- THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR TRADITIONAL ARTS
- LUODONG FORESTRY CULTURE GARDEN
- DONGSHAN RIVER WATER PARK
- LODONG SPORTS PARK
- WU-LAO KENG SCENIC AREA
- PLUM BLOSSOM LAKE
- DONGSHAN RIVER PARK CYCLING TRAIL
- QINGSHUI GEOTHERMAL
THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR TRADITIONAL ARTS
Situated in the Dongshan River downstream scenic area, and facing the water park, the center is set in a quiet and pleasant location offering a wide field of vision. The center is primarily involved in the organization, planning and promotion of traditional arts and cultures, as its main goals are the research, preservation, promotion and passing on of these traditional concerns. This is all to bring new life to the arts styles that is traditional to Taiwan and allow them to develop and be come more innovative.
Currently, the National center for traditional arts is promoting folk art activities and traditional dramatic performance on a national-wide basis, in order to present the arts and cultures from various areas to the audience so that they can understand and acknowledge these arts and cultures, so as to allow the Taiwanese traditional culture and its spirit to continue to flourish.
LUODONG FORESTRY CULTURE GARDEN
Situated in Luodogn township, Yilan, it is the collection point for timber during the early days of the Taipingshan timber industry. Due to its rich forest resources, it was considered one of the three major forestry areas in Taiwan along with Alishan and Baxianshan. The garden is full of strikingly luscious trees creating a relaxing and natural environment, and the smell of phytoncide that flood your nose will sooth your body and mind.
Within the Luodong forestry culture garden, there are nature ecology ponds, aquatic plant ponds, aquatic plant display areas, display area of old forestry steam locomotives, forest railroad, waterside wooden walkways and other facilities, which combines relaxation, education and cultural aspects into the sightseeing tour, making it an ideal tourist destination on your travels.
DONGSHAN RIVER WATER PARK．YILAN CHILDREN’S FOLK ART AND FOLKGAME FESTIVAL
The river park is the most important recreational site on the Dongshan River, and to meet the demands of the natural relation between man and water, the park has features that mimic natural sceneries with local Yilan flavor fused into them, such as the aquatic dance stage, the five conical pebble mounds, and Gueishan Island off the coast, and features of these Yilan landmarks have all been seemingly carelessly placed into the park.
Since the times past, legends tells that Dongshan River is guarded by the green and yellow dragons, thus the riverside uses pebble to create rising and falling, curvilinear dragon slopes, inlaid with green and blue or green and orange tiles. On the steps of the dragon slope, all the interesting mosaics are all handiworks of children from Yilan.
LODONG SPORTS PARK
A multi-functional sports and recreation public space designed for the Yilan area. The sceneries and building in the sports park is picturesque; amongst the green grass and forest of trees, you can sit and relax, or lie down to look up into the heaven to watch the blue sky and clouds, and enjoy this urban landscape experience while letting your body and mind relax.
If you have some free time, why not bring your family and friends to Luodong sports park, have a picnic or take a stroll. Enjoy the diverse feast of relaxation. You can slowly stroll around and enjoy the beautiful views, or do some exercise, or play some ball. You will enjoy it no matter what you choose.
WU-LAO KENG SCENIC AREA．THE GREEN EXPO
Situated on the border of Dongshan and Su’ao township, the stream water is crystal clear, and is thus known as the top spring of Lanyang, or the hundred scenes of Lanyang. The stream in the Wu-Lao Keng scenic area moves slow and is not deep, thus many people who loves fishing often congregate here to enjoy angling. The numerous recreational activities and facilities also includes camping, open-air cooking, water play area, river tracing, hiking, outdoor teaching, and tea tasting, so the public is able to come here to enjoy and experience different ways of relaxation.
The Yilan Green Expo is an annual event held by the Yilan county government every spring. The main focus of the Green Expo includes agricultural life, conservation, sustainable future and other related aspects. At the end of 2012, the Green Expo received the gold award in the socio-economic category from the International awards for livable communities.
PLUM BLOSSOM LAKE (MEI-HUA LAKE)
Plum Blossom Lake is a natural reservoir, and use to be called Tai-pei or Mirror Lake. Later, due to the lakes surface are looking like a five-petal flower, and the islets in the lake looking like the stamen and pistil, the name was changed to Plum Blossom Lake. The Lake is surrounded by mountains by three sides, with beautiful natural scenery, and a path approximately 3km long have been built running along the lake side. The various flora planted along the path along with the lush acacia trees creates a moving scene. A suspension bridge from the lake’s east bank connects the islet to the surrounding pathways. There is a park on the islet, where you can look over the entire lake. During the holidays, various aquatic recreation can be seen carrying joyous laughter across the lake, creating a rather special image.
Near the southern bank of Plum Blossom Lake, there is Sangching Temple, which is the main temple for the Taiwanese Taoists, so there are often numerous travelers coming to here to worship. The courtyard in front of the temple offers a wide field of vision, and you are able to take in all the sights of Lanyang plain and of the lake.
DONGSHAN RIVER PARK CYCLING TRAIL
This trail is situation in Wujie township of Yilan County, spanning the 5-6km distance from Dongshan train station to the Dongshan River Park. The Dongshan train station is situated right next to the Dongshan River, and from there, you can ride and follow the river on the revamped riverside path, all the while watch canoes glide along the river and the mischievous waterbirds playing along the river, revealing the peaceful and tranquil river scenes.
If you’re relaxing on the Dongshan River Park cycling trail, on your return trip you can swing around to Lizejian old streets to have a look, or keep going north along Dongshan River, and once you reach the Wujie flood tide gates, you can follow the side trail to visit the duck raising research center, and head back via Lizejian old street to return to the Dongshan riverside to make your way back to Dongshan train station. This route makes for a great grip for families and couples; it is also very safe and easy to traverse. This is highly recommended to guests who love to sightsee on their bicycles, and let you experience the beauty of Yilan.
QINGSHUI GEOTHERMAL
Qingshui Geothermal is situated in the Qingshui valley south of the Qingshui village in Datong township. The geothermal hotspring emerged from beneath the ground, and is an alkaline spring with temperature between 95-104 degrees Celsius. Due to the high temperature, it is not suitable for step into, but it can be used to cook eggs, corns, sweet potatoes, and so forth. You can even come to Qingshui Geothermal to have a picnic, but with the high temperature of the geothermal spring, please be aware of your own safety.
Taiwan’s first geothermal power plant is also located here, but with the changing times, the power plant has closed down, although there are pictures and descriptions, as well as heavy machineries that have been left behind for the public to look and take pictures. There is also a basic toilet and washing facilities. This location is surrounded by scenic mountains views and is a great place for outdoor trips, be it hiking, or picnic. It is a great destination for families, young and old.