Yilan possesses divers natural scenic spots and a rich culture and history. In addition, Yilan has lakes, rivers, towering mountains, hot and cold springs, underground heat, beautiful coastlines, farmland, and historical architecture. No matter if you want to take a relaxing trip, a stroll through natural scenic spots, or a cultural tour, Yilan is full of surprises waiting for you!
Nowadays, people pay more attention to environmental protection than ever before, especially on plating and recycling during their daily lives. In order to encourage the public to join such activities, the Yilan Government presents “Yilan Green Exposition” every year. Yilan Green Expo, is usually held around March to April. Yilan Green Expo offers a variety of different themes such as Ecology Hall, Flower Hall, Fishing Hall, Farming Hall, Atayal Native Hall, Charcoal Hall and so on. All of which are divided into many interesting areas including introduction, ecological information, experience, and children recreational area, providing both educational and recreational function for all visitors. For visitors who concern with ecological environment and related things, this event will absolutely be your best choice.
The Yilan International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival was accredited by the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF) on 29th Nov 2010. The initial festival was in 1996, the YICF is an annual festival running from July to Augest. It is both a performance festival and an exhibition, with a focus on playing and having fun. The performance, which attracted more than 580,000 visitors in year 2010, featured folk dances from different countries, while the exhibitions provide hands-on experience with traditional toy and crafts from around the world. Anyone who still has some childhood innocence and creativity in their hearts should not miss this great summer party.
Dragon Boat Race was originated as a ritual to worship Chinese Arethusa, and then it turned out to be an activity to look for the corpse of Qu Yuan (a famous patriotic poet in Chinese history.) Now, Dragon Boat Race has become an inevitable folk custom in Dragon Boat Festival, which is held on May 5th in lunar calendar every year. The competitors in each team sail unanimously and cooperatively towards the finish line. Dragon boat races are held throughout Taiwan at the time of the Dragon boat festival, but the one in Erlong village is unique because there are no starters, timers or judges. The two teams themselves decide when the race will start and signal their willingness by beating gongs. The team members stand as they row during the race, and the rowers can change places with fresh contestants at any time; the race can go on for many laps. The winner is determined by the audience together with the competing teams. Unlike other dragon boats traditionally used around the island, the craft used in the Erlong races do not have dragonheads at their bows.
Jiaosi boasts its superior geographic location as the path of the Yilan Line Railway and Provincial Highway Route 9, and the gateway to the newly completed Taipei-Yilan National Highway. It is also rich in hot spring resources for leisure activities. With a temperature of around 50 degree Celsius, hot springs here are clear and odor-free. Jiaosi Hot Spring Festival warms up both visitors’ bodies and hearts. The event is usually held during winter, focusing on Jiaosi’s hot springs and health tourism. The Jiaosi Visitors Center, Tanwei Brook Park and Jiaosi Train are the main hubs for visitors and transportation. Hot springs in Yilan is charming, and they have attracted lots of travelers. Many visitors enjoy hot springs market, hot springs agriculture, health tours, performances and fireworks show during Jiaosi Hot Spring Festival.
