A Memorable Trip to Yilan
Yilan is a county filled with unique local cuisine and breathtaking scenery, located in northeastern Taiwan. Due to its relatively remote location, I had only been to Yilan once before. This was my second visit, and I’m certain it won’t be my last. I can’t wait to return again and again to savor the food and soak in the relaxing vibe.
Enjoy mt breakfast on the way to Taipei, I'm already 20 years old but my grandma still preparing it for me(and she even write my name on the plastic bag, it's so cute!)
Our journey began with a train ride from Taipei, traveling along the coastline to Yilan. The view from the train window was absolutely spectacular. We watched as the bustling urban landscape gradually gave way to peaceful countryside scenes, making us feel like we had entered an entirely different world. Just as we were getting used to the picturesque scenery, Turtle Island came into view and immediately captured our attention. Although I visited the island as a child, I barely remember anything about it. Seeing it again now felt fresh and exciting, and I couldn’t stop taking photos of the adorable, turtle-shaped island.
Adding to the charm of this experience was the fact that my friend and I had the entire train carriage to ourselves. This rare opportunity allowed us to walk around freely and talk loudly about the views we were enjoying, making the ride feel truly special.
It's the clearest turtle shape one I've captured 🐢
During the following days, we indulged in Yilan’s famous local delicacies, including Hakka-style fried pork, stinky tofu, smoked duck, and, of course, scallion pancakes. Our accommodation was conveniently located near the famous Luodong Night Market, so we went there every night.
It was fantastic because we could eat whatever we wanted. Initially, I wasn’t too optimistic about finding good food since visitor recommendations often turn out to be unreliable. However, Luodong Night Market completely exceeded my expectations. Every food stall we tried was delicious, and even something as simple as the milk tea tasted incredible.
It almost felt too good to be true!
The Hakka-style fried pork and stinky tofu are the best in the night market
We also visited a local hot spring hotel for a soak. Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of hot springs since I find the high temperature uncomfortable. However, being in Yilan, I decided to give it another try. We booked an affordable three-hour session at a modest hot spring hotel. The setup wasn’t luxurious—just a wooden bed and a hot spring tub—but it was cozy and relaxing.
At first, the hot spring water was too hot for me, so we added a lot of cold water. But as time went on, I challenged myself to enjoy the hotter water. To my surprise, I gradually adapted, and the experience turned out to be incredibly soothing. By the end of it, I think I finally understood the appeal of hot springs.
On the last day, we got up early to explore downtown Yilan. We strolled through the quiet morning streets, visiting local shops and enjoying the fresh breads from nearby bakeries. We also stopped by a traditional market, where the lively atmosphere and vibrant displays of local produce left a lasting impression.
It's a peanut roll ice cream, a famous must-try in Yilan. Fortunately we didn't have to wait long that day.
As the day came to an end, we felt reluctant to leave this enchanting place. Yilan is a destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and incredible food. It left us with unforgettable memories, and we promised ourselves to return soon. I am already looking forward for my next visit!
Comment
Feel free to give me a comment!