Yilan City, located on the east coast of Taiwan and the capital of Yilan County, beckons travelers with its unique cityscape. Nicknamed the "Rainy City" for its cool and humid climate, Yilan offers an exciting experience to explore.
This charming city can be easily explored using the efficient public transportation system, which consists of trains and buses. Explore the popular route to Luodong Night Market for a bite to eat or relax at Jiaoxi Hot Springs. For flexibility, opt for taxis, ride-hailing or rental vehicles.
Start your journey by train from Taipei to Yilan, choosing either the Ziqiang or Puyuma Express. Indulge your taste buds with local specialties such as Peng Cong You Bing (onion pancake) and Garlic Meat Broth.
With two to three days recommended, enjoy every corner of Yilan through its art, cuisine and refreshing hot springs.
Trains in Yilan City have an extensive network and are an efficient way for travelers to get around the city. With ticket prices ranging from 20 to 80 TWD, travelers can enjoy a smooth ride to destinations such as Yilan Station and Luodong Night Market.
Train operating hours are usually from morning to night, providing flexibility for those who want to explore Yilan City and the surrounding places of interest.
Yilan has an efficient public transportation system, including trains and buses. Popular routes that are visited by tourists are the ones to Luodong Night Market for delicious food and Jiaoxi Hot Springs for relaxation.
However, you need to keep in mind that Yilan City is a small city and not very crowded, so the frequency of buses is not very frequent and you will need to wait for a long time. Alternatively, you can use taxis, online transportation, or rent a vehicle to ensure your trip is on time with your itinerary.
From Taipei, you can take the Ziqiang or Puyuma Express train from Taipei Station to Yilan Station. The journey duration is about 60-75 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from 150 to 400 TWD, depending on the train type.
Another alternative is to take a bus with a journey duration of 50 minutes. Bus travel is relatively faster due to the well-connected highway and the Xueshan tunnel that cuts through the mountains. Tickets range from 140 NTD. Some of the buses that serve the Taipei - Yilan City route are Kamalan Bus 1916, Kuokuang Bus 1878, and Capital Star 1571.
One of Yilan's favorite dishes and a must-try is Peng Cong You Bing, which is an onion pancake. The texture is soft with crispy onions in every bite. There is also the Garlic Meat Broth, which is a delicious and flavorful onion meat soup. The savory broth mixed with the fragrant aroma of garlic makes this dish refreshing and comforting.
Also, don't miss out on exploring other culinary specialties at the local night market. Yilan serves up fresh seafood, such as grilled fish, boiled scallops and a variety of other delicious seafood. The night market is also an ideal place to sample an enticing array of traditional Taiwanese food, such as stinky tofu, oyster omelet and fresh bubble tea.
As the capital of Yilan County, Yilan City is a bustling city with a rich history and culture. Traditional Taiwanese arts are thriving in the city, creating a diverse and interesting cultural heritage. However, Yilan's main attraction lies in its unique and lively festivals.
Festivals such as the Yilan Green International Film Festival and the International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival are celebrated every year. At these festivals, visitors can see various art performances, movie exhibitions, and other traditional celebrations.
Yilan's many exciting destinations invite travelers to visit and will make their experience even more memorable. Start with "All things Jimmy Liao", which showcases the famous Taiwanese artist's work with a unique illustration style that inspires. Inside, you can see his works on display, including the book "Turn Left, Turn Right" which was made into a movie in 2003.
There's also Jimmy Park where colorful, imaginative sculptures greet visitors in front of Yilan Station. Nearby, the Diudiudang Forest resembles a forest with flying trains inspired by Taiwanese artists.
If you want to mingle with the locals, you can visit Dongmen Night Market at night to experience the city's nightlife. End your trip at the Chia Chi Lan Wine Museum, where art and wine meet. Watch the wine-making process, explore the collection of wine-related art, and savor a variety of local wines.
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