10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Yilan

Sanqing Taoist Temple is located on the shores of Meihua Lake in Dongshan Township, Yilan County. It is mainly dedicated to three deities ‒ Yuan Shi Tian Zun, Ling Bao Tian Zun and Dao De Tian Zun, collectively known as the "Sanqing Daoist Ancestors", hence the name Sanqing Temple. With the lake to the front and the mountains behind, Sanqing Temple is blessed with a unique geographical setting. The building itself is also grand and imposing in the style of a traditional Chinese palace. The spacious square in front of the temple overlooks Meihua Lake and the entire Lanyang Plain, making it an excellent place to admire the night views. Telescopes on the square bring the calm waters of Meihua Lake and the lights of the Lanyang Plain under the starry sky even closer into view. The magnificent night views will cleanse your soul. Too late to leave? Sanqing Taoist Temple offers affordable accommodation for those who want to experience more of the Taoist culture and would like to spend a bit more time here.

Located near downtown Luodong, Yilan, Luodong Forestry Culture Garden was one of the three largest timber production sites in Taiwan under Japanese colonial rule. Most of the facilities used to store and transport wood at that time remain in the park, except that the wood storage pond used to store cypress is now home to migratory birds, aquatic plants and fish. Take a romantic stroll along the wooden walkway around the lake and admire the beautiful plants and animals along the way. The former forest railway is a perfect spot for taking photos. The old-fashioned steam locomotive and the timber slide used to transport timber down from the mountains add to the garden's unique appeal. Two train carriages have been converted into cafes, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee surrounded by the lush, scented forest. In 2019, the "Night Visit to Luodong Forestry Culture Garden" activity was launched. If you're interested, sign up to find out more about the charming creatures that come out at night.

Along with its stunning natural beauty, Yilan is known for its traditional karaoke bars, where you can have fun and show off your singing skills. Locals find it a great way to relax. Traditional karaoke bars are a lot less expensive than the KTV bars that are currently very popular with young people. You get similar stage effects and lighting, as well as a wide selection of snacks and drinks. With a large stage, comfortable seats, attractive lighting and a great atmosphere, a karaoke bar can even host a small concert. It's a perfect choice for a fun night out with friends or the whole family. How much do Yilan locals love karaoke? Most of the 200-odd communities have karaoke machines. There are even a number of restaurants with karaoke facilities, catering to visitors who love to eat in an lively atmosphere.

When night falls, Yilan calms down and develops an air of tranquility. Want to relax with a cup of coffee and a million dollar night view right in front of you? Here are some top tips that are only known to Yilan locals. Kong Pizza Cafe in Jiaoxi is a new scenic restaurant in Yilan. It offers a million dollar night view that attracts even famous artists with their children. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and delicious wood-fired pizza while admiring the views over Lanyang Plain under the night sky. Booking is essential. If you'd prefer not to have to make a reservation, Gama Cafe in Yuanshan is another good choice for enjoying a night view of downtown Yilan with a cup of coffee in hand. If you'd like to have a few drinks, head to the high-altitude bar at Cuncyue Hot Spring Resort in Luodong, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire Yilan night-time landscape while sipping a cocktail.

Nanfang'ao Bridge is located near Nanfang'ao Fishing Port and connects Nanfang'ao Fishing Port with Su'ao Port. It's also nicknamed "Humpback Bridge" by residents because of its resemblance to a humpback whale. The bridge was later rebuilt into the present single-arch boat-shaped suspension bridge because it was too low and narrow for boats to get in and out smoothly. As a symbol of the fishing port, the bridge's deck and pillars are decorated with fish, shrimp and crabs. There's also an observation deck on the bridge for visitors to enjoy the view of Nanfang'ao. The bridge looks splendid at night when lit up. There are few experiences more relaxing than watching the fishing boats leaving and entering the port, the calm sea and the moored fishing boats as the gentle sea breeze caresses your face. On Chinese Valentine's Day each year, the bridge is decorated with magnificent lights to act as the magpie bridge for lovers out on a romantic date.

Yilan Riverside Park is located on the banks of Yilan River, surrounded by green hills and clear water. It's a sight you can enjoy whenever you want without spending a penny. It was even selected as one of the "Eighteen Great Scenic Spots of Lanyang" for its amazing "West Causeway Night View". The area has been turned into a riverside park for sports and leisure. In addition to a wide range of sports and recreational facilities, the park also has a huge grassy area, attracting parents who come here for a walk with their kids. You can also fish or boat on the river. Many major events, including the dragon boat race during the Dragon Boat Festival and the Yilan City Water Lantern Festival, are staged here. The park is also very popular with couples ‒ you'll see them strolling hand in hand on the gravel trail that runs along the grassy riverbank at sunset, whispering sweet words to one another. Many people also come here for a bike ride or a picnic, taking a break from their busy city life to enjoy some rare downtime.

There's a lot more to Yilan than its natural beauty. Professional massage therapists are on hand to help stressed-out city dwellers relax their shoulders, neck and tense muscles through massage. On Jiankang Road, you'll find massage therapists who work with celebrities and offer a personalised service. They'll start by discussing your specific requirements while making tea and chatting with you. Using the highest-quality essential oils and professional massage techniques, they'll have you feeling relaxed in no time. Jiaoxi has a hot stone spa that has been featured in magazines. Put on a sarong and let the Southeast Asian-style decor transport you to Bali as you enjoy a hot stone massage. Or choose a skincare treatment or detoxifying massage to cleanse your body and mind. Why not take a break from your busy life to indulge yourself with a spa treatment?

Located in front of Yilan Railway Station, Diudiudang Forest is actually a forest of steel trees. The nine steel trees echo Yilan's old name "Jiuqiong City". As you approach Yilan's Jimmy-themed station, the first thing that catches your eye is the giant giraffe peeking down at visitors from above the entrance. Opposite the station is Diudiudang Forest, a group of tall steel trees designed by renowned Yilan architect Huang Sheng-Yuan. Overhead runs the train from The Starry Starry Night, created by author and illustrator Jimmy Liao. In the book, the little boy in the train peeks out with his mouth wide open in amazement, while the girl looks on in anticipation. A drawing in a picture book comes alive in the real world! Definitely a must-see for Jimmy fans. Even if you're not a Jimmy fan, this colourful fairytale world is ideal for kids ‒ and for adults who have held on to their sense of childlike wonder.

Located around 1,640 feet (500 metres) north of Jiaoxi Railway Station, Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park was formerly Yuanshan Park. This small park has been around since the era of Japanese rule. The public bathhouse left by the Japanese has been redesigned as a Japanese-style hot spring pool where you can enjoy a free foot bath. The hot spring is a weakly alkaline sodium bicarbonate spring with a temperature of around 50 °C, making it a very popular "beauty bath" with young women. Follow the trail next to the bamboo forest, and you'll reach a forest bathhouse with red lanterns and a fantastic view. For just a small entrance fee you can enjoy unlimited forest bathing. There are gender-separated baths for nude bathing. There's also an open-air performance stage, an outdoor café, singers from time to time, occasional group performances and various themed events every autumn and winter, making it a great place for relaxation with friends and family.