When it comes to Yilan's Lantern Festival, many people's first impression is the traditional lantern fair held around Yilan Railway Station during the Spring Festival period every year. But if you think Yilan has only one lantern festival, you're underestimating this "beautiful mountains and waters" art hub. As a local who has lived in Yilan for over a decade, today I want to take you to discover Yilan's Lantern Festival from a different perspective.
\n\nThe Unique Charm of Yilan's Lantern Festival
\n\nYilan's Lantern Festival is different from the large-scale tourist lantern fairs in Taipei or Taichung—here, the lantern festival is more "local" in character—meaning it is closely tied to local life, faith, and culture. Yilan is a coastal and agricultural region, formerly known as "Gamplan," and for locals, the Lantern Festival is not just about admiring lanterns, but also an important moment to give thanks to heaven and earth and pray for a bountiful harvest.
\n\nIn recent years, the Yilan County Government has combined traditional Lantern Festival activities with landscape art, and with the "Lanyang — The More Beautiful the Night" concept introduced since 2020, the lantern festival has expanded from a single evening event to a cultural season covering the entire period from Spring Festival to Lantern Festival. This is also why many people choose to vacation in Yilan during the Spring Festival and return only after the Lantern Festival.
\n\nLantern Viewing Spots Recommended by Locals
\n\nDongshan River Waterfront Park is one of the core venues for the Yilan Lantern Festival. Its highlight is the combination of large-scale lanterns with the riverbank landscape, creating particularly stunning visual effects with water reflections. During the Spring Festival to Lantern Festival period each year, over 20 themed lanterns are displayed in the park. The "Creative Themed Lantern Zone" is especially popular among young people—the lanterns here depart from traditional designs and combine light and sound effects with interactive installations, making them perfect for photos and check-ins. Free admission, but parking is limited. It is recommended to arrive in the afternoon to secure a spot.
\n\nAround Zhongshan Road City God Temple in Yilan City is the top choice for experiencing traditional Lantern Festival atmosphere. Yilan City God Temple is one of the most important faith centers in the area, and on the Lantern Festival night, "Frying Handan" and "Plowing Firecrackers" ceremonies are held, creating a lively and spectacular scene. The area along Zhongshan Road and Guangming Road is decorated with handcrafted lanterns, many created by students and teachers from local elementary and junior high schools, full of childlike charm and local character. The atmosphere here is more "off the beaten path" compared to large venues—without the crowds of tourist hordes, but with a warm, personal touch. Free admission.
\n\nLuo Dong Zhongshan Park in front of Luo Dong Township Office is a key lantern festival spot in the Luo Dong area. While its scale is smaller than Dongshan River Waterfront Park, it excels in "refinement"—the orchid-shaped main lantern at the annual lantern festival is Luo Dong's signature, and the lakeside walkway within the park creates an especially romantic atmosphere. Luo Dong's Lantern Festival also has a unique tradition: local residents spontaneously organize small lantern parade groups, departing from Zhongshan Park and circling around the town. This is a hidden gem that many outside visitors don't know about.
\n\nDaxi Stream Trail in Toucheng Township has become an emerging lantern viewing destination in recent years. This spot is relatively unknown and suitable for visitors who want to "get away from the crowds." The trail is about 1.5 kilometers long, decorated with energy-efficient lights on both sides, complementing Toucheng's unique rural scenery with a peaceful atmosphere. Due to its lower profile compared to city venues, transportation is less convenient. Driving is recommended, but parking is very convenient in return.
\n\nTraditional Arts Center (located along the Dongshan River) is normally a paid attraction, but during the Spring Festival often collaborates with the county government to hold special evening events. Its advantage is that besides lanterns, there are traditional skill performances and creative markets, suitable for visitors who want to "satisfy all needs" in one trip. Regular admission is NT$150, and discounted combo tickets may be available during the Spring Festival.
\n\nPractical Information
\n\nTransportation: Taking the Taiwan Railway local train from Taipei to Yilan Railway Station takes about 70 minutes, with a fare of approximately NT$140. City buses from Capital Bus and Kamalan Bus are available at the station to reach various lantern viewing venues. Driving from Taipei via National Highway 5 through the Snow Mountain Tunnel takes about 60 minutes to reach Yilan City, but the tunnel tends to get congested during the Spring Festival. It is recommended to leave early.
\n\nCost: Main lantern viewing venues are all free to visit. Some peripheral activities (such as the Traditional Arts Center) require separate ticket purchase.
\n\nOpening Hours: General lantern lighting hours are from 5 PM to 10 PM. Some venues (such as Dongshan River Waterfront Park) may extend to 11 PM during the Spring Festival period.
\n\nTravel Tips
\n\nDuring Yilan's Lantern Festival, it coincides with the Spring Festival holiday when accommodation and dining are in high demand. It is recommended to book lodging at least two weeks in advance. The Lantern Festival day (the 15th day of the first lunar month) is the peak period. If you want to avoid crowds, you can choose to go a day or two earlier or later.
\n\nAdditionally, Yilan's spring weather is highly changeable, with temperatures dropping noticeably after dusk. It is recommended to bring a light jacket. For food-loving visitors, local food stalls around Yilan City (such as near Beiguan Market) also extend their business hours during the lantern festival. You can enjoy the lanterns while tasting Yilan specialties such as Three-Star Scallion Pancakes and Gao Zha (batter cake).
\n\nFinally, a reminder: if you want to take satisfactory lantern photos, it is best to arrive at the venue by 4 PM to secure a spot, and use the "blue hour" before dark to capture the best lighting between the lanterns and the sky.
