From Jiaoxi, Yilan to the Pacific: The Perfect Northeast Corner Route from Plains to Coast

Jiaoxi to the Pacific: The Perfect Ride Across the Yilan Plain

Yilan County boasts one of Taiwan’s most beautiful plain landscapes, with mountains on three sides and the sea on the other, creating a unique pastoral scenery. Starting from the Jiaoxi hot spring area, crossing the vast Lanyang Plain, and finally reaching the Pacific coast, this route spans approximately 45 kilometers with gentle gradients and varied scenery, making it one of the most representative cycling routes in Yilan.

Route Basic Information

Departing from Jiaoxi: A Morning in the Hot Spring Town

Jiaoxi is Taiwan’s most famous lowland hot spring area, where abundant hot spring water wells up from underground, filling the entire town with a natural hot spring ambiance. The mornings in Jiaoxi are especially refreshing—before setting off, stop by a breakfast shop on the street and enjoy a simple Taiwanese breakfast to kick off a wonderful day.

Departing from Jiaoxi Railway Station and heading south along the bike path, you soon enter the vast Lanyang Plain. The views here are exceptionally open, with the ridgeline of the Xueshan Range in the distance and endless farmland up close.

The Agricultural Landscape of the Lanyang Plain

Yilan’s agriculture centers on rice, vegetables, and various fruits. The farmlands of the Lanyang Plain are neatly arranged, showcasing the refinement and diligence of Taiwanese agriculture. The route passes through several rural settlements, offering a close-up look at daily life in Taiwan’s countryside.

During the rice transplanting season in spring (March–May), the paddies are filled with water, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds to create a beautiful mirror effect; in autumn (October–November), the golden waves of rice present a harvest scene.

Donshan River Bike Path

The middle section of the route can detour onto the Donshan River Bike Path, one of Yilan’s most famous cycling paths. Stretching approximately 12 kilometers along both banks of the Donshan River, it offers beautiful scenery. The Donshan River Water Park features well-equipped rest facilities and serves as an important rest stop along the route.

The Yilan International Children’s Folklore & Folkgame Festival (formerly known) is held at the Donshan River Water Park every spring—if your ride happens to coincide with it, you can catch a glimpse of the grand event.

Toucheng: Reaching the Pacific

The route finally enters Toucheng Township, heading east along Provincial Highway 2, where the magnificent ocean views of the Pacific soon come into sight. Toucheng Seafront Park marks the end of the route, with its beach stretching for several kilometers and the powerful sound of crashing waves.

Toucheng Old Street preserves Yilan’s most complete collection of traditional shophouse architecture, with several century-old shops selling traditional pastries and Yilan specialties. Strolling through the old street after the ride is the perfect way to wrap up the journey.

Best Seasons for Riding

• Autumn (October–December): Cool weather and golden rice paddies make this the most popular riding season
• Spring (March–May): Farmlands are full of life, wildflowers are in bloom, and the climate is pleasant
• Avoid the plum rain and typhoon seasons: Yilan sees heavy rain from June to September, with frequent typhoons—extra caution is needed for riding
• Winter: Yilan is rainy in winter, but occasional sunny days offer fewer crowds and a more peaceful scenery appreciation

Related Reading

• Yilan Plain Cycling Guide: Open Views Along the Lanyang River and Turtle Island
• Jiaoxi Hot Spring to Taipingshan: A Complete Guide to the Climbing Route from the Hot Springs
• Yilan Plain Cycling: A Leisurely Route Through Luodong, Sanxing, and the Donshan River
• Yilan Yuanshan and Donshan River Cycling Routes: An Easy Ride Across Plains and Riverbanks