Yilan Toucheng Travel Guide | 9 Must-Visit Attractions in Toucheng
Toucheng Township is the northernmost coastal strip of Yilan and the earliest developed area in Yilan County. Blessed with rich coastal attractions, you can effortlessly tour various Toucheng scenic spots simply by driving along the scenic Coastal Highway. It draws countless tourists, independent travelers, and families every year.
Today, I'm sharing the top 9 must-visit attractions in Toucheng, Yilan—including family-friendly highlights, indoor museums, and spots near the train station. I have also put together recommended Toucheng itineraries along with a convenient Toucheng attraction map, making it a breeze whether you're planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a multi-day journey!
1. Toucheng Old Street
Toucheng Old Street was the premier economic hub of early Yilan and holds the honorable title of "First Street of Kavalun Development." Today, it still preserves remarkable historic sites such as the Chen Chun-Chi Trading House, Yuan-He-Cheng Trading House, Hsin-Chang-Hsin-Shu-Chi, Toucheng 13 Hangs, and Qingyuan Temple. Recent creative revitalization has added modern photographic hotspots like the Little White House, painted art murals, Rainbow Alley, and the Toucheng Cultural and Creative Park. You'll stumble upon delicious street food and photo opportunities at every turn!
◎ Address: Heping Street, Toucheng Old Street, Toucheng Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare Rates)
(Toucheng Old Street is divided into northern and southern sections: the north is decorated with playful street art and murals, while the south highlights historic installations and brick houses. The neighborhood is packed with local culinary treats, such as Longji Beef Noodles, Uncle's Deep-Fried Scallion Pancakes, Grandma's Braised Pork Knuckle, and Hito Agar Jelly. If you have extra time, visit the nearby Toucheng Coastal Forest Park for a dramatically different coastal panorama! [Photo by lienyuan lee via Wikimedia Commons])
2. Guishan Island (Turtle Island)
Guishan Island (Turtle Island) is an active volcanic island floating off the coast of Toucheng. The world-famous viral "Milky Sea" phenomenon—a breathtaking natural contrast of surreal turquoise sea and sulfuric thermal springs—lies right around its coast. Taking a SUP paddleboard tour here feels like entering a fairytale wonderland! Furthermore, landing on the island is only open between March and November, which coincides with the whale and dolphin watching season. When setting foot on the island, hike up the hiking trail to "Peak 401", the volcano's summit, for sweeping 360-degree ocean views that will blow you away!
◎ Address: Guishan Island, Toucheng Township, Yilan County, Taiwan
◎ Admission: Island landing fee NT$100 (advance island permit application required)
◎ Recommended Tours: Guishan Island Half-Day Tour | Guishan Island Family Tour | Guishan Island Landing Experience | Guishan Island Whale Watching | Wushi Harbor & Guishan Island Combo Ticket
◎ Official Website: Guishan Island
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare Rates)
(Guishan Island earns its name from its uncanny turtle-like silhouette. The famous "Eight Wonders of Guishan" celebrate its most iconic perspectives and geothermal spectacles: Turtle Mountain Sunrise, Sacred Turtle Wagging Tail, Turtle Wearing Hat, Steep Cliff of Turtle Rock, Island Fumarole Smoke, Turtle Egg Mirage, Upwelling Underwater Hot Springs, and Spectacle Hole Stalactites. [Photo by miquitos via Flickr])
3. Lanyang Museum
Lanyang Museum is Taiwan's very first county-level museum. Its dramatic, single-slope architectural geometry—inspired by the coastal cuesta rock formations—is one of Toucheng's most photographed landmarks. The exhibits revolve around Yilan's local humanity, ecology, and heritage. The newly added Children's Archaeological Exploration Hall reconstructs stilt dwelling ruins from 600 years ago, integrating hands-on interactive games and environmental education. Kids growing up in Yilan are truly lucky!
◎ Address: Lanyang Museum, Sec. 3, Qingyun Rd., Toucheng Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Admission: Permanent exhibition NT$100 for adults, NT$50 for students (Discount Ticket 1 | Discount Ticket 2)
◎ Recommended Tours: Yilan Instagrammable Day Tour | Bus & Lanyang Museum Combo Pass | Popular Yilan Sights Tour
◎ Official Website: Lanyang Museum
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare Rates)
(Lanyang Museum is located right next to Wushi Harbor. The permanent exhibits span across four floors themed after "Mountain", "Plains", "Ocean", and "Humanities", illustrating Yilan's natural ecology and indigenous cultural legacy.)
4. Waiao Beach
Toucheng's Waiao Beach directly faces Guishan Island and is premier ground for watersports, including surfing, paragliding, and banana boat rides. Right beside the shore sits a vibrant, yellow boat-shaped visitor center designed by acclaimed architect Kris Yao, serving as a favorite photo backdrop. If you are seeking spectacular ocean sceneries paired with exciting sea, land, and sky adventures, Waiao Beach is the place to be!
◎ Address: Waiao Beach, Sec. 2, Binhai Rd., Toucheng Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Recommended Tours: Waiao Double Lion Surf Lessons | Yilan Waiao Surfing Experience
◎ Official Website: Waiao Beach
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare Rates)
5. Toucheng Leisure Farm
Operating for over 40 years, Yilan's Toucheng Leisure Farm spans more than 100 hectares of pristine landscape. Rich natural biodiversity, diverse craft DIY workshops, generous portions of authentic Taiwanese countryside food, farm animals, and rural farm harvesting experiences make it an absolute delight. If you are eager to immerse yourself in tranquil mountain forests or find a fun farm getaway for the entire family, I strongly recommend spending time here!
◎ Address: Toucheng Leisure Farm, Gengxin Rd., Toucheng Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Cost: Day trip approx. NT$1,500; Two-day package approx. NT$4,500 (depending on chosen program)
◎ Recommended Tours: Package Tours & DIY Workshops | Ecological Half-Day Experience & Ticket
◎ Official Website: Toucheng Leisure Farm
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare Rates)
(Toucheng Leisure Farm offers a variety of curated tour packages ranging from day excursions to overnight stays, featuring seasonal activities that help adults and children connect closely with mother nature. [Photo by Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area])
6. Mr. Brown Café (King Car Toucheng Castle Café)
The King Car Group has deep roots in Yilan. Beyond operating the King Car Aquaculture Center, Kavalan Whisky Distillery, and Orchid Garden, this Castle Café atop the hills is another scenic highlight. Inside the elegant stone castle, guests can savor aromatic coffee and afternoon tea while admiring panoramic views of Turtle Island, Lanyang Museum, and Waiao Beach down below. It's an exceptionally relaxing way to soak in Yilan's scenic grandeur!
◎ Address: Mr. Brown Café, Shikong Rd., Toucheng Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Official Website: Toucheng Castle Café Hall 1
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare Rates)
(The Mr. Brown Castle Café comprises Hall 1 and Hall 2, located just a short distance apart. Hall 1 is larger and draws more visitors, but Hall 2 has its own charming architectural features; I recommend checking out both! [Photo by 旅人Traveler via Flickr])
7. Beiguan Tidal Park
Looking for a hidden coastal gem in Toucheng? Beiguan Tidal Park comes highly recommended. Ranked as one of the traditional Eight Views of Lanyang, it showcases millennia-old geological wonders such as cuestas, tofu rocks, and small headlands. Visitors can take in Turtle Island, the Lanyang Plain, Waiao coast, narrow rock clefts ("A Thread of Sky"), passing trains, dramatic sea stacks, and crashing waves all at once. Though compact, it is a serene, outdoor open-air geology classroom!
◎ Address: Beiguan Tidal Park, Sec. 4, Binhai Rd., Toucheng Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Official Website: Beiguan Tidal Park
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare Rates)
(Because Beiguan Tidal Park offers simultaneous views of mountains, sea, and coastal railway lines, it is an irresistible destination for both train buffs and photography enthusiasts. [Photo by Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area])
8. Daxi Fishing Harbor
Daxi Fishing Harbor is the third largest fishing port in Yilan, receiving bountiful, fresh, and diverse catches daily. The harbor is divided into three primary zones: the Auction Center, Fisherman's Market, and Direct Sales Center. Visitors can pick fresh seafood to have cooked on-the-spot at nearby eateries, or directly sample delicious cooked seafood snacks and crispy fried delights. If you're hunting for a seafood feast in Toucheng, Daxi Fishing Harbor is an absolute must-visit!
◎ Address: Daxi Fishing Harbor, Toucheng Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Official Website: Daxi Fishing Harbor
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare Rates)
(Photo by Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area)
9. Toucheng Coastal Forest Park
Located along the shore near Toucheng downtown, Toucheng Coastal Forest Park was formerly known as the Toucheng Bathing Beach. After being closed and abandoned for years, it recently underwent full renovation while preserving its vintage, weathered Octagonal Lookout Tower (Octagonal Building). In addition to being a wildly popular spiral staircase photography spot on social media, you can climb to the top for magnificent panoramas of the open ocean and Turtle Island. Though the park is quaint, it radiates a deeply soothing vibe!
◎ Address: No. 400, Xietian Rd., Toucheng Township, Yilan County, Taiwan (Compare Car Rentals)
◎ Official Website: Toucheng Coastal Forest Park
◎ Nearby Accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare Rates)
(Toucheng Coastal Forest Park also features camping areas, BBQ zones, and cozy seaside cafes, making it a peaceful sanctuary for scenic relaxation. [Photo by Taiwan Tourist Shuttle])
◎ Toucheng Travel Itineraries
Because Toucheng hugs a long, slender coastline, it is arguably one of the easiest towns in Yilan to plan trips for. Whether it's a day trip or an overnight stay, all you need to do is journey straight along the coastline to link up practically all the top attractions mentioned above!
The most popular itinerary flow is: Daxi Fishing Harbor → Beiguan Tidal Park → Toucheng Leisure Farm → Waiao Beach → Mr. Brown Castle Café → Lanyang Museum → Toucheng Downtown. You can easily do this from north to south or in reverse. North of Daxi Fishing Harbor, you'll find the Old Caoling Tunnel South Visitor Station and G-Coffee, while south of Toucheng downtown, you can seamlessly connect to Jiaoxi attractions or Yilan City attractions as flexible extensions.
Toucheng Downtown is mainly centered on street bites and historic strolls around Toucheng Old Street and Toucheng Train Station. Notable culinary spots include Toucheng Station Uncle's Scallion Pancakes, Starbucks Toucheng, Xiaoliangyuan Shaved Ice Shop, Longji Beef Noodles, A-Zong Taro Ice, Ocean View Cafe (Manshan Wanghai), Lan-Yang Crab Farm, and Liushui Forest Restaurant. Feel free to sample whichever matches your taste!
◎ Toucheng Attraction Map
Lastly, I have compiled these 9 recommended Toucheng attractions along with other Yilan attractions, local food spots, and restaurants into a custom Google Map, complete with basic travel information. You can toggle map layers freely—make sure to bookmark and share it!
Link: Yilan Toucheng Attraction Map
That wraps up my guide to Toucheng's finest attractions! There are still many fun places to explore across Toucheng, such as Toucheng Sports Park, Wushi Harbor, Chanchu Mountain Lookout (Toad Mountain), and the Old Caoling Tunnel South Information Station. If you have extra time in Toucheng, definitely consider adding them to your travel itinerary!