Zheng Xiaorou Charlene
The Lanyang Museum in Toucheng Township, Yilan County, officially opened on October 16, 2010, after 18 years of planning and construction. Its exterior is striking, featuring an asymmetrical, triangular pyramid shape that from a distance really does look like a house turned upside down (that was Xiaorou’s first impression when she saw the Lanyang Museum). It’s truly memorable — but there’s much more to it than meets the eye.
Designed under the leadership of Taiwanese architect Kris Yao, taking inspiration from the characteristic landform of Danan Mountain commonly found near Beiguan in Yilan — a monadnock — the building has won numerous awards, including the 7th Far East Architecture Award, Taiwan Region Outstanding Award, the 2010 Taiwan Architecture Award (Grand Prize), and Kris Yao himself received the 2012 International Architecture Award for the main building of Lanyang Museum.
Lanyang Museum has a paid parking lot, and residents of Yilan County can visit for free.There are also various ticket types including discounted tickets, student tickets, group tickets, and full-price tickets.Children under 115 cm in height enter for free..
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Outside the museum is an ecological pond, the site of the Wushi Reef ruins.There were also a few small vendors selling goods outside, and we happened upon a traditional bamboo weaving handicraft stall where items were woven and sold on the spot. The prices were reasonable too, attracting many visitors to gather, watch, and shop — quite interesting.
The interior of Lanyang Museum boasts lofty, expansive spaces, paired with modern materials such as glass and metal to strike a balanced aesthetic, leaving one marveling: this building is incredibly beautifully designed — so international in feel.It has four floors, divided into themes representing the mountain, sea, plains, and the geographical and humanistic environment of Yilan.It also includes areas such as the Exhibition Center, Educational Resource Center, and Lanyang Market, showcasing and preserving these elements through exhibition, research, collection, and education.
The museum highlights Yilan’s rainy climate, which has nurtured rich forest resources and diverse ecosystems. This once supported a forestry-based economy. The area’s abundant alpine lakes offer deeper insights into the region’s unique, vivid cultural character and natural ecology.
Water and rivers have shaped life on the Yilan Plain, so the museum takes an in-depth look at the key rivers of Yilan and the wisdom of farmers’ lives. The use of water has fostered a rich agricultural culture and a lifestyle of coexisting harmoniously with the environment.
The mysterious migration patterns of eel fry, along with unique geological environments like volcanoes and earthquakes, are featured. The site also preserves the wetland ecology of Wushi Harbor and connects culturally with spots like Toucheng Old Street and the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area. There are also many exhibits showcasing the lifestyles and artifacts of earlier residents — quite fascinating.
In the past, life on the Yilan Plain revolved around fishing, farming, and raising ducks. Many traditional farming tools are displayed here, such as turtle-shell rakes, straw raincoats, blowers, and treadle waterwheels, giving visitors the feeling of stepping through a historical and cultural journey — educational and enriching.
Yilan is also home to many Indigenous peoples, so the museum showcases a variety of related Indigenous cultural artifacts.
Designed mainly for children under 10, the museum features interactive zones such as the Marine Theater, Train, Underwater Rainforest, Sea Highway, Marine School, and Brave the Turtle Island. These cover both humanistic and natural themes, using hands-on experiences to spark children’s interest in marine culture — learning through play.
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The museum also houses a café and gift shop where you can browse and shop freely. On hot days or during rainy weather, a visit to Lanyang Museum offers a different kind of knowledge and sensory experience.
Opening Hours: Thursday to Tuesday: 9:00–17:00 (Ticketing Hours: 09:00–16:30)
Phone: (03)977-9700
Address: No. 750, Section 3, Qingyun Road, Toucheng Township, Yilan County 26144
Official Website: http://www.lym.gov.tw
[Authorized Repost from Zheng Xiaorou Charlene’s Food & Travel Diaries | Original Article: [Yilan Toucheng]Lanyang Museum – An Internationally Recognized Landmark in Yilan!Rich Ecology / Research Exhibits / Cultural Promotion ~ Indoor Attraction for Rainy Days]