Here's what we'd tell a friend heading out from Taipei. Soak in Jiaoxi. Take a boat out to Guishan Island if it's in season. Spend a half day at the Lanyang Museum or the Traditional Arts Center, and give Taipingshan a full day if the mountain road is open. Then eat dinner at a night market, and save a dry morning for a waterfall walk.
- This weekEvents this weekendFestivals, markets, concerts and races in Yilan, this weekend and the weeks ahead.
- SeaGuishan IslandLanding permits, whale watching from Wushi Harbor, and the 401 Highland climb.
- SoakHot and cold springsJiaoxi's hot springs and the cold springs of Su'ao.
- MountainsTaipingshanOld logging trails, Cuifeng Lake and the Bong Bong train, at 2,000 meters.
- MuseumLanyang MuseumThe tilted stone building in Toucheng, and the story of the county inside.
- CultureTraditional Arts CenterAn old-style street of crafts and shows on the Dongshan River.
- WalksWaterfalls and hikesWufengqi Waterfall, Linmei Shipan and the Paoma Historic Trail, with today's status.
- Rainy dayKavalan Whisky DistilleryThe tour, the tasting bar and blending your own bottle in Yuanshan.
- HistoryLuodong Forestry Culture ParkThe old log pond and forest railway station, free, by Luodong Night Market.
- Yilan CityJimmy ParkThe flying train and picture-book scenes outside Yilan Station, free and open all day.
- CoastZhuangwei Sand DunesDunes, a visitor center and Guishan Island across the water, north of Yilan City.
- KidsDongshan River Water ParkWading pools, boats and the summer Children's Festival ground in Wujie.
- LakesMountain lakesMeihua, Changpi and Shuanglianpi, and which to pick with or without a car.
- BikesCyclingFlat riverside rides from the stations, the Old Caoling Tunnel, and bikes on trains.
- SeaSurfingWai'ao, the beach by the train line.
- EveningNight marketsLuodong and Yilan Dongmen, and the stalls to find.
- SeasonsFestivalsThe big events through the year.
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Sources: each guide page above lists its own. Checked November 2026.