Yilan Coastal and Dongshan River Bikeways: A Slow Ride Through the Waterways of the Lanyang Plain

Cycling in the Land of Water

The Lanyang Plain was formed by the alluvial deposits of the Lanyang River, creating a dense network of waterways. The Dongshan River Bikeway runs about 24 km from near Dongshan Station along the river to the estuary at Qinshui Park, then connects to the Zhuangwei and Wujie coastal sections—making it Yilan’s most representative flat, waterside route. Its opponent is not elevation gain, but the monsoon and the rain.

Route Information

The Monsoon Is the Biggest Variable

Yilan’s winter (November to March of the following year) is affected by the northeast monsoon, bringing frequent rain and strong headwinds along the coastal section, making it feel cold. The best riding periods are May to June and September to October, when rainfall is lighter and temperatures are pleasant. On rainy days, the roads beside the plain’s waterways are slippery—be sure to slow down.

Rainy-Day Backup: Treat the Train as Insurance

Nearly one-third of the days in Yilan see rain, so the most practical skill for riding the Lanyang Plain is to “build the retreat route into your plan from the start.” The Dongshan River corridor happens to be linked by the railway, allowing you to bail out section by section:

• Dongshan Station: Starting point of the route; if the rain is too heavy, you can simply call off the day
• Luodong Station: Not far from the middle section of the Dongshan River, the most commonly used mid-route retreat point, with the bonus of Luodong Night Market nearby
• Erjie / Zhongli Station: A backup near the Wujie coastal section; you can pack up nearby if headwinds and rain hit

Most Yilan local trains allow bikes and riders together (be sure to confirm train type and time slots), and both folding bikes and regular bikes can be transported with flexibility. Memorize the relative positions of these stations, and even if the weather suddenly changes, you won’t be stranded on the exposed coastal section, soaked and chilled.

Connecting with the Railway

Both Dongshan and Luodong Stations can serve as entry and exit points for bringing your bike, and on rainy days you can switch to the train at any time to retreat—a reliable safety net for riding the Lanyang Plain.

Supplies

Luodong Night Market is the best choice for refueling and wrapping up the ride—Sanshing scallion pancakes, meat羹 (thick soup), and bao xin fen yuan (tapioca balls with red bean) provide carbs and a well-earned treat. Convenience stores in the villages along the route are also sufficient.

Lanyang Water Network and Ecological Observation Points

The Dongshan River is not just a cycling route; it connects the aquatic ecology of the entire Lanyang Plain. If you know when to stop and look, this route takes on a completely different dimension:

• Dongshan River Eco-Ark: Mangroves and riparian wetlands; in the early morning you’ll often see little egrets, black-crowned night herons, and kingfishers—a great spot for beginner birdwatching
• Wushierjia Wetland (near Lizejian): An important winter habitat for migratory birds, with large flocks of dabbling ducks and other waterfowl; peak birdwatching season runs from November to February
• Dongshan River Estuary Sand Dunes: Where river meets sea, offering a rare view of the brackish-water ecosystem where fresh and salt water converge, along with the Pacific Ocean

It’s recommended to bring a small pair of binoculars and treat the ecological spots as “reasons to stop,” timing your ride to coincide with the early morning hours when birds are most active. Peak birdwatching season coincides with Yilan’s northeast monsoon period, so be sure to prepare for wind, rain, and cold.

Who It’s For

The entire route is gentle and flat, suitable for families and relaxed riding. Photography enthusiasts can capture shots at the Dongshan River Eco-Ark and the estuary, where waterbirds and sand dunes are the highlights.

Yilan’s waterways may lack majestic mountains, but they have a power that slows people down. As you ride slowly along the river, you’ll realize that travel, after all, shouldn’t require effort in every stretch.

Related Reading

• Yilan Dongshan River Bikeway: A Flat Family-Friendly Waterside Route
• Yilan Plain Cycling Guide: Open Views Along the Lanyang River and Guishan Island
• Yilan Dongshan River Bikeway: Riding from Qinshui Park to the Estuary
• Yilan Yuanshan and Dongshan River Cycling Routes: Easy Rides Through Plains and Riverbanks