Your complete guide to must-visit attractions in Taiwan, including opening hours, tickets, and tips.
For more recommendations, see the full guide.
The beaches of Yilan won't give you the turquoise waves of the Caribbean, nor the leisurely scenes of sunbathing on the sand. If you come to Yilan with expectations shaped by Kenting or Green Island, you'll immediately feel the biting cold of the northeast monsoon and the gray haze of accumulated clouds. But precisely because of this, Yilan's coastline has become one of Taiwan's rare geological treasure troves and cultural heritage zones—the volcanic rock shores, fishing villages passed down through generations, and fishermen who still bravely work amid the waves. If you're willing to let go of the "beach resort paradise" expectation, Yilan can offer you a deeper coastal story.
Yilan's coastline is located in Taiwan's northeastern arc-shaped bay, stretching approximately 60 kilometers, serving as the first line of defense against the Pacific Ocean facing Taiwan. The geological composition here differs from southern Taiwan's coral reefs and fine sand, replaced instead by a complex combination of volcanic rock, limestone, and black sand. Yilan experiences over 200 rainy days annually, a climatic characteristic that defines the travel pace here—not resort-style leisure, but exploration. In recent years, as the domestic coastal tourism market has diversified, Yilan's shores, once overlooked as the "rainy region," have been gradually rediscovered, particularly by geology enthusiasts, surfers, and cultural explorers.
Featured Highlights
Guishan Island Volcanic Geological Heritage
Guishan Island stands as a landmark along the Yilan Coast. This volcanic island features dramatic sea cliffs on three sides and four volcanic cones, making its geological features truly unique along Taiwan's coastline. The surrounding waters offer the best vantage point for viewing the island's distinctive "turtle head" formation—at low tide, the rock structures become clearly visible. Island access requires advance reservation, and upon landing, visitors will find a well-marked trail system. A complete loop takes approximately 2 hours, with opportunities to observe volcanic lava, hot spring vents (undersea hot spring outlets), and numerous geological points of interest along the way.
Diverse Topography of the Northeastern Coast
Unlike the monotonous coral reef coastlines of southern Taiwan, Yilan's coastline from Toucheng to Nan'ao presents a remarkable variety of landforms: steep limestone sea cliffs, black sand beaches exposed from volcanic rock layers, and sea-carved caves and platforms. These terrains present varying levels of danger and accessibility with the seasons, making them a treasure trove for coastal geography enthusiasts.
Century-Old Fishing Village Culture
Unlike tourist-oriented fishing ports, Yilan's fishing villages such as Nanfang'ao and Fenniaolin retain their traditional working methods. Local fishermen still rely on seasonal changes to determine fishing conditions, with early morning and evening marking the times when fishing boats depart and return to port. A visit to these areas reveals the authentic face of Taiwan's fishing industry, rather than a museum-style cultural performance.
Surfing and Water Sports Destination
Yilan's wave conditions have steadily improved since the northeast monsoon takes shape, with the best waves arriving each fall and winter. The interplay of sandy beaches and rocky terrain provides diverse environments for surfing and paragliding. While increasingly attracting sports enthusiasts, Yilan maintains a relatively niche community atmosphere compared to surfing destinations in Hawaii or Japan.
Recommended Destinations
Guishan Island and Surrounding Waters
Location: Toucheng Township, Yilan County. Features: A volcanic island with a unique turtle-shaped landform. Visitors can take a cruise boat to view it up close or hike on the island. The island features an Eight Scenic Spots Trail (approximately 2-hour circuit hike), passing through volcanic cones, hot spring vents, and other geological educational sites. Island access must be arranged through accredited travel agencies or hotels, with daily visitor limits capped at 1,800 people. Cost: Island landing permit NT$50/person (handled by travel agency), scenic cruise NT$800-1,200/person. Season: Year-round scenic views available; best time for island visits is March-June and September-October (stable weather). Note: Bring your own water and sunscreen; hiking boots are required.
Fenniaolin Fishing Port
Location: Su-ao Township, Yilan County. Features: A port preserving the most traditional fishing village atmosphere. Local fishermen here primarily engage in small-scale nearshore fishing. Traditional fishing huts along the port remain operational, and the most dynamic time is when fishing boats return to port daily between 5-7 PM. A small walking trail along the coast offers views of Su-ao's famous "Tofu Cape" volcanic rock formation. Cost: Free admission; recommended purchase of freshly caught fish NT$200-500. Best Time: Early morning 6-8 AM (boats departing) or 5-7 PM (boats returning). Note: Do not disturb fishermen at work; stay out of mooring areas.
Honeymoon Bay
Location: Binhai Road, Toucheng Township, Yilan County. Features: A unique bay formed by sea erosion platforms and volcanic rock layers, with alternating sand and stones, resembling a crescent moon. During sunset, the volcanic rocks are bathed in golden light, making it a favorite spot for photographers. Wave conditions are strong, making it unsuitable for swimming, but ideal for walks, photography, and observing tidal zone creatures. Cost: Free admission. Best Visiting Time: 3-5 PM (optimal lighting). Tide Note: More rocky areas are accessible at low tide.
Nanfang'ao Fishing Port and Tofu Cape
Location: Nanfang'ao Road, Su-ao Township, Yilan County. Features: One of Taiwan's three major fishing ports, boasting the richest fishing culture. The port area is lined with fish markets and seafood restaurants; auction time runs daily from 2-4 PM. Across the port, "Tofu Cape" is named for its volcanic rock formations that have weathered into tofu-shaped patterns. A trail runs along the cape, and the tidal zone here is rich in ecology. The "Nanfang'ao Bridge" and the "Neimi Beach" below it (black volcanic sand) are visual highlights. Cost: Fishing port and trails are free; seafood restaurant dining averages NT$400-800 per person. Opening Hours: Port open 24 hours; auction market 14:00-16:00.
Wushikeng Waterfront
Location: Wushikeng Road, Toucheng Township, Yilan County. Features: The port with the strongest northeast monsoon winds, known as the birthplace of kitesurfing and windsurfing in Taiwan. The waterfront offers beaches, scenic areas, and a visitor center. From the coastal breakwater, Guishan Island can be viewed in the distance—the closest coastline recreation point to town. Winter conditions are optimal, drawing large numbers of sports enthusiasts from October to December each year. Cost: Free admission; surfing lessons NT$1,500-2,500 for 3 hours. Best Season: September-March (northeast monsoon season).
Practical Information
Transportation
Take Guoguang Bus or Capital Bus from Taipei to Toucheng or Nan'ao, with a journey time of approximately 1.5-2 hours and fares of NT$100-140. You can also drive north along the Coastal Highway (Provincial Highway 2). The most convenient way from Yilan city center is by scooter along the Coastal Highway. Visits to Guishan Island require reservation 7 days in advance, arranged through travel agencies authorized by the Yilan County Government.
Best Season
Fall and winter (September to March) bring the best wave conditions due to the northeast monsoon, ideal for surfing and sports. Spring (March to May) sees rising temperatures and fewer rainy days, with the highest number of visitors to Guishan Island. Avoid the plum rain season (mid-May to June) and the summer vacation peak (July to August).
Cost Overview
Beach access is free; Guishan Island landing permit + tour boat: approximately NT$800-1,200; surfing lessons: NT$1,500-2,500 (3 hours); seafood dining: NT$300-800 per person.
Accessibility Facilities
The trail to Guishan Island is a natural mountain path without barrier-free facilities and is not suitable for wheelchair users. Wushih Harbor provides accessible parking spaces and restrooms. Nanfang-ao Fishing Port is relatively flat, but there are no guardrails along the breakwater, so caution is advised.
Travel Tips
Prepare Rain and Wind Gear: Yilan experiences frequent rain, so even if the forecast is sunny, it's advisable to bring a lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker. The northeast monsoon winds are strong—long hair should be tied back, and cameras should be protected.
Check Tide Schedules: Yilan's coastal rock formations and intertidal zone wildlife observations require timing your visit with the tides. The Central Weather Administration provides daily tide forecasts—it's best to visit during low tide.
Respect Daily Fishing Village Life: Fishing ports are not amusement parks—fishermen's work comes first. Don't approach moored boats, avoid interfering with fishing operations, and try to steer clear of early morning departure and evening return times.
Water Temperature Expectations: Yilan's seawater remains cool year-round, with summer temperatures not exceeding 25°C (77°F). If you plan to swim, bring a wetsuit or drysuit. Most visitors come here for other activities rather than swimming.
Safety Reminders: Rocky areas are extremely slippery—wear non-slip shoes. Stay away from shores with large waves, and surfing should only be done in designated beach areas while wearing a life jacket.
