Yilan offers many romantic getaways for couples of all inclinations. With two of Taiwan’s most beautiful waterfalls, idyllic camping, several relaxing hot springs, quaint fishing villages, and one of the world’s top whiskey distilleries, who could ask for more?
📍 Route 1: Northern Yilan
Turtle Island
Over the past few years, Turtle Island and its unique underwater hot springs have become one of the most popular attractions in Yilan. Couples coming to Yilan can book a tour on one of the many charter ships that sail to the island and have the option of combining this with a land tour of the island (this requires a permit), or water activities like ocean swimming and standup paddleboarding.
Yuemeikeng Waterfall
Yuemeikeng Waterfall, which lies slightly off of the beaten track, is one of Yilan’s most beautiful waterfalls. While it can be reached by following herd paths that branch off of the established trail system at the Wufengqi Scenic Area, it is recommended to visit by booking a river tracing tour. River tracing tour groups visit the various branches of Dezikou Creek year-round, although in winter, outdoor enthusiasts should be prepared to wear wet suits to brave the colder water temperatures.
Kavalan Distillery
Kavalan Distillery has been pioneering the art of single malt whisky in Yilan County, Taiwan since 2005. The brand itself is named after the Kavalan indigenous group, who inhabit the Yilan Plain since the 19th century. After releasing its first whiskey in 2008, the brand quickly began accumulating awards for its single malts. The Kavalan Distillery offers free guided tours and self-service tastings. For English tours, be sure to call and book in advance as guides may not be available every day.
Jiaoxi Hot Springs
The Jiaoxi Hot Springs are a must-visit for couples traveling through Yilan. Although Jiaoxi is considered a rural town, the hot-spring-driven downtown area here is often more “happening” than the city of Yilan itself. The public Tangweigou Hot Spring park has been a famous attraction in Yilan since the Qing dynasty. A common weekend getaway for Taipei residents at all times of year, it is common for the main streets to be filled with tourists on Friday and Saturday nights. Jiaoxi is also host to many famous barrel broiled chicken restaurants, which adds to the traffic on all days of the week. The majority of hot spring hotels here offer overnight lodging, while two traditional hot spring spas closer to the mountains operate on a private room by-the-hour basis.
📍 Route 2: Southern Yilan
Dongshan River Cycling Road
The Dongshan River Cycling Road Is a 22 km long round trip that runs from Dongshan Railway Station all the way to Wujie Tide Gate. Along the way The bicycle path itself passes by many interesting destinations including the national Center for traditional Arts. It is also possible 2 ride a short section through sand dunes by extending the route beyond Wujie Tide Game. Tourists who are looking to go It alone will find many bicycle rental shops to choose from in the streets surrounding Dongshan Railway Station. Alternatively there are also Tour providers Who offer full-day guided tours.
Fenniaolin Fishing Village
Fenniaolin Fishing Village is located at the southernmost end of the 2-kilometer long Dong’ao Bay. The fishing harbor here, surrounded by towering mountains, is tiny compared to the ports of Northern and Western Taiwan, but as a result, the surrounding nature is all the more pristine. A small number of stands sell snacks and refreshments to the odd tourist. Just behind the colorful port, a trail leads to a hidden pebble beach where one can find parrotfish and grouper playing in the shallows.
Jioujhihze (Renze) Hot Springs
Jioujhihze Hot Spring is a remote hot spring spa inside the Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area just south of Yilan. The spa itself is built on the side of Duowang River, surrounded by dense coniferous and broadleaf forest, making it one of Taiwan’s best hot spas for forest bathing. Named the “spa of the beauties”, the odorless sodium bicarbonate water here leaves the skin feeling refreshingly smooth and slippery. Bathing options here include one large public co-ed pool which is almost deep enough to swim in, private mens and womens spas. Private hot spring suites can also be rented. Adjacent to the parking lot, there is an egg-boiling pool and a short walk across a suspension bridge leads to the Jioujhihze Nature Trail, a 1.1 kilometer long trail that weaves through the forest on the other side of the river.
📍 Route 3: Suhua Highway
Dong’ao Beach Kayaking
Dong’ao is a secluded cove located just a mountain south of Luodong in Southern Yilan. It is also one of our Top 5 Beaches in Taiwan. This tiny fishing town is home to Fenniaolin Fishing Village and several kayaking outfitters. Sunrise kayak tours of Dong’ao are popular for beginners in the summer. However, experienced kayakers may opt to sign up for a trip to Wuyanjiao, a rocky outcrop several kilometers North of Dong’ao that is the official beginning of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range.
Aohua Waterfall
Along with Yuemeikeng Waterfall mentioned above, Aohua Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Taiwan. The waterfall is located in the fairly remote indigenous Village of Aohua, which itself is isolated deep in Heping Valley along the Suhua Highway. While locals will often cool off by swimming in the deep pool below the waterfall, visitors should be aware that at high flow the pool will have a recirculating current that can draw swimmers underneath the water.
Nashannagu
Nashannagu is an indigenous-run luxury campground located in the idyllic Nanao South River Valley. Directly adjacent to the crystal clear Nanao South River, the campground offers river tracing experiences, ATV rentals, and fully-stocked washrooms. Camping options include covered wooden platforms, grassy campsites, and car camping sites. Regardless of the accommodation you prefer, Nanao’s pristine nature and dark, starry skies will be a memorable experience for any couples visiting Yilan. As camping has become a trendy activity in Taiwan, Nashannagu has occasionally been booked for corporate events and private camping markets, be sure to check in advance to make sure they aren’t booked for a private event.
