Explore Yilan in a two-day, one-night trip—hot springs, gourmet food, and attractions all included!

Tripbaa Funbaa – Asia’s Free Travel Experts

With the opening of Highway No. 5, weekend trips to Yilan for a two-day, one-night stay have become a favorite among many. Whether you drive, take the train, or use intercity buses, getting there is very convenient. Today, we’ll introduce several great ways to enjoy a two-day, one-night trip to Yilan—options for budget travelers who don’t want to rent a car as well as for those driving. Let’s go on a Yilan adventure!

Many might think that traveling to Yilan requires a self-drive or rental car for convenience, but actually, Yilan’s transportation system is fairly well-developed. With intercity buses, trains, and local buses, you can visit many attractions. Although you might spend more time waiting or transferring between rides, in terms of coverage, routes, and punctuality, Yilan’s transportation is quite good.

After exiting the Jiaoxi Transfer Station, it’s just a five-minute walk to Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park. Here, you can enjoy the lush forest atmosphere and even soak your feet in a free open-air foot spa. Nearby vendors also sell drinks and traditional Taiwanese treats like egg ice pops—perfect for relieving travel fatigue and kicking off your two-day, one-night Yilan trip.

Right across from Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park is the very famous Yilan hot spring ramen spot, Leshan Ramen (Second Branch). The main store is located in downtown Jiaoxi. What makes this place unique is that some seating areas allow you to enjoy your ramen while soaking your feet in a hot spring. Options include soy sauce, miso, pork bone broth, and the locally famous cherry duck flavor. Additionally, the fried shrimp sushi roll is a must-try dish during your Yilan two-day, one-night trip.

Yilan Two-Day, One-Night Attraction – Leshan Ramen. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa – Asia’s Free Travel Experts)

The Houdongkeng Waterfall is about a half-hour walk from the Jiaoxi Transfer Station. Though a bit of a trek, the route is easy to follow and the path is fairly flat, making it a very accessible waterfall. Along the way, you may spot several friendly wild kittens. Standing by the Houdongkeng Waterfall, you can feel the natural rhythm of the forest and stream. If you have the energy to climb the stairs nearby, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire Jiaoxi area!

Yilan Two-Day, One-Night Attraction – Houdongkeng Waterfall. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa – Asia’s Free Travel Experts)

Of course, a two-day, one-night trip to Yilan wouldn’t be complete without experiencing Jiaoxi’s hot springs and spas. Many hotels now offer combo tickets for hot springs and meals, often pairing them with either afternoon tea or lunch/dinner. After unwinding in the stress-relieving hot springs, enjoy a local meal featuring cherry duck, preserved duck, or fresh seafood—it’s truly a luxurious experience!

If you’d like to head south on the second day, consider visiting Nanfang’ao. This is one of Yilan’s major fishing ports, so you can enjoy plenty of fresh seafood. Right across from the harbor is a highly representative and bustling Mazu Temple. Beyond the fishing port lies Tofu Cape, a beloved Yilan destination for tide-watching and beach fun—but always pay attention to tide schedules and safety before going in the water!

Yilan Two-Day, One-Night Attraction – Nanfang’ao. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa – Asia’s Free Travel Experts)

And when in Nanfang’ao, don’t miss the peanut roll ice cream near the Mazu Temple entrance. You can choose from two ice cream flavors, served in a huge scoop and rolled in freshly shaved peanuts. It’s sweet, refreshing, and only costs 35 NTD—such an affordable snack!

Yilan Two-Day, One-Night Attraction – Peanut Roll Ice Cream. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa – Asia’s Free Travel Experts)

PS. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of agar jelly to try something new!

Yilan Two-Day, One-Night Attraction – Peanut Roll Ice Cream & Agar Jelly. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa – Asia’s Free Travel Experts)

Su’ao is most famous for its cold springs, but it also offers hot springs. In fact, Su’ao’s hot spring water is pure and rich in minerals, occasionally forming beautiful white, petal-like “hot spring flower” crystals. Strolling alongside these bubbling waters is a truly mesmerizing experience. We recommend choosing a hotel that offers both hot and cold springs, so you can indulge in the luxury of a private hot spring room. After soaking, you can enjoy a refined afternoon tea and beverages.

Yilan Two-Day, One-Night Attraction – Longshan Mountain Hot Spring Room. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa – Asia’s Free Travel Experts)

If you’re not driving but still want to keep exploring on your way back, head north to Toucheng. The Toucheng Railway Station, after recent redesign and renovation, now features architectural elements inspired by the Lanyang Museum. Paired with its classic red-and-white brick style, the station has a charmingly retro look. With Yilan’s mountains and blue sky in the background, it’s a great Yilan attraction for a quick photo stop.

Just a five-minute walk from Toucheng Railway Station is Toucheng Old Street, another area worth exploring. Unlike typical touristy commercial streets, Toucheng Old Street consists of regular residential lanes. Along Heping Street, you’ll find several iconic historic buildings, such as Chen Chunji Merchant House, Xin Changxing Shuju, and Beimen Fude Shrine—a cultural enclave well worth seeing.

Wind down your journey with a relaxing cup of coffee. A 15–20 minute walk from Toucheng Railway Station will take you to “Zhan Café,” located along the coastal bike path by Waiao Beach. Here, you can sip coffee while admiring the sea view and even catch a glimpse of Guishan Island—perfect for leisurely passing the time. Their fruit smoothies are also made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and definitely worth trying!

[Tripbaa Funbaa] Authorized Repost. Original article: [Recommended Yilan Two-Day, One-Night Itinerary: A Lazy Guide to Yilan’s Hot Springs, Food, and Attractions]

Recommended Reading:
Recommended Reading: