Yilan's Version of the Palace of Versailles!A Free "Secret European-Style Garden in the Mountains" That's Incredibly Beautiful

▲Yan Shan Botanical Garden features many exotic gardens, among which the French Garden rivals the Palace of Versailles in Paris. (Photo/Netizenhuhju_s_talkprovided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

When most people think of botanical gardens, they imagine nothing but a sea of greenery. But Yan Shan Botanical Garden, tucked away in Dongshan, Yilan, defies expectations. This expansive garden boasts a mix of traditional Chinese, Japanese, and European-style gardens. The crown jewel, the stunning French Garden, rivals the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles—and the best part? It’s free to visit.

▲Scenery around the visitor center of Yan Shan Botanical Garden. (Photo/Netizenjhu_yu_jhanprovided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

Located on a mountain near the Dongshan River in Yilan, Yan Shan Botanical Garden requires a short walk from the parking lot to reach the gardens. Usually quiet and rarely crowded, the park offers a serene atmosphere. Spanning 102 hectares, the entire site includes a nursery area, herb garden, observation deck, Chinese Ai Garden, Japanese Lan Pavilion, Elisabeth Garden, French Garden, and the Great Voyage Overseas Plant Exhibition Area.

▲Chinese Garden – Ai Garden. (Photo/Netizenann23320provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

The most photogenic spot is the French Garden, designed with hedges forming geometric patterns. A fountain stands in the center, flanked by a white domed pavilion on one side and a statue of a goddess on the other—creating an elegant ambiance. It’s like stepping into Versailles without flying to Paris.

▲The French Garden features hedges arranged in geometric shapes, a central fountain, a white domed pavilion on one side, and a statue of a goddess on the other, creating an elegant atmosphere. (Photo/Netizenensi_photoprovided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

At the other end lies the Elisabeth Garden, which adopts an English style. Its terracotta cottages, glass house, and wooden pavilions stand out against lush green lawns. Compared to the grandeur of the French Garden, Elisabeth Garden opts for a more refined and classic look, exuding a touch of English countryside charm—as if you’ve wandered into a Beatrix Potter fairy tale.

▲The Elisabeth Garden has an English style, with terracotta cottages, a glass house, and wooden pavilions set against green lawns, making you feel like you're in a Beatrix Potter story. (Photo/Netizenjhu_yu_jhanprovided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

Situated at an altitude of about 300 meters, Yan Shan Botanical Garden also has an observation deck offering panoramic views of the Dongshan River, Maruyama Ruins, and the entire Lanyang Plain. On clear days, you can even see Guishan Island emerging from the ocean horizon.

▲The observation deck offers views of the Dongshan River, Maruyama Ruins, and the entire Lanyang Plain, with Guishan Island visible on the horizon. (Photo/Netizenjames_wangeprovided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

Originally focused on producing seedlings for afforestation, Yan Shan Botanical Garden evolved into this idyllic retreat as environmental beautification gained importance. On sunny days, it’s a perfect photography spot. Visitors should note that there are almost no shops inside the park, so bring your own water and snacks. Please also help preserve the beautiful surroundings.

▲Large elephant sculptures on the lawn of Yan Shan Botanical Garden create a mini "grassland zoo." (Photo/Netizenyijiun_leeprovided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

Yan Shan Botanical Garden
Address: No. 500, Xinliao Road, Dongshan Township, Yilan County
Visitor Center Hours: Winter hours 08:00–17:00