Yilan's coastline stretches about 100 kilometers, covering famous spots like Guishan Island, Wushih Fishing Port, and Honeymoon Bay. Currently, the Guishan Island landing tour is the most popular, with a daily limit of 500 people, requiring advance application from the Yilan County Government. If you prefer a more laid-back coastal experience, don't miss the seafood auction and whale-watching at Wushih Fishing Port. Honeymoon Bay, being only 1.5 hours' drive from Taipei, has become the top destination for northern surfers.
- Guishan Island: Taiwan's only active volcanic island. The Guwei Lake and military tunnels create a unique landscape. See details
- Wushih Fishing Port: Yilan's largest fishing port. The pre-dawn auction market and breakwater whale-watching platform are extremely popular. See details
- Honeymoon Bay: A landmark surfing bay in northern Taiwan. Stable winter wave conditions attract many surfers. See details
For more Yilan attractions, view the complete guide.
Yilan's sea isn't a resort-style scenic postcard — it's a living coastline.
If you're expecting a beach vacation doing nothing in a chair, Yilan might disappoint you. But if you want to experience the true nature of Taiwan's northern coast — the fishermen's daily life, the geological story, the energy of the waves — it's worth making a special trip. Yilan's coast stretches about 80 kilometers from north to south, without Kenting's resort feel or Hualien's Qingshui Cliff's grandeur. What it offers is the only viewpoint in Taiwan proper where you can see Guishan Island, plus traditional fishing ports that are still in operation.
Why is visiting Yilan's coast particularly worthwhile now?
In recent years, Yilan's coast has undergone a quiet transformation. As international tourist flow adjusted, this coastline has gradually returned to the essence of "local experience" from being a "check-in spot." Seafood prices at fishing ports have become more transparent, surf spots have attracted more Taiwan local enthusiasts, and the Guishan Island landing experience has actually improved in quality. For travelers wanting to escape tourist crowds, now is the best time to visit.
Guishan Island: The Soul Landmark of Yilan's Coast
Not seeing Guishan Island means you haven't really been to Yilan's seaside. This island can be seen from Suao, Wushih Port, and Wai'ao — from afar, it truly looks like a turtle floating on the sea, with head, body, and tail clearly distinguishable. Guishan Island itself is privately owned, requiring a boat ride to land (departures available from Wushih Port and Nanfang'ao). The most popular route is the "Eight Sights of Guishan," especially the sunset at dusk and the "Guishan Island Milk Sea" at night (sulfur fumes appearing blue-green under the sunset). Landing fees are approximately NT$200-250, boat tickets NT$500-700, and advance booking of about a week is usually required. Sea conditions are more stable from March to October, and trips are often cancelled due to rough waves in winter.
If you prefer not to land, the viewing platforms at Wushih Port and Wai'ao Beach offer全景 views. Next to the "Lanyang Museum" (address: No. 750, Section 3, Qingyun Road, Toucheng Town, Yilan County) around Wushih Port, there's a free viewing area. The museum itself costs NT$100, and the architecture alone is worth photographing, especially the panoramic view of Guishan Island.
Wushih Port: A Living Classroom of Fishing Port Economics
Wushih Port isn't a tourism-designed "fishing port" — it's a real fishing port. Every morning at 5 AM, fishing boats dock, and by 9 AM, all seafood is auctioned off. You can witness the real life of northern Taiwan fishermen. The seafood restaurants by the port aren't there for photo ops — they're where fishermen and locals eat.
Must-try are "flying fish roe" and "squid." From March to May is flying fish season, when Wushih Port's flying fish roe is freshest and most reasonably priced — a fried rice portion costs about NT$150-200. Recommended eateries don't particularly market to tourists. Asking locals by the port "what's the best catch today" is usually more reliable than choosing from a menu. Try to dine between 10 AM and 2 PM — that's when fishermen eat before heading out, with the freshest food and highest人气.
Wushih Port is also a surfing hub in Taiwan. Even if you don't surf, you can watch professional athletes practice on the beach, with international surfing events held every year in summer and autumn. Surfing lessons cost approximately NT$1500-2000 per hour (equipment included), suitable for beginners.
Wai'ao Beach: The Coastline with the Strongest Energy
If Wushih Port belongs to locals, Wai'ao is the heart of Taiwan's surfing community. Here, wave quality is stable, the beach is wide, and Guishan Island in the background creates the strongest visual impact. The best wave conditions are during the northeast monsoon season (October to March), while summer is relatively calmer.
Wai'ao isn't suitable for children to swim — strong currents and big waves — but perfect for watching waves, taking photos, and drinking coffee. There are several surf hostels and coffee shops on the beach. Order a coffee (NT$80-120), sit and watch surfers in conversation with the waves — this is the local daily life. Parking is free, and it's about 10 minutes by scooter from Toucheng Station. Accessibility is limited — there's a simple path at the beach entrance, but the beach itself has no wheelchair access.
Nanfang'ao: A Unique Combination of Fishing Village Cuisine and Seaside Temples
Nanfang'ao is the southernmost fishing port in Yilan. Its characteristic isn't the scenery, but the blend of fishing port and religious culture. The Nan Temple (Nantian Palace, a Level 3 historic site) by the port has bustling incense, and right next to the temple is where fish are auctioned — forming a seamless merge of religion and life. Few tourists realize this, but this is precisely the most authentic form of Taiwan's seaside.
Seafood in Nanfang'ao is affordable and honest. A bowl of freshly cooked seafood soup costs about NT$200-300, usually including shrimp, fish, and squid. Skip the restaurants — stall vendors by the port are often fresher and one-third cheaper. Winter (November to February) is mackerel season, and mackerel roe (fish roe) offers the best prices, making it the top gift choice.
Nanfang'ao is also one of the departure points for Guishan Island landings. Boat schedules here are relatively less crowded, suitable for tourists wanting to avoid the crowds at Wushih Port. It's about 5 minutes by scooter from Su'ao Station.
Toucheng and Jiaoxi Beach: The Forgotten North Yilan Coast
Toucheng's coast has several small beaches (like Toucheng Beach north of Wushih Port). These have almost no tourists, perfect for those wanting to quietly gaze at the sea. The beach in front of Lanyang Museum nearby is also often overlooked, but its geological landscape is unique — a completely underestimated photo spot.
Jiaoxi's "Hot Spring Park" isn't by the sea, but only 2 kilometers from the coast. Many tourists come to Yilan for hot springs but don't know they can see the sea by scooter in 10 minutes. This hot-and-cold alternating experience is rare in Taiwan.
Practical Information
Transportation: From Taipei, take bus 1766 or 1767 (Taipei-Toucheng) on Guoguang Bus — about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, take a train to Toucheng or Su'ao Station, then rent a scooter or take a taxi. By car, use National Highway 5, exit at Toucheng Interchange. Yilan's city center has no MRT, relying on main buses and local scooter culture.
Costs: Beaches are free. Guishan Island landing costs NT$250 (fee) + boat ticket NT$500-700, Lanyang Museum NT$100. Seafood restaurant meals cost NT$200-500 per person, depending on what you order.
Seasons: March to October offers more stable sea conditions, suitable for island landing and water activities. November to February brings northeast monsoons — big waves but good for surfing. Summer (June to August) has the most crowds; beaches get crowded, so it's best to avoid.
Operating Hours: Fishing ports and beaches are open 24 hours. Seafood restaurants usually open at 9 AM, getting quieter after 3 PM (fishermen have gone out to sea). Guishan Island landing schedules adjust according to sea conditions and seasons — advance inquiry with the boat company is recommended.
Accessibility: Basic parking and pathways around Wushih Port and Lanyang Museum exist, but the beach sand isn't wheelchair-friendly. It's recommended to call ahead and confirm with attractions.
Tips
• Don't expect Yilan's beaches to have resort facilities like Kenting. The value here lies in its rawness and authenticity.
• If visiting for the first time, go to Wushih Port first to get oriented, feel the rhythm of the fishing port, then head south.
• Guishan Island landings require advance booking (usually a week) — you can't decide on the spot. Sea conditions often lead to last-minute cancellations, so be prepared.
• The cheapest time for Yilan seafood is between 6-9 AM. All freshly cooked stalls by the port open during auction hours.
• Bring a jacket — northeast monsoon winds are strong in winter. Riding a scooter along the coast feels noticeably colder than in the city.
• If your schedule is tight, half a day is enough for Guishan Island + Wushih Port fishing port experience. If you have a full day, you can head south to Nanfang'ao + Su'ao Cold Spring (not a beach, but worth experiencing).
