Yilan Dongshan River Bike Path: A Flat, Family-Friendly Waterside Route

Route Overview

The Dongshan River Bike Path is Yilan’s classic cycling route and one of the most family-friendly rides in Taiwan. It runs the entire way along the banks of the Dongshan River, completely flat with no climbing, and passes well-known attractions such as a waterfront park and the National Center for Traditional Arts along the way.

Route Information

Item	Details
Start	Dongshan Train Station
End	National Center for Traditional Arts
Distance	About 10 km (one way)
Elevation Gain	Almost none
Surface	Dedicated bike path (paved)
Difficulty	★ (very easy)
Suggested Time	1.5-3 hours (including breaks)

Route Details

Starting from Dongshan Train Station (0 km)

Dongshan Train Station is a sight in itself — its building is designed to resemble a melon trellis, a distinctly local Yilan touch. Bike rental shops near the station make it easy for visitors to get rolling.

Dongshan River Eco Green Boat (0-2 km)

Shortly after leaving the station, you’ll reach the Dongshan River Eco Green Boat area, a park that combines ecological conservation with recreation, featuring boardwalks and observation platforms.

Highlights:

• Expansive green spaces and wetlands
• Bird-watching platforms
• Great for letting kids explore nature

Riverside Bike Path (2-6 km)

This is the highlight of the route. The bike path follows the embankment of the Dongshan River, with the river on one side and rice paddies on the other. Green paddies in spring and golden waves of rice in autumn make for a refreshing, uplifting ride.

Highlights:

• The calm waters of the Dongshan River
• Pastoral scenery on both banks
• Occasional egrets flying overhead

Dongshan River Water Park (6-8 km)

The Water Park is one of Yilan’s best-known attractions, home every summer to the International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival.

Highlights:

• Large lawns perfect for picnics
• Water play available in summer
• A willow-lined riverside path
• Dragon boat-shaped art installations

National Center for Traditional Arts (8-10 km)

The route ends at the Center for Traditional Arts, where traditional Taiwanese architecture and crafts are preserved.

Highlights:

• Streets of traditional Fujianese-style architecture
• Hands-on traditional craft experiences
• Local food and souvenirs
• Worth setting aside 1-2 hours to explore

Why It’s Great for Families

Safety

• Dedicated bike path the entire way: fully separated from car traffic
• Smooth surface: no potholes or loose gravel
• No hills: easy riding for kids and seniors alike
• Wide enough: rarely crowded even on weekends

A Comfortable Distance

At 10 km one way, the route suits every age group:

• Toddlers (bike seat/trailer): an easy ride with no strain
• Kids aged 6-10: can ride the whole route independently
• Seniors: relaxed and enjoyable
• Adults: a leisurely ride to unwind

Facilities Along the Way

• Public restrooms every 2-3 km
• Multiple drinking water stations
• Rental shops offering child seats and e-bikes
• Shaded pavilions along the route

Bike Rental Information

Bike Type	Best For	Price (approx.)
Standard bike	Adults	NT$100/day
Kids’ bike	Ages 6-12	NT$80/day
Family bike (front seat)	Adult + toddler	NT$150/day
E-bike	Seniors/easy riding	NT$200/day
Four-wheel tandem	Family fun	NT$300/hour

Nearby Extensions

Luodong Forestry Culture Park / Sports Park (+5 km)

From the Dongshan River Bike Path, you can extend the ride to Luodong Sports Park, adding about 5 km. The park features large lawns and a man-made lake.

Meihua Lake (+8 km)

From the Dongshan side, the route can be extended to Meihua Lake. A loop around the lake is about 4 km, making it another great family-friendly stop.

Best Seasons to Ride

Season	Highlights	Tips
Spring	Lush green paddies	Most comfortable riding temperatures
Summer	Folklore Festival, water play	Watch for sun exposure; combine with water activities
Autumn	Golden waves of rice	Best season for photography
Winter	Peaceful countryside	Yilan gets rainy — bring rain gear

Food Recommendations

Don’t miss Yilan’s food scene after your ride:

• Luodong Night Market: scallion pancakes, tapioca ball soup, meat skewers
• Dongshan Market: local street food
• Inside the Center for Traditional Arts: traditional pastries and handmade ice cream
• Sanxing scallion pancakes: a Yilan must-try

Conclusion

The Dongshan River Bike Path is Taiwan’s most family-friendly cycling route. Flat, safe, scenic, and well-equipped — it checks nearly every box for a great family outing. Next time you visit Yilan, don’t just soak in the hot springs and eat your way through town — bring the whole family along the Dongshan River and experience Yilan at its most beautiful.

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