Discover hidden gems along the coastline: the recreated Yunshan Water Scenic Area and the Eagle Rock Peak sea views you’ve never seen before.

▲Yilan’s Toucheng Eagle Rock Peak is a local hidden gem. Sit atop the massive rocks and gaze at the blue sea and sky before you.The stunning coastline stretches endlessly, and if you look further, you can even spot Guishan Island, Daxi Fishing Port, and the Daxi community. (Photo by reporter Li Yukang)

Reported by reporter Xu Enle / Yilan

With an abundance of holidays in 2016, and just after February’s White Day and Qingming holiday, have you planned your early spring itinerary? The northeast coast, with its dramatic landscapes and rich natural resources, has always been a favorite travel destination. Thanks to the Xueshan Tunnel, Yilan is now just a 40-minute drive from Taipei, making it the perfect backyard garden in many people’s eyes. Exploring the city along the coastal highway, you’ll be amazed by the endless Pacific Ocean and the layered Xueshan mountain range. The sound of the waves brings a sense of wonder. Take a holiday trip to Yilan. The Dongsen Marine Hot Spring Hotel in Toucheng recommends three off-the-beaten-path attractions, allowing you to eat, drink, and play along the coast while fulfilling your dreams of exploring both mountains and seas, away from the hustle and bustle and enjoying a leisurely pace.

Yilan Toucheng Honey Moon Bay: Surfing pros riding waves in spectacular fashion
Honey Moon Bay is located near Daxi Elementary School in Toucheng. Starting from the Dongsen Marine Hot Spring Hotel, it’s just a 10-minute drive along the coastal highway. After passing Daxi Elementary School, turn left at a small temple 50 meters ahead, and then you can start looking for parking. Named for its crescent-shaped coastline, Honey Moon Bay is surrounded by giant sea-eroded reefs, and its sandy shore consists of fine black gravel. Most visitors gather at the long Outer Ao Beach, but Honey Moon Bay is actually a hidden playground for surfing pros.

Facing the east, Honey Moon Bay sees the sunrise rise slowly at around 6:30 AM, with Guishan Island standing prominently in view. The underwater terrain slopes with faults, creating waves as high as 2 to 3 meters. The thrilling force of the waves attracts many expert surfers.According to hotel operators, since most surfing activities at Outer Ao involve group lessons and banana boat rides, the area gets very crowded. As a result, the more secluded Honey Moon Bay has become a main hub for surfers in recent years. Even surfers with 30 years of experience can’t resist Honey Moon Bay’s call. From December, when the northeast monsoon begins, until March of the following year, they come here almost daily. Especially around the time of summer typhoons, when the waves are especially wild, it’s their time to shine.

▲Turning into the road beside the small temple, you’ll see Honey Moon Bay before you—a relatively quiet beach with fewer visitors. Every winter starting in December, many surfing pros gather here to take on the challenging waves. (Photo by reporter Li Yukang)

▲The waves at Honey Moon Bay are impressive, reaching up to 3 meters high, attracting many surfers to take on the challenge. (Photo by reporter Li Yukang)

Brave the heights and sit atop Eagle Rock Peak: Yilan’s coastal curves are unforgettable
Following the coastline toward the mountains, what does it feel like to sit atop an eagle’s head? Hidden within Toucheng, Eagle Rock Peak is formed by several steep and towering cliffs, creating a dramatic drop of bare rocks. One of the rocks extends outward like an eagle’s beak—that’s “Eagle Rock Peak.” Many adventurous visitors climb up the perilous cliffs, and the breathtaking scenery instantly makes them forget the chilly fear of being so high up. From Daxi Fishing Port, Daxi Elementary School, the coastal highway, Honey Moon Bay to Guishan Island, the blue sea and green mountains complement each other beautifully, all within reach.

The 180-degree panoramic view from Eagle Rock Peak is also a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts. Starting from the Dongsen Marine Hot Spring Hotel, follow the coastal highway and turn onto Daxi Road to head up the mountain. After passing Ming Shan Temple, you’ll reach the trailhead. The serene path, made of a mix of soil and stones, takes about 20 minutes to reach the summit, lined with rich vegetation like ferns and lion’s ear plants, making the hike pleasant and relaxing.

▲Eagle Rock Peak, standing 400 meters tall, offers a vast view of the coastal highway and Guishan Island. Below lies a sheer cliff, and due to the crowds taking photos, visitors must watch their steps carefully. (Photo by reporter Li Yukang)
 
▲The trail to Eagle Rock Peak is easy and takes about 20 minutes to reach the top (right); it’s also a popular spot for university students on outings and group gatherings. With the sea breeze and majestic scenery, even standing atop the ‘eagle’s head’ doesn’t feel scary. (Photo by reporter Li Yukang)

When in Yilan, how can you miss out on fresh seafood? Head to Zhen Hao Ya Seafood Restaurant on the coastal road, where each dish starts at around NT$200. It’s recommended to order based on seasonal produce.The rare “Buddha’s Hand,” a long, bag-like shellfish, peels open to reveal plump oyster-like flesh. From November to February is its peak season. Stir-fried with green onions, chili, and soy sauce, the meat is sweet, tender, and eggy—perfect with beer. Then there’s the “Sea Helmet,” which looks like a soldier’s helmet. Marinated with garlic and chili, it’s a great side dish with a chewy texture.The owner also highly recommends the flying fish specialty dishes and fan shrimp, both in season from February to May, offering a rich ocean flavor that will delight foodies.

 
▲Stir-fried Buddha’s Hand: the shells are soft and easy to peel, revealing a uniquely sweet taste (left). Cold-marinated Sea Helmet: chewy and perfect as a refreshing appetizer (right). (Photo by reporter Li Yukang)
 
▲Fan shrimp, which look like aliens, can be steamed or salt-baked, reportedly tasting like lobster (left). QQ-textured flying fish, infused with sorghum liquor and chili, is nutritious and incredibly flavorful (right). (Photo by reporter Li Yukang)

▲The Dongsen Marine Hot Spring Hotel is like a seaside castle, offering prime views of the Pacific sunrise and the stunning Guishan Island, one of the world’s 12 coolest islands. (Photo by reporter Huang Kexiang)

For a vacation, stay by the sea: enjoy the ocean views, sunrise, and soak in the golden seabed hot springs
The Dongsen Marine Hot Spring Hotel in Toucheng, located next to Beiguan Tidal Park, faces Guishan Island and the spectacular sight of waves crashing against rocks. From every corner of the hotel, you can enjoy views of the blue sea and sky. The hotel rooms are divided among Buildings A, B, C, and D. Rooms facing east offer unobstructed sea views, while those on the west side provide views of lush mountain scenery. In addition to the famous Guishan sunrise, hot spring lovers can visit the outdoor public pool to enjoy the sea breeze and scenery. In the cool early spring, it’s a luxurious double treat.Starting now, book the [Ultimate Hidden Sea Lover’s Package] on the official website to stay in a mountain-view suite with a private hot spring room, or upgrade for an additional NT$1,500 to an ocean-view Ocean Star Suite. You’ll also receive a NT$1,680 Israeli Sabon fragrance care set. In your room, you can experience the Sabon room fragrance set, enjoying the sea views, hot springs, and premium fragrances for a complete sensory escape.Free Shicheng bike vouchers are also provided for a breezy ride. The “Golden Seabed Hot Springs” come from 800 meters below the active volcano of Guishan Island. Originally clear water, it turns golden upon contact with air and is rich in iron. Soaking in it leaves your skin smooth and soft. Locals say it benefits female reproductive health, attracting many visitors hoping to conceive, hence its nickname “golden seabed hot spring.”

The lush “Rong Rong Yuan” features a large glass window facing the Pacific. Its high-ceilinged atrium design was created to preserve a 300-year-old banyan tree, resulting in a six-story glass house. Descend the stairs to the Formosa Restaurant on the first floor, where ocean-facing seating offers sweeping views, making you feel like you’re dining outdoors, awakening your appetite. The breakfast buffet uses locally sourced ingredients, combining Chinese and Western dishes, including bread, seasonal seafood, vegetarian options, fruits, and hot pots—everything is exquisitely presented. After eating, set off again to explore the area’s most hidden new attraction: the recreated Yunshan Water Scenic Area.


▲% Stay in a suite with breakfast for two for NT$188, including two breakfast buffet vouchers and two entrance tickets plus special snacks from Toucheng Farm. You can also enjoy soaking in the hot spring bath while gazing at the mountain scenery outside the window. (Photo by reporter Zhang Yizhong)



▲% Upgrade for just NT$1,500 to the Ocean Star Suite, featuring Mediterranean blue-and-white decor and a private hot spring room. The endless sea view outside the window makes you feel like you’re on a European island. Guests can relax completely while enjoying the sea view and hot spring. (Photo by reporter Zhang Yizhong)



▲ The outdoor oceanfront golden hot spring public pool faces the spectacular tides of Beiguan on the vast Pacific Ocean. (Photo by reporter Chang I-chung)

▲ Upgrade to the Ocean Star Suite at an additional cost and receive a complimentary set of Sabon Israel fragrance skincare products—unwind all five senses with sights and scents alike!* (Photo by reporter Lee Yu-kang)

A reproduction of Yunshan Water Town: a serene lane lined with small, green-leaved senna trees
No need to crowd into the real Yunshan Water Town in Hualien—Yilan has its own recreation of this hidden gem too. Just a 30-minute drive from the Dongsen Ocean Hot Spring Hotel, your reporter visited during the chilly early spring when the roads were quiet, the lake’s surface was calm and still, and the faint outline of the Snow Mountain Range appeared through the mist. Along the way, you’ll pass a 500-meter-long tree-lined avenue shaded by small, green-leaved senna trees—the bare branches gave off a lonely, desolate vibe reminiscent of the ginkgo avenues on South Korea’s Nami Island. According to locals, from April to August in summer, warm sunlight brings out fresh green and yellowish-brown leaves on the branches, and when the scenery reflects on the water, the view becomes even more stunning. In addition, to make it easier for visitors to explore by car, the Dongsen Ocean Hot Spring Hotel has specially planned nearby scenic spots on its official website. Travelers visiting Yilan can simply tap and connect via their mobile phones toGoogle Map, saving the time spent searching through information and maps, and follow the attractions and routes on the go.


▲ Reproduction of Yunshan Water Town, flanked by rows of small, green-leaved senna treescreating a wistful kind of beauty—take a lakeside stroll and enjoy the tranquil scenery. (Photo by reporter Lee Yu-kang)

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