Suao Attractions | Top 15 Things to Do in Suao, Yilan: Day Trip Itinerary & Complete Travel Map Guide!

Yilan Suao | Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions in Suao

Suao Township is a beloved travel destination in Yilan. Beyond classic spots like Suao Cold Spring Park and Nanfang'ao Fishing Port, it is packed with vibrant attractions that draw countless travelers and families every year.

In this guide, I have put together the top 15 must-visit attractions in Suao, Yilan—spanning family-friendly spots, tourist factories, scenic nature trails, and rainy-day indoor activities. You will also find recommended Suao day trip itineraries and a customized Suao attractions Google Map to help you seamlessly plan your one-day, weekend, or extended getaway!

Panoramic view of the coastline and harbor at Suao, Yilan

(Suao Township boasts one of the world's only two cold springs, Taiwan's only harbor integrating military, commercial, and fishing facilities, and an array of tourist factories that are wonderful for family getaways.)


1. Suao Cold Spring Park

Suao Cold Spring has long been Suao's quintessential landmark. Maintaining a refreshing, constant temperature of 22°C (72°F), this low-temperature mineral spring is celebrated as the "Most Miraculous Spring Under Heaven." Together with the famous Jiaoxi Hot Spring, it represents one of the two subterranean treasures of the Lanyang Plain. It is the ultimate retreat on a warm summer day in Yilan. If time permits, don't miss nearby gems like Alishi Cold Spring, Battery Hill Scenic Area (Paotaishan), and local delicacies such as cold-spring yokan!

◎ Address: No. 6-4, Lengquan Rd., Su'ao Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Recommended Ticket: Suao Cold Spring Private Bath Voucher for Two
◎ Official Website: Suao Cold Spring
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Visitors wading in the refreshing mineral waters at Suao Cold Spring Park

(Because Suao Cold Spring is heavily carbonated, fish, shrimp, and insects cannot survive in it for long, leading locals to mistakenly suspect it was toxic until its beneficial properties were developed during the Japanese colonial era. [Photo by Tourism Administration, MOTC])


2. Tofu Cape (Doufujia)

Located on the eastern edge of Nanfang'ao Fishing Port, Tofu Cape (Doufujia) earned its whimsical name from rocky reef slabs shaped like tofu blocks. Also known as a tied island tombolo formation, it is the largest sand-neck tombolo landform in Taiwan. It is a premier spot in Yilan for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and catching stunning sunrises. Nearby attractions such as the Zhu Dayu Culture Museum, Zeizai'ao Glass Beach, and Nanfang'ao Tourist Fish Market are well worth exploring along the way!

◎ Address: Doufujia, Su'ao Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Recommended Activities: Tofu Cape Snorkeling & SUP Experience|Zeizai'ao Secret Bay SUP Paddleboarding
◎ Official Website: Doufujia (Tofu Cape)
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Scenic view of the coastal tombolo and turquoise bay at Tofu Cape in Suao

(Photo by Suao Tourism Travel Website)


3. Kili Bay Pearl Milk Tea Cultural Center

Taiwan is the birthplace of boba milk tea, and Suao's Kili Bay Pearl Milk Tea Cultural Center is an interactive tourist factory celebrating this world-famous drink. It is recognized as the world's first green-building boba tourist factory, detailing the production, craftsmanship, and fascinating history behind bubble tea. Visitors can taste delicious artisan drinks, join hands-on DIY boba-making classes, participate in fun stamp rallies, and let kids burn off energy in the indoor play area!

◎ Address: No. 23, Dingqiang Rd., Su'ao Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Recommended Tours: Kili Bay Discount Admission Ticket|Kili Bay Buffet Dining Experience|Handmade Boba Milk Tea DIY Session
◎ Official Website: Kili Bay Pearl Milk Tea Cultural Center
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Green building exterior of Kili Bay Pearl Milk Tea Cultural Center in Suao

(Boba milk tea invented in Taiwan was once ranked among CNN's top culinary delights worldwide. You can discover its rich background here, and easily combine your visit with nearby stops like the Chi Lih Coral Museum, Coral Gemstone Tourist Factory, and Mori Academy. [Photo by Travel Yilan])


4. Nanfang'ao Observation Deck

Perched along the historic Old Suhua Highway, the Nanfang'ao Observation Deck was once a mandatory scenic stop between Yilan and Hualien. From here, you are treated to breathtaking panoramic vistas over Nanfang'ao Fishing Port, Suao Port, Neipi Beach, and Tofu Cape. It is a favorite vantage point for photographers capturing morning sunrises and twinkling harbor nightscapes. If you want to take in Suao's magnificent ocean panorama, this is the place to be!

◎ Address: Nanfang'ao Observation Deck, Suhua Hwy, Su'ao Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Recommended Tour: Nanfang'ao Private Charter Tour
◎ Official Website: Nanfang'ao Observation Deck
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Panoramic ocean and harbor vista overlooking Nanfang'ao Fishing Port from the observation deck

(Nanfang'ao Fishing Port has flourished since the Japanese colonial period and remains one of Taiwan's three major fishing ports, offering an unforgettable harbor view from above.)


5. Dongyue Cold Spring

Much like Suao Cold Spring, Dongyue Cold Spring is a refreshing hidden oasis tucked away in Dong'ao. Formed by natural mountain springs, its crystal-clear water stays at a crisp 14°C to 16°C (57°F–61°F) year-round, making it Taiwan's coldest natural swimming spot. Visiting Suao during the summer? Don't miss this free recreation spot to wade in the cold streams, picnic by the riverside, and watch trains glide along the railway viaduct directly overhead!

◎ Address: Dongyue Cold Spring (Wild Stream), Nan'ao Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Recommended Activity: Dong'ao Bay Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Experience
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Clear, icy cold mountain stream at Dongyue Cold Spring with a train viaduct in the background

(Although administratively located in Nan'ao Township, Dongyue Cold Spring sits directly adjacent to Suao. Nearby, you will also find Dong'ao Bay, an incredible hub for sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. [Photo by Travel Yilan])


6. Wulaokeng Scenic Area

Nestled along the Xincheng River watershed, Wulaokeng—historically called "Wulao Forest Spring"—is celebrated as one of the "New Eight Scenic Wonders of Lanyang." Spanning a massive 400 hectares, it is also one of Suao's most famous camping destinations. The park features well-maintained camping and barbecue facilities, walking trails, and fragrant local Wulao tea. Even better, the Wulaokeng Stream Water Recreation Area has reopened after being closed for 22 years, letting visitors wade in crystal-clear waters and observe thriving aquatic ecology.

◎ Address: Wulaokeng Scenic Area, Wulaokeng Rd., Su'ao Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Admission: Full Ticket NT$80; Concession NT$60; Senior Ticket NT$40
◎ Official Website: Wulaokeng Scenic Area
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Spacious grassy lawns, riverside park, and lush mountain scenery at Wulaokeng Scenic Area

(Wulaokeng Scenic Area serves as the annual venue for the renowned Yilan Green Expo, drawing families with imaginative exhibits, interactive workshops, and outdoor stage performances. [Photo by Suao Tourism Travel Website])


7. Yilan Cake Invention Museum

Evolving from traditional ox-tongue biscuits into an ultra-crispy delicacy, the famous "Yilan Cake" has become one of Yilan's hallmark souvenirs and is recognized as the world's thinnest biscuit (only 0.1 cm thick!). The Yilan Cake Invention Museum is Eastern Taiwan's largest pastry tourist factory. Here, you can admire traditional wooden pastry molds, learn the craft's history, observe modern production lines, and participate in fun DIY baking sessions. The grounds feature charming Chinese-style installations, Taiwan's largest mosaic tile mural, miniature oxcarts, sixteen-tone bronze gongs, and oversized pastry mold photo props!

◎ Address: No. 369, Haishan W. Rd., Su'ao Township, Yilan County 270, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Official Website: Yilan Cake Invention Museum
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Traditional courtyard facade and whimsical photo installations at the Yilan Cake Invention Museum

(The neighborhood around the Yilan Cake Invention Museum is packed with exciting spots, including Lucky Art Crayon Factory, Yi Mite Rice Food Museum, Mackerel Dream Factory, the Taxi Museum, Anyong Lohas Food Museum, and Y-Ball Sports Park—making it effortless to build a full Suao itinerary! [Photo by Travel Yilan])


8. Neipi Beach (Neipi Coast)

Originally a beloved local retreat for the residents of Nanfang'ao, this crescent-shaped beach is lined with fine pebbles displaying unique patterns and colors. Framed by rolling green cliffs and blue waves, its romantic atmosphere has made it a favorite date spot known as "Lover's Bay." While many enjoy walking along the shoreline and watching surfers, note that this is a steep drop-off beach with dangerous rip currents; swimming is strictly discouraged for safety. Instead, unwind on the soft shores, watch the golden sunrise, and listen to the soothing surf!

◎ Address: Xuefu Rd. (Neipi Beach), Su'ao Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Official Website: Neipi Beach
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Pebble-strewn coastline and gentle surf sweeping across the scenic crescent bay of Neipi Beach

(Along the coastal road of Neipi Beach, you'll find charming sea-view cafes like Ocean 20M and We Cafe, perfect for sipping an afternoon coffee while watching the rhythmic waves. [Photo by lienyuan lee via Wikimedia Commons])


9. Lucky Art Crayon Factory (Crayon Castle)

Lucky Art Crayon Factory is an absolute paradise for traveling families. Designed in the vibrant shape of giant colorful crayons, this tourist factory offers multiple creative DIY experiences, including making customized marker pens, molding novelty crayons, and skin-safe face/body painting. Kids and adults alike can explore the dress-up photo studio and snap pictures against colorful crayon backdrops!

◎ Address: Haishan W. Rd., Su'ao Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Admission: NT$250 (includes a NT$100 gift shop voucher); Free for children under 3 (Discount Crayon Castle Tickets)
◎ Official Website: Lucky Art Crayon Factory
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Iconic colorful giant crayon tower architecture at Lucky Art Crayon Factory

(Photo by Lucky Art Crayon Factory)


10. Fenniaolin Fish Harbor

Tucked away at the southern edge of Suao along Dong'ao Bay, Fenniaolin is a secluded and picturesque fishing haven. With azure skies, transparent aquamarine waters, dramatic jagged sea stacks rising from the surf, and a serene, untouched fishing village feel, this dreamlike secret beach has soared in popularity. It is an unforgettable scenic wonder that should not be missed on your Suao journey!

◎ Address: Fenniaolin, Su'ao Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Recommended Activities: Dong'ao Bay Fenniaolin SUP Paddleboarding|Dong'ao Fenniaolin ATV Quad Bike Ride|Dong'ao Bay Stand-Up Paddleboarding
◎ Official Website: Fenniaolin
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Striking sea stacks standing amid crystal-clear turquoise waters at Fenniaolin secret beach

(Historically, large flocks of wild pigeons gathered in these coastal forests; "Fenniao" is the Taiwanese word for pigeon, giving this cove its charming name. If you enjoy dramatic coastlines, explore nearby natural wonders like Wushibi Cape, Wuyan Cape, and Dong'ao Bay.)


11. Anyong Lohas Food Museum

This is Taiwan's first tourist factory blending high-tech "food safety" with "energy conservation and green architecture." Offering over 15,000 square meters of indoor air-conditioned space themed around marine life, the museum features interactive AR digital games, baking workshops, and hands-on cooking classes that illuminate the entire journey from ocean to plate. It is an extraordinary educational and entertaining destination for families visiting Suao!

◎ Address: Sec. 2, Zhongshan Rd. (Anyong Lohas Food Museum), Su'ao Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Admission: NT$200 (fully redeemable for on-site purchases, single-use per area)
◎ Discount Tickets: Anyong Lohas Food Museum Discount Ticket|Anyong Lohas Food Museum Ticket Option 2
◎ Official Website: Anyong Lohas Food Museum
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Luminous modern architectural interior and interactive exhibitions inside Anyong Lohas Food Museum

(Photo by Anyong Lohas Food Museum)


12. Yi Mite Rice Food Museum

Suao's Yi Mite Rice Food Museum is a welcoming free-admission tourist factory devoted to traditional and creative rice delicacies. Visitors can browse popular gourmet treats like brown sugar mochi, crispy rice chocolate biscuits, fresh strawberry daifuku, and fruit jelly puddings. The outdoor area also boasts refreshing cold-spring footbaths, kid-friendly water play zones, and interactive culinary DIY workshops suitable for the whole family.

◎ Address: Xianghe Rd. (Yi Mite Rice Food Museum), Su'ao Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Official Website: Yi Mite Rice Food Museum
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Colorful courtyard, gift shop, and outdoor cold spring foot bath at Yi Mite Rice Food Museum


13. Zhu Dayu Culture Museum

The Zhu Dayu Culture Museum is an established favorite in Nanfang'ao, showcasing fresh seafood, ocean-themed creative crafts, and DIY activities for parents and children. Its centerpiece is the dazzling 3D Painted Underwater Tunnel at the entrance, depicting representative pelagic fish species of Nanfang'ao alongside traditional marine spiritual motifs. While not large, it makes a fun and photogenic quick stop during your harbor exploration!

◎ Address: Jiangxia Rd. (Zhu Dayu Culture Museum), Su'ao Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Official Website: ZHU DAYU Culture Museum
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Vibrant 3D undersea illusion tunnel mural inside the Zhu Dayu Culture Museum

(Photo by Yuno Nuomi via Wikimedia Commons)


14. Qixingling Trail

If you're seeking a rewarding hike in Suao, the Qixingling Trail is an outstanding choice. It features two trailheads: one starting from Suao Cold Spring and the other from Suao Sports Park. The trail is well-paved with comfortable stairs, dotted with pavilions and resting platforms along the ridges. Hikers are treated to sweeping views over Suao Port, Nanfang'ao, Beifang'ao, the sprawling Lanyang Plain, Wuwei Port, and Turtle Island. Outdoor enthusiasts won't want to miss it!

◎ Address: Xingling Park, Qixingling Trail, Su'ao Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Official Website: Qixingling Trail
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Hiker looking out over the panoramic harbor and coastal townscape from Qixingling Trail

(As you ascend the ridge, you will encounter themed viewing platforms named 1-Star Spring View, 2-Star Bay View, 3-Star Mountain View, 4-Star Tree View, 5-Star Mountain View, and 6-Star Ocean View—each framing Suao from distinctive angles. [Photo by Jason via Flickr])


15. Taxi Museum

This is the world's first private museum dedicated to taxi culture and collections. It houses vintage cabs from around the globe alongside more than 2,000 taxi models, historical artifacts, vintage taximeters, and automotive memorabilia. The museum also features an indoor bumper car rink for both kids and adults, making it one of Suao's most unique rainy-day destinations!

◎ Address: Ln. 162, Sec. 2, Zhongshan Rd. (Taxi Museum), Su'ao Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Admission: NT$200 (includes a complimentary welcome drink, a bumper car token, and partial shop discount)
◎ Discount Tickets: Taxi Museum Discount Ticket|Taxi Museum Ticket Option 2
◎ Official Website: Taxi Museum
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare Rates)

Spacious indoor hall lined with historic vintage taxis from around the world at the Taxi Museum


◎ Recommended Suao Travel Itineraries

Much like Toucheng Township, Suao Township borders the Pacific Ocean with a narrow, elongated geography, making it exceptionally easy to plan. Whether you are organizing a one-day or two-day trip, the best route is simply traveling straight along the coastal highway and downtown corridor, connecting the highlights seamlessly.

The most popular itinerary sequence runs as follows: Xinma District → Downtown Suao (Suao Cold Spring Park) → Nanfang'ao Area (Zhu Dayu Culture Museum, Tofu Cape, Neipi Beach, Nanfang'ao Observation Deck) → Dongyue Cold Spring → Fenniaolin. You can easily complete this from north to south or in reverse. Heading north, you can seamlessly connect to Wujie, Dongshan, and Luodong attractions; heading south, you can continue into Nan'ao Township.

The northern "Xinma District" of Suao is clustered with famous tourist factories, including the Lucky Art Crayon Factory, Yilan Cake Invention Museum, Anyong Lohas Food Museum, Yi Mite Rice Food Museum, and the Taxi Museum. You can hand-pick two or three that best fit your interests.

(If you only have one day, it is difficult to cram every single attraction in. I recommend focusing on one or two distinct areas: families can spend more time enjoying the tourist factories in Xinma, while nature lovers can linger around Nanfang'ao, Dong'ao Bay, and Fenniaolin.)

When it comes to local food, the best eateries are clustered in Downtown Suao and Nanfang'ao. In downtown Suao, try Fengming Yokan, Erdong Diner, and Xinjianli Taro Ice. In Nanfang'ao, be sure to visit Ocean 20M Cafe, Suao Ma Brown Sugar Cake, Hou-Dou Fish Balls, Hand-churned Shaved Ice, Liao Rong-Chuan Rice Cake, and Joey Breeze Cafe!


◎ Suao Attractions Google Map

To help you navigate with ease, I have pinned all 15 featured Suao attractions, nearby Yilan attractions, and local restaurant gems onto a custom Google Map, complete with basic travel information. Feel free to toggle the layers, bookmark it, and share it with your travel buddies!

Map Link: Yilan Suao Attractions Map

Interactive map overview highlighting top travel destinations and sightseeing routes in Suao, Yilan

That wraps up our guide to Suao! Suao still holds many more hidden gems, such as Y-Ball Sports Park, Mackerel Dream Factory, Baimi Clogs Village, Mori Academy, Wuyan Cape, and the Robert-Y Crazy Dream Art Museum. If you have extra time, be sure to include them in your itinerary!


Hao

I’m a Taiwanese traveler, a Japanese son-in-law, and an Australia-based explorer with over 10 years of overseas living and travel experience. Here, I share my adventures, travel tips, photos, and videos from around the world. Follow along for more travel inspiration! For personal travel questions, please leave a comment on the relevant blog post rather than sending a private message.

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