1.5 hours)
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Selling chili-themed food products—and yes, even spicy ice cream. It’s just a small shop, but those two eye-catching chili mascots out front really steal the show. (Recommended stay: 10–15 minutes)

Shop info:
Address: No. 61, Section 5, Jiaoxi Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County
Phone: 03-9882639
Business hours: 10:00–22:00

Although I haven’t eaten there myself, it’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit. You can enjoy ramen while soaking your feet — they’ve really taken the hot spring culture of Jiaoxi to the next level. Definitely worth a visit if you get the chance... (Duration: about 1.5 hours including meal)

Store Information:
Leshan Hot Spring Ramen (First Branch)
Address: No. 1, Lane 108, Section 5, Jiaoxi Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County
Phone: 03-9888637
Business hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–21:00

Leshan Hot Spring Ramen (Second Branch)
Address: No. 20, Gongyuan Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County
Phone: 03-9887225
Business hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–21:00

After a day exploring Jiaoxi, as you prepare to enter the highway, you’ll pass by a striking station — not to catch a train home, but to dine at this unique station restaurant. There’s a giant monster at the entrance that really catches your eye. Stepping inside is even more surprising, like entering a magic academy from the world of Muggles... (Duration: about 30 minutes, not including meal)
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Suggested one-day itinerary: Block Museum –> 7-minute drive –> Junhuai Retro Restaurant (Yilan Yixing Branch) –> 6-minute walk –> Jimmy Park –> 3-minute walk –> Diudiu Forest –> 3-minute walk –> Yilan Fairy Tale Park

The Block Museum, which began trial operations in January 2016, houses hundreds of master-level block art pieces and is Asia’s first block museum. Only 600 visitors are allowed in per day, with just 150 spots available for on-site purchases. Visitors are advised to register online in advance for a smoother experience. (Duration: about 3 hours)

Kids don’t understand what “nostalgia” means — to them, everything is new... Ultraman, Princess Knight, old-style candy stores, rotary phones, and pull-down TVs are all childhood memories for us, but to children, they’re all brand-new. Experiencing the retro vibe together with your kids is a rare and magical feeling. (Duration: about 2 hours including meal)

Yilan Railway Station has become a representative site of fairy tale stories. Just cross the street after exiting the station, and you’ll see a flying starlight train — that’s Diudiu Forest. There’s also a lively weekend market here. Plus, there’s a whimsical red-brick house that’s a hipster coffee shop. The small stage area even features storytelling sessions.

Also, if you head left from Yilan Railway Station without crossing the road, you’ll step straight into a world of Jimmy Liao’s picture books. Many of his classic stories are brought to life in Jimmy Park. (Duration: strolling around for about 1 hour)
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Just across from Jimmy Park, there’s another fairy tale park. Yilan Fairy Tale Park was created using the large lawn opposite the Jimmy Square and an old TRA dormitory. Classic illustrated works from Master Huang Chunming, such as “Short-Nose Elephant” and “I Am a Cat Too,” are displayed on the remaining low walls of the old dormitory, forming art corridors like “Cat Path” and “Elephant Trail.” Each wall features fascinating torn-paper illustrations to admire... (Duration: about 40 minutes to 1 hour)

Suggested one-day itinerary: Lanyang Forestry Culture Park –> 10-minute drive –> Lanyang Cultural Workshop –> 7-minute drive –> Lanyang Sports Park

If planning a two-day trip, the Jade Rabbit Pencil School can also be included. Although it’s located in Wujie Township, not in Lanyang Town, it is geographically closer to the Lanyang Forestry Culture Park.

Suggested two-day itinerary:

DAY 1: Jade Rabbit Pencil School –> 3-minute drive –> Lanyang Forestry Culture Park –> 5-minute drive –> Lanyang Night Market –> 7-minute drive –> Lanyang Homestay - YES Hotel (accommodation)

DAY 2: Lanyang Homestay - YES Hotel (accommodation) –> 7-minute walk –> Lanyang Sports Park –> 7-minute drive –> Lanyang Cultural Workshop

One of Taiwan’s three major forestry farms, the Taiping Mountain Forest Farm, spurred the growth of various local industries and helped establish Lanyang Town as a major hinoki wood market in Taiwan. In 2004, the Lanyang Forest Farm was transformed into the “Lanyang Forestry Culture Park.” With a serene and comfortable environment and home to dozens of aquatic plant species, it’s like a natural ecological museum. Though you may no longer feel the former bustle of a forestry economic hub, the tranquil surroundings make it a great place to relax... (Duration: about 3 hours)

What looks like an unfinished elevated road is actually one of the design works by master architect Huang Sheng-yuan. With its avant-garde and bold architectural style, the structure uses plenty of industrial materials to create the impressive form of a “spaceship.” Under the 18-meter-high canopy, the entire sky gallery is suspended, leaving a spacious public area in the middle. A long staircase resembling a skywalk leads up to the sky gallery where you can check out the exhibitions. And if... you’re not afraid of heights, you can climb to the floating platform at the top, which offers the best panoramic view of Lanyang. (Duration: about 1–2 hours)

The happiest family moments are those spent walking in the park or running on the grass with your kids. Centered around the themes of water, greenery, and health, Lanyang Sports Park combines landscape design with sports facilities. There’s an 8-minute water dance show every hour — definitely worth experiencing in person. (Duration: about 3 hours)

Do pencils really contain lead? Why are ballpoint pens called ballpoint pens? Consider adding an educational factory tour to your trip, where kids can learn something new while traveling. (Duration: about 3 hours)

Certified by SGS homestay evaluation, it also features four major themed family rooms: Racing Car Room, Candy House, Tent Base, and more. Each one is a favorite among kids—how to choose just one? It’s such a tough decision!

The National Center for Traditional Arts is itself a great destination where you can easily spend a whole day. Stay overnight at Dongshan Cottage within the park, and a night tour of the Traditional Arts Center is a unique experience too!

Recommended 2-Day Itinerary (1): DAY1 – Wushih River Water Park -> 10-minute drive -> Yilan Futa Dongshan Cottage (stay) DAY2 – Yilan Futa Dongshan Cottage (stay) -> National Center for Traditional Arts (all day)

Recommended 2-Day Itinerary (2): DAY1 – Wushih River Water Park -> 4-minute drive -> Kavalan Old Houses (stay)
DAY2 – Kavalan Old Houses (stay) -> 7-minute drive -> National Center for Traditional Arts (all day)

Themed around “water interaction,” the Wushih River Water Park takes advantage of the river’s characteristics. With its stepped platform design, it extends land into the water, bringing people closer to the water. The park also has a children’s play area loved by kids. Come splash around in the summer—it’s so much fun… (Recommended stay time: half a day)

Park Opening Hours
Summer: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Winter: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Contact Information
Address: No. 36, Lane 20, Xiehe Rd., Wujie Township, Yilan County, Taiwan
Phone: (03) 950-2097

This is the home of traditional Taiwanese arts, featuring old-style buildings that recreate early civilian life scenes. Walking down the street feels like stepping back to a simpler, purer time. There are also performances of folk arts and skills—rare sights even for those of our generation (Recommended stay time: one day)

Designed by renowned architect Huang Shengyuan, Futa Dongshan Cottage retains the layout of old Taiwan. Its exterior has a rustic, authentic Taiwanese charm, while the interior offers a modern, comfortable environment. The Minnan-style architecture and the garden landscape with small bridges and flowing water extend the main theme and essence of the Traditional Arts Center…

Kavalan Old Houses is not just the name of a homestay—it preserves the most original way of life, allowing city kids to enjoy fishing and bamboo rafting. It holds stories of the nearly forgotten Kavalan tribe. Away from the city noise, living closer to nature brings relaxation and peace to the mind, body, and soul…

Recommended 1-Day Itinerary: Zhu Dayu Seafood Cultural & Creative Museum -> 13-minute drive -> Tofu Cape -> 15-minute drive -> Qili Bay Bubble Milk Tea Cultural Museum

It’s recommended to schedule your visit to Qili Bay Bubble Milk Tea Cultural Museum in the afternoon. If you want to try the lightbulb bubble milk tea, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance, as it’s only available starting at 3:00 PM. So you can visit Zhu Dayu Seafood Cultural & Creative Museum and Tofu Cape in the morning, then have lunch at Qili Bay in the afternoon.

A 360-degree blue ocean painting creates a fantastical 3D underwater tunnel. Fierce sharks with bared teeth seem to chase you from behind, then suddenly you’re plunged into a bottomless whirlpool… It really tricks your eyes with near 100% realism, making you feel like you’re right there in the moment. The museum also has DIY activities that kids love. Swim along with the fish together with your little ones~ (Recommended stay time: about 30-40 minutes, excluding DIY time)
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Cross the Nanfang’ao Bridge and along the coastline lies a uniquely beautiful small bay, a rare scenic spot among Taiwan’s bays. Resembling tofu in shape, it is called Tofu Cape. The park features walking paths, viewing and rest areas, and a barbecue zone—perfect for an outing or seaside view. (Recommended stay time: about 30-40 minutes) Photos below are sourced from: Northeast Coast & Yilan Coast National Scenic Area website

It’s said that bubble milk tea ranks 18th in the world’s beverage popularity list—truly a source of pride for Taiwan. As the pioneer of green building design, the park has 70% wetland planning and focuses entirely on green energy and environmental protection. And of course, don’t miss the signature super-popular lightbulb bubble milk tea—come and give it a try. (Recommended stay time: half a day)

Yilan has so many fun places to explore. To see them all, you’d really need a lot of time. If given the chance, I’d definitely go back and discover even more amazing spots to share with everyone.

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