Yilan Dongshan River Bicycle Path: A Riverside Fairy-Tale Journey

Introduction

The Dongshan River Bicycle Path spans approximately 24 km, starting from Dongshan Railway Station, passing through Dongshan River Water Park and Wujie National Center for Traditional Arts, and finally reaching the Qingshui Sluice Gate at the river mouth. Along the way, it connects attractions such as the International Children’s Folklore & Folkgame Festival site, the Ecological Ark, and Wulaokeng, making it the most waterfront-featured cycling route in Yilan.

Route Basic Information

Route Segments

Segment 1: Dongshan Railway Station → Dongshan River Water Park (5 km)
Depart from Dongshan Railway Station and pass by the Dongshan Ecological Ark (next to the railway station). Ride along the river embankment, with scenery dominated by rice paddies and riverbanks. The Dongshan River Water Park hosts the Yilan International Children’s Folklore & Folkgame Festival, drawing large crowds in summer.

Segment 2: Water Park → Wujie National Center for Traditional Arts (8 km)
Continue north along the Dongshan River, passing the National Center for Traditional Arts. The center is a comprehensive hub for traditional Taiwanese crafts, opera, and cuisine; it is recommended to spend 1–2 hours exploring.

Segment 3: National Center for Traditional Arts → Qingshui Sluice Gate (11 km)
After leaving the center, head toward the river mouth, where the scenery gradually shifts from riverbank to coastal. The Qingshui Sluice Gate marks the outlet of the Dongshan River, offering distant views of Gueishan Island.

Must-Visit Attractions

Food Along the Way

Yilan is famous for its snacks, and the highlights along the Dongshan River include:

• Dongshan Station: Scallion pancakes at Dongshan Mazu Temple entrance
• Dongshan Riverbank: Multiple Luodong meat羹 (thick soup) shops
• National Center for Traditional Arts: Traditional rice dishes, Yilan crackers
• Wujie: Gaoza (crispy egg custard), Rougengfan (meat thick soup), and Bu Rou (fried pork slices)

During the Children’s Folkgame Festival Season

The Yilan International Children’s Folkgame Festival is held along the Dongshan River every July–August, marking the busiest time at the Water Park. Cyclists can:

• Ride the bike path in the morning (avoiding the crowds)
• Enter the festival grounds in the afternoon for water play
• Enjoy fireworks and evening performances at night

Some sections of the bike path are closed during the festival; it is recommended to avoid the Water Park entrance area during 10:00–12:00.

Recommended Itineraries

Family-Friendly Version (Half Day)
Dongshan Railway Station → Water Park → National Center for Traditional Arts and return (20 km total)

In-Depth Cultural Version (Full Day)
Luodong → Dongshan → Water Park → National Center for Traditional Arts → Qingshui Sluice Gate → Luodong Night Market (35 km total)

Connecting Routes
Can link to the Yilan County bicycle path network, extending to Yuanshan, Jiaoxi, Toucheng, and beyond, forming a complete 60–80 km route.

Practical Tips

• Best Season: March–May and September–November, avoiding summer thunderstorms and the damp cold of winter.
• Bike Rental: Rental stations are available at Dongshan Railway Station and the National Center for Traditional Arts; ladies’ bikes cost NT$200 per day.
• Gear: Casual clothing, sunscreen, and a raincoat (Yilan is rainy).
• Timing: 6–8 AM is the most beautiful time in Yilan, with spectacular morning mist over the rice fields.
• Extended Experience: At the National Center for Traditional Arts, you can deeply experience traditional crafts such as glove puppetry, sugar cane candy making, and paper crafting.

Conclusion

The Dongshan River Bicycle Path is a journey of “riding, eating, and playing along the way”—no intensity, no pressure, only the riverside breeze, reflections on the water, and Yilan’s signature slow-living atmosphere. The next time you’re looking for a relaxed yet culturally rich cycling route, the Dongshan River will be the perfect choice.

Related Reading

• Yilan Dongshan River Bicycle Path: A Flat Family-Friendly Riverside Route
• Yilan Dongshan River Bicycle Path: Riding Along the River from Water Park to the River Mouth
• Yilan Coastal and Dongshan River Bicycle Paths: A Slow Ride Through the Waters of Lanyang Plain
• Yilan Yuanshan and Dongshan River Cycling Routes: Easy Rides Through Plains and Riverbanks