Overview
Yilan is a coastal city on Taiwan's east coast, historically isolated by mountains from the west and facing the Pacific Ocean. The area preserves local traditions, dialects, and performing arts, including Taiwanese opera (gezaixi), which remains central to Yilan's cultural identity.
Budget Travel · History · Museums · Nature
Before you go
Culture
Yilan is the birthplace of Taiwanese opera (gezaixi), an important part of the city's cultural identity. The local dialect preserves traditions from Han Chinese immigrants from Zhangzhou.
Language
Bus and taxi drivers do not speak English. Other European languages are not spoken at all. Local Taiwanese dialect is more similar to Zhangzhou than in other parts of Taiwan.
Transport
Rail is the cheapest way to travel around Yilan County (US$4 to destinations like Luodong, Suao, and Jiaosi). Scooter rentals are available near Yilan train station.
Weather
Yilan has a humid and rainy climate year-round, with especially heavy rainfall during monsoon season and typhoons in summer and early autumn.