The scenery resembles a fairyland of elves！ Six green wonderlands in Yilan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

In addition to its magnificent seascape and countryside, Yilan’s mountainous areas also conceal rich forest beauty, including natural ecological landscapes that rival world-class standards. Exploring them feels like entering a different world, as if you’ve stepped into the homeland of elves.

1. Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area
The Mingchi Forest Recreation Area is located within the Lili Makaio Ecological Park, surrounded by mountains. In the center lies a crystal-clear lake that sparkles like an emerald, surrounded by vast golden forests of larch trees. No matter how you shoot it, it looks like a picturesque landscape like a postcard, as if you’re in a stunning European ecosystem.

Location: No. 1, Mingchi Villa, 8th Neighborhood, Yingshi Village, Datong Township, Yilan County
For non-staying visitors:
1. Adult ticket: NT$ 120, applicable to the general public.
2. Group ticket: NT$ 100, applicable to groups of 20 or more.
3. Student ticket: NT$ 100
4. Government & military personnel: NT$ 60 (NT$ 90 on holidays)
5. Concession ticket: NT$60, applicable to children between 115-150 cm or aged 6-12, individuals holding Yilan County ID, people aged 65 or above, and individuals holding volunteer service certificates.
6. Persons with disabilities, toddlers, and veterans: NT$ 10, applicable to toddlers under 115 cm or under 6 years old, the individual and one accompanying person holding a disability card, and the individual holding a veteran ID.
※ Proof of eligibility must be presented to purchase the above concession tickets.
 
By car:
1. National Freeway No. 2: Exit at Taoyuan Daxi Interchange, then take the Northern Cross-Island Highway to reach the destination.
2. National Freeway No. 3: From the Hsinchu System Interchange, transfer to Freeway No. 3, exit at Tucheng Interchange, then take Provincial Highway 7B and continue to Provincial Highway 7 to reach the destination.
3. National Freeway No. 5: From National Freeway No. 1 (Zhongshan Expressway), transfer at Xizhi System Interchange to Freeway No. 5 (Beiyi Expressway), go through the Xueshan Tunnel to Toucheng Interchange, then take the Coastal Highway (Provincial Highway 2) to Zhuangwei, then transfer to Provincial Highway 7, pass through Yilan City and Yuanshan to Datong Township and connect to the Northern Cross-Island Highway to reach the destination.
4. National Freeway No. 5: From National Freeway No. 3 (Freeway No. 2), transfer at Nangang System Interchange to Freeway No. 5 (Beiyi Expressway), go through the Xueshan Tunnel to Toucheng Interchange, then take the Coastal Highway (Provincial Highway 2) to Zhuangwei, then transfer to Provincial Highway 7, pass through Yilan City and Yuanshan to Datong Township and connect to the Northern Cross-Island Highway to reach the destination.
 
※ Guests staying at Mingchi Villa can book the “Direct Shuttle from Taipei to Qilan and Mingchi” transfer service. (Additional fee applies)
Stops along the way: Exit 4 of Taipei Metro National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Yilan Railway Station (front station), Qilan Villa, Mingchi Villa.

2. Taipingshan Jianqing HuaiGu Trail
Taipingshan was once thriving in forestry, and the Jianqing HuaiGu Trail is a product of this forestry history. The trail is 2.35 kilometers long and is built using part of the original timber transport railway line from the Taipingshan Jianqing area. The area retains the historic timber transport tracks.

Walking along the Jianqing HuaiGu Trail, you follow the historic forest railway that once transported timber. On clear days, you can gaze at the beautiful view of Dabajianshan, and when the weather turns overcast, you can enjoy the sea of clouds. It’s a serene experience where nature and human history blend seamlessly.
 
Address: Kilometer 22.3, Yizhuan No. 1, Taipingshan, Datong Township, Yilan County
Business hours: Weekdays 6:00 - 20:00 / Holidays 4:00 - 20:00