When it comes to theme parks in Yilan, many people first think of the famously renowned paradise for gaming enthusiasts, but Yilan's charm goes far beyond this. This beautiful land located in northeastern Taiwan actually hides many special theme parks suitable for family fun, from educational science experiences to leisure parks integrated with natural landscapes. Each one can fill you with laughter and memories.
One distinctive feature of Yilan's theme parks is "coexisting with nature." Here, you won't find the crowded and noisy pressure of large cities; instead, you'll find expansive rural scenery and fresh air. Many parks cleverly combine amusement facilities with local agriculture and ecological environments, allowing visitors to learn about the stories of this land while having fun. This is why Yilan has become the top destination for weekend getaways for families in the north in recent years—from Taipei, it's just an hour's drive to leave the urban jungle and enter a playground full of laughter and surprises.
When it comes to the most representative theme park in Yilan, Jincheng Entertainment Co., Ltd. (commonly known as Jincheng Amusement Park) can be said to be a shared memory among locals. This long-established amusement park located in downtown Yilan may not be large in scale, but it retains a nostalgic atmosphere. Classic attractions like carousels and bumper cars are deeply loved by children. Tickets are charged per item, ranging from NT$50 to NT$150, making it perfect for parents who want to relive their childhood and bring their kids to experience that pure joy.
If you are a big or little friend who loves exploring the mysteries of science, then you absolutely cannot miss the Yilan County Science Education Center. Here, there are not only rich interactive exhibitions but also the only space education facility in Taiwan. The dinosaur fossil exhibition and Earth science area in the museum are particularly popular, and on weekends, you can often see the heartwarming scene of families doing experiments together. Admission is NT$100, open from 9 am to 5 pm, closed every Monday.
In recent years, a new type of theme park has emerged in Yilan—agricultural and farm-themed parks that combine experiential learning. Toucheng Farm is a leading example, transforming traditional agricultural experiences into a complete leisure resort. Visitors can personally experience DIY activities like making barrel chicken and painting tops, as well as get close to various farm animals. The farm has a vast area, suitable for half-day or full-day tours. Tickets including experience activities are approximately NT$300 to NT$500, absolutely a great value choice.
The final recommendation is Su'ao Cold Spring Park, which is a unique experience exclusive to Yilan. Su'ao Cold Spring is one of only two sodium bicarbonate cold springs in the world. The water is crystal clear, and soaking in the cold spring in summer is simply heavenly. In addition to cold spring facilities, the park also has water slides and SPA areas, perfect for the whole family to cool off together. Admission starts at around NT$200, and summer operating hours are from 8 am to 6 pm.
Transportation to Yilan theme parks is very convenient. From Taipei, you can take the Taiwan Railway to Yilan Station, with a journey of about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and the fare is approximately NT$236. Upon arrival, you can rent a scooter or take a taxi to various parks, with travel times between locations mostly ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. For those driving, National Highway 5 and Snow Mountain Tunnel are fully open, reaching downtown Yilan from Taipei in about an hour, and parking at the parking lots provided by each park is very convenient.
For travel tips, I recommend avoiding the crowds during consecutive holidays; visiting on weekdays or off-peak seasons allows you to play more happily. Yilan's weather is quite changeable, especially during winter when the northeastern monsoon is strong. Remember to bring a light jacket and rain gear. In addition, many farm-themed parks require advance reservations for experience activities. It is recommended to confirm your itinerary by phone one to two days before departure. Finally, don't forget that most theme parks in Yilan are not far from local delicacies. After playing, take the time to taste local favorites like Yilan onion pancakes, gaozha, and fried pork—that completes the perfect Yilan trip!
