Traditional Festivals
Dragon Boat Race
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. In a Dragon Boat Race, competitors in each team sail unanimously and cooperatively towards the goal. The first boat who attains the goal is the winner. Unprecedentedly, under the starry moonlight of Yilan, the first Dragon Boat Race was pioneered in 2003 in Yilan. Over ten thousand spectators were crowded alongside the riverbank to cheer for the team they support. Since 2009 Dragon Boat Race will be taken place in Dongshan River, please come and join the festival!
The Erlong River Boat Race in Jiaosi
Having been held for 209 years, the Erlong River Boat Race in Jiaosi is one of the top 10 festivals and Dragon Boat Race in Taiwan. The Erlong River Boat Race in Jiaosi dates back long time ago. At that time, aborigines dwelling in each side of Erlong River held the Boat Race in Erlong River to worship the river god and to pursue peace. After Han people invaded, the custom was combined with Dragon Boat Festival, and therefore became a unique River Boat Race. Different from other dragon boat in many aspects, first, instead of heads of dragons in front of the boat, there is a pair of figures of Chinese unicorn with figures of “Tai Chi” in back of the boat. Second, in the beginning of the boat race, competitors carry the boat on the shoulder and put it into the river, then sailing without their tops. The most special of all is that there is no official judge in the race. The game is judged by all spectators alongside the river.
Jhuangwei Hami Melon Festival
Famed as the origin of Hami Melon in Taiwan, Jhuangwei Township hosts hectic Hami Melon Festival every June and July. Besides interesting performances and activities, all shapes of melons are displayed to arouse people’s interest botanically. Besides, to enhance the agricultural techniques, there is an evaluation of Hami Melon’s sweetness. Therefore, if you want to sample Hami Melons with supreme sweetness, go to Jhuangwei Township in Hami Melon Festival!
Yilan Jiou-cyong Festival
Used to be named “Jiou-cyong,” Yilan City Government hosts Jiou-cyong Festival every October encouraging people to get familiar with famous Yilan spots by hiking. Hopefully, through the festival, people will understand how ancestors lay the foundation of Yilan agriculture to make contemporary lives wealthy. In this annual festival, many nostalgic activities are taken place, such as display of old farm implements, trailer sitting, straw binding, and sheep domesticating.
Yuanshan Lantern Fair
The Lantern fair is held every year during mid February in lunar calendar (Yuanxiao). The Lantern Fair goes with lots of different types and activities, including performance of traditional opera dramas and display of large-scaled lanterns. The shapes of lanterns are mostly in the theme of the birthpet of that year, or other creative invention. Performance covers all kinds of dance as folk dance, ballet, pop dance, ballroom dancing and so on. The Lantern Fair for Yuanxiao attracts many visitors. You can enjoy firework shows and sparkling lanterns at night. This fair is a combination of art and tradition craft full of celebrating atmosphere.
Luodong Arts Festival Activities
As the world-known art festivals in Edinburgh and Avignon, Luodong Arts Festival Activities gathers traditional and modern performances and exhibits every summer to promote Yilan tourism industry and provide cultural stimulation. The basic theme is in the concept of timber industry, combines the consensus and participation of the community. Yilan government has invited international and local performance groups to perform dance, music, and drama. You can enjoy the special Luodong travel and the multi-culture experience.
Suao Cold Springs Carnival
The Suao Cold Springs occupy a ground area of about 8.0977 hectares, in the northern area of Suao Township on the eastern side of Cisin Mountain. The temperature of the spring remains 22 degrees Celsius year round, and the water is odorless, clear and drinkable and contains sodium bicarbonate.
In spring, the carbonic water is cold and getting lukewarm toward autumn. The cool water makes you re-invigorated especially in the hot summer.
It is said that the medicinal properties of the spring are beneficial for skin disease and stomach illness. There are lots of attractions, such as Suao Harbor, Nanao Fishing Port, Canon Mountain, and Dongshan River. All of these attractions can be combined in conjunction with a visit to the springs. Suao launched the promotional “Renovation of the Suao Cold Springs“in 1998, coupled with the “Yilan International Children’s Folklore and Folk game Festival” in order to integrate the travel industry with art and cultural events.
It has given the arts and culture new meanings, and it is worth a visit for getting cool off or experiencing the local culture. In the hot summer heat, Suao Cold Springs Carnival refreshes your mind and renews your energy.
Special Events
Yilan Green Exposition
Nowadays, people pay more and more attention to environmental protection, especially on planting and recycling during their daily lives. In order to encourage the public to join such activities, the Yilan Government holds “Yilan Green Exposition” every year. Yilan Green Expo, is usually held at Wulaokeng Scenic Area in Yilan County around March to April. Yilan Green Exposition presents a variety of different themes, such as Ecology Hall, Flower Hall, Fishing Hall, Farming Hall, Atayal Native Hall, Shrimp 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 functions for all visitors. It has been held for many years, as important as International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival in Yilan, which is one of the most popular activities in Taiwan. For visitors who concern with ecological environment and related things, this event will absolutely be your best choice.
Public Transportation Direction:
From Taipei Main Station to the Exposition:
1. Take Kao-Guan bus at 8:20, 9:20, or 10:20 from Taipei and return at 13:00 or 16:00 from Yilan.
2. Take train from Taipei Railway Station to Su-aosin Railway Station, and then take bus or taxi to the destination.
Jiaosi Hot Spring Festival
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 in winter, focusing on Jiaosi’s hot springs and health tourism. The Jiaosi Visitor Center, Tangwei 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. Lots of visitors enjoy hot springs market, hot springs agriculture, health tours, performances, and fireworks show during Jiaosi Hot Spring Festival.
Recommended Tours
Art & Culture
Jiaosi SietianTemple→ Center for Cultural Affairs→ Yuanshan Martyr’s Shrine→ The Atayal Bridge
Jiaosi SietianTemple
Sientian Temple is dedicated to the deity Guan Gong, the avatar of justice, and is the most important Temple of north Taiwan. Thousands of people gathered around when the temple holds the great rituals in spring and autumn.
Center for Cultural Affairs
The center established in May 1979, including a library, an exhibition hall, an opera artifact collection display-room, a youth library, and multi-function venues. Indoor events special displays and exhibitions are usually held in the main hall on the ground floor, the mission of the center is to promote cultural activities and social education in Yilan. The center covers area of 4.9863 hectares; expansive grass in front of the main building is open to the public.
Yuanshan Martyr’s Shrine
Also called Yuanshan Park, Yuanshan Martyr’s Shrine was built in 1918. This Japanese style shrine is a place for leisure and tourism today. The park is just like a painting with an arch bridge, a plaza, and fountain. With its easy access, tourists are able to appreciate the attractive view.
The Atayal Bridge
The Atayal Bridge combines the style of Atayal tribe and modern design. The color of aboriginals’ knittings on the bridge shows the knit culture of Atayal tribe, and how well these knitted decorations merge with the natural scenery.
TRADITION
Toucheng Old Street→ Sancing Temple→ National Center for Traditional Arts→ Baimi Clogs
Toucheng Old Street
Toucheng is the first reclaimed land of Yilan, and Hoping Street is the most ancient one. Toucheng used to be the commercial center of Yilan, now it is the only old street remains buildings of Qing Dynasty and the stone carvings of earlier times.
Sancing Temple
Sancing Temple is the headquarters of Taoism, located on the south slope of Meihua Lake. You are able to arrive in 15 minute walk along the lake road. Sancing Temple is surrounding by mountains, the plaza in front of the temple is a great spot for you to overview Yilan and Meihua Lake.
National Center for Traditional Arts
National Center for Traditional Arts is located in the Dongshan River Scenic Area. The mission of the center is to promote the traditional arts, preserve the arts for the public who have interests for culture, and folk living. The shows of Taiwanese opera and puppet drama are the main part of traditional arts. The center is programmed for various sections, including buildings for performances and exhibits. It also offers local snacks and folk crafts on the folk art street.
Baimi Clogs
Baimi is the birthplace of clogs. It was first started to produce clogs during the period of Japanese colonization. As clogs have been replaced by rubber shoes, clogs became the crafts with cultural meaning and the vitality of this mountain village.
ECO
Caoling Historic Trail→ Toucheng Beach→ Wufongci Scenic Area→ Mingchih Forest Recreation Area→ Meihua Lake
Caoling Historic Trail
This is the very beginning trail of reclaimed land, and the division between Yilan and Taipei County. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to walk through the trail; the beautiful scenes of coast line are the most special part of Caoling Historic Trail.
About 2 km away from Toucheng train station, Toucheng Beach is the only beach area of Yilan. This is the best spot to appreciate sun rise and Turtle Island. The clam waves make the beach ideal for water activities during summer.
Mingchih Forest Recreation Area
The high tide of northern traverse road, Mingchih Forest Recreation Area is a high altitude lake, occupied area of 2-3 hectares. The Recreation Area provides forest trail, observation deck, and activity center. The area is like a natural garden around by seedbed, willow trees, firs, and Chinese Cypress.
Meihua Lake
Meihua Lake is embraced by mountains, and there’s a suspension bridge connecting the road to the isle in the lake. The amazing lake and fresh air always welcome tourists and natural enthusiast.
