Your complete guide to must-visit attractions in Taiwan, including opening hours, tickets, and tips.
For more recommendations, see the full guide.
When it comes to Taiwan's old streets, many travelers immediately think of the misty mountain town of Jioufen or the glowing sky lanterns of Shifen. But if you've ever wandered through the alleyways of Yilan's old streets, you'll discover that this city on the Lanyang Plain offers a distinctly different old street experience—a subtle dialogue between Japanese wooden structures and Southern Fujian culture, part of the daily life for small-town residents, and a cultural treasure gradually being awakened by young creative energy.
What makes Yilan's old streets unique is their 'hybrid nature'. Unlike the northern old streets which are mostly commercial tourism-oriented, Yilan's old streets retain more traces of everyday life. The architectural timeline here spans from the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945), the early post-war era to contemporary renovations, with every worn corner and faded sign telling the story of a century of economic fluctuations and population migrations. And most fascinatingly, these old streets are in a delicate transformation phase—neither completely abandoned by time nor overly commercialized, but slowly being infused with new life by local creativity.
Highlights
The most notable architectural complexes in Yilan's old streets were built during the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945), with extensive use of wooden or Western-style concrete buildings. The common 'ting-a-kha' (arcade) design under the eaves is wisdom for rain and sun protection. When you walk in, you'll find the space under the arcade occupied by various food stalls, general stores, and teahouses—this is the most vibrant expression of Taiwan's old streets.
Yilan is abundant in rice, pickled products, and snacks, and the cuisine on the old streets reflects the local agricultural culture. Signature dishes like 'pu-ro' (fried pork strips), scallion pancakes, and duck winter melon soup often have over 40 years of history, passed down from grandparents' generation to today, with prices ranging from NT$30-80, surprisingly affordable. These aren't the refined snacks commonly found in tourist areas, but真正的 'old-fashioned flavors'.
Additionally, many of Yilan's old streets are located near rivers (Lanyang River, Dongshan River, etc.), where you can smell the water, occasionally seeing local residents strolling or fishing along the riverbanks. This water-friendly environment keeps the old streets from feeling dull, giving them a leisurely rhythm instead.
Recommended Spots
1. Luodong Old Street (Luodong Township, around Minquan Road and Gongyuan Road)
This is the most well-known old street in Yilan, with the highest preservation rate. Luodong flourished during the Japanese colonial period as the grain distribution center of the Lanyang Plain, and the buildings on both sides of the street still retain the arcade commercial spaces from the 1960s-1970s. The most famous on the old street are time-honored establishments like 'Luodong Meat Soup' and 'Luodong Pork Bone Soup', with many shops over half a century old. What visitors often overlook here is that the second floors of each building are often still inhabited—your stroll is actually entering someone's daily life—and this is the charm of Taiwan's old streets. Especially recommended is the bamboo seating area under the arcade, where many elderly residents gather to chat—this is the most authentic local cultural experience.
2. Yilan Old Street (Yilan City old town area, Jiucheng South Road and Jiucheng North Road)
Compared to Luodong's commercial prosperity, Yilan Old Street feels quieter and more academic. This was once the core of Yilan County, with many buildings being official structures or commercial mansions from the Japanese colonial period. In recent years, art and cultural workers have moved in, transforming them into small art galleries, independent bookshops, and creative studios, forming a new look of 'cultural old street'. The century-old historic 'Yilan County History Memorial Hall' on Jiucheng North Road is nearby, where you can further understand local history. This street is suitable for slow walking and careful observation—many details (like wooden window frames, stone pillars, carvings) can only be appreciated by pausing.
3. Su'ao Old Street (Su'ao Township, Zhongshan Road)
Su'ao is a small port city in the northeastern coast, and the old street flourished due to port transportation. Compared to the grain culture of inland old streets, Su'ao Old Street carries more fishing village charm. The building density is lower, but each has its own character. Nearby is the well-known 'Su'ao Cold Springs' scenic area, with some visitors combining the springs and old street tours (cold springs admission fee approximately NT$80-150). The 'Su'ao Rice Noodle Soup' on the old street is a local 50-year-old shop, famous for its clear soup flavored with dried shrimp, NT$50 per bowl.
4. Dongshan Old Street (Dongshan Township, Zhongshan Village area)
The characteristic of Dongshan Old Street lies in its creative transformation. Many old warehouses and old residences have been transformed by artists into pottery studios, cafes, and homestays, retaining the building framework while infusing contemporary aesthetics. Although this kind of transformation is most easily criticized as 'over-commercialization', Dongshan's transformation is relatively gentle, retaining local characteristics. Suitable for young visitors seeking photo spots and handmade crafts. Cafe prices approximately NT$60-120.
Practical Information
*Transportation*:
- Luodong Old Street: Take Taiwan Railway to Luodong Station, 10-minute walk
- Yilan Old Street: Take Taiwan Railway to Yilan Station, 5-minute walk
- Su'ao Old Street: Take Taiwan Railway to Su'ao Xin Station, 15-minute walk
- Dongshan Old Street: Take Taiwan Railway to Dongshan Station, 20-minute walk
Self-drive visitors can park at public parking lots in each township, approximately NT$30-50 per hour
*Costs*:
Old street touring is free. Average snack prices NT$30-80, cafes NT$60-150, creative products NT$100-500
*Opening Hours*:
Streets are open all day, but most shops operate from 10:00-19:00. It is recommended to avoid visiting during midday 12:00-14:00, as many old shops close for rest
*Accessibility*:
Luodong Old Street's arcade floor is relatively flat, but wheelchair users should watch for gaps between bricks; some sections of Yilan Old Street have steps; Su'ao and Dongshan Old Streets have limited accessibility, so advance evaluation is recommended
Travel Tips
- **Best Season**: Autumn and winter (September-November) with cool weather, ideal for strolling. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid—though the arcade provides shade, it remains stuffy with more mosquitoes
- **Time Planning**: Approximately 1.5-2 hours per old street; if visiting multiple old streets in one day, allow 4-5 hours
- **Photography Tips**: Early morning (7:00-9:00) offers the best light with few tourists; evening (17:00-19:00) the arcade glows warm golden under the setting sun
- **Common Misconception**: While hygiene conditions on old streets are simple, they are generally safe—many old shops maintain freshness precisely because of their high customer volume
- **Local Etiquette**: Many old residents still live on the second floor and above—please do not speak loudly or photograph private residences without permission
- **Rainy Day Strategy**: The arcade provides good shelter, so light rain won't affect your tour, but wear waterproof shoes when积水 is deep
- **Connecting Itineraries**: Yilan old streets can be combined with 'Lanyang Museum' and 'Dongshan River Water Park' for a full-day tour, enriching your travel experience
