Things to see and do North

This small museum accounts for nearly fifty years of mining, through everyday objects of minors, but also for extraction demonstrations. Less interesting than the mining facilities of Jinguashi, but is worth a detour if you go no further than Chiufen.

With a temperature of 90 ° C, spring water is obviously cooled. It has curative virtues against skin diseases. The sources of Renze are located in the forest Park of Mount Taiping.

This cultural centre has all the small village. Located on the river over 24 hectares of land, the National Center for Traditional Arts, which has opened its doors since 2002, has a dual vocation: preserving the regional cultural heritage, but also promoting it in the new generation of artists. No discrimination, it is the Taiwanese opera, born in Ilan, and the work of wood or painting. The centre is therefore a showcase of the ilaniens arts (through a very well provided museum) but also a learning centre where artists live and hone their know-how. In a small cobbled street, you will find the artisan shops with the appearance of old fashioned, on a Wen-Chang temple, built in respect of traditions and for students under examination. In front of the entrance to the centre, a restaurant is only a pleasant attraction, since the fish can be fished in the pond.

Yanliao has an eponymous beach, the largest in Taiwan. Like the other bays, it is set up. At kilometre 99, it lies between the Shihtung River to the north and Fulong to the south. In addition to the guarded bathing area, the beach park has a monument commemorating resistance to the Japanese occupation, built in 1975.

Other centres welcome tourists along the coast:

A Longdong. 48, Hemei Street, Gongliao, Taipei County Tel (02) 2490 2717.

A Tali. 11, Binhai Road Section 7, Shihcheng, Ilan County Tel (03) 978 0727/101.

Opened in 1995, and largely responsible for the wood rush that agite since Sanyi, this museum is based on the tradition of wood work in Sanyi, as well as wood techniques in different Chinese dynasties. Interesting for amateurs, others probably preferring to get lost in shops outside.

Just north of Jinshui, this magnificent trail was built by the Japanese occupants in 1908. Despite its one hundred years old, it remains in perfect condition, passes through beautiful bamboo forests, and drives to Jialishan. Our favorite trek in Taian, but certainly not the easiest in Taiwan: the difference in altitude can sometimes be important. To reach the entrance of the runway, simply exit Taian to the east across the first bridge and turn left.

At the junction of Zhongshan Road and Gongyuan Road. Very nice park with trees including a tourist center informing the visitor about the culture and geology of the area. The main reason for coming here is to immerse oneself in the spring water, with paying facilities, but also free outdoor baths, which are not only very pleasant, but also an opportunity to watch the Taiwanese enjoy the hot springs. This tourist complex is a good gateway to visit Jiaoxi. You will find all the necessary information there.

Discovered in 1928, these sources stand out in Taiwan. They are not only cold (22 °C) but also gaseous (_CO2). Together with others located in Italy, they are the only ones of their kind in the world. The outdoor communal bath, with a slightly retro look, has a splendid view of the Sept-Etoiles mountain, which can be climbed by two paths (one half-hour and the other one hour and a half) from the cold springs, which are mostly frequented by the elderly and children.

The first few minutes of immersion are refreshing to say the least, then the body gets used to it and the experience becomes even more enjoyable. Of course, they are only rarely visited in winter, but a few diehards do not hesitate to bathe there when the mercury drops below 20°C: the water in the springs can be warmer than outside. At the entrance of the establishment, a fountain allows you to taste the spring water, which in addition to treating skin diseases and diabetes externally, cures intestinal pain orally.

If you arrive outside opening hours, or do not wish to pay, please note that by pushing on the left for about 500 m, you can access the open-air springs directly, and free of charge. This is where the people of Suao come to cool off in the summer.

At the time of our visit in October 2019, the pay sources were closed for renovation, with reopening planned for the summer of 2020.

The place is very popular and lovers love to come and spend time there. This very secure leisure base includes several areas of activity where rowing, cycling, or just a boat ride are possible. Camping area with barbecue location.

Only 3 km from Toucheng railway station, this black sand beach is the largest in Ilan district. It is very appreciated by surfers from all over the world, who come to enjoy the waves of Waiao. If they are not the highest in the country, they are regular and only break once they reach the beach. Other nautical activities have also developed in recent years, in particular kitesurfing. Several small restaurants and street food stalls provide food for boaters.

The famous Jinguashi Mining Park, which incorporates all the buildings and tunnels once dedicated to gold mining, is a great success. Opened in 2004, this cultural complex aims to showcase Jinguashi's historical heritage, culminating in the Gold Museum, but also in the superb Prince's Pavilion, the Temple of Gold (a Shinto shrine), the ancient tunnels, etc. We advise you to start the visit with the museum.

Only 588 m high, but bordering the ocean, and looking like a high mountain when viewed from below, this peak dominates Jiufen and the surrounding valleys (including Jinguashi). It is possible to climb to the top by a small stone staircase and paths, in 45 minutes maximum. From above, the view is breathtaking. To get there, from the main road, continue past Jishan Road for about 750m, then turn left. The trail starts here. Be careful, the ascent can be difficult.

The highest volcano in the region, which rises to 616 m, offers an impressive view of Bali and Tamsui. To get there from the ferry pier in Bali, walk 200 m to the petrol station on the main road (left), then turn right and follow the road for 5 km (directions in English), until the start of the 1.4 km long Yinghan trail. A Visitor Center is located on the trail, and provides information on other trails in the area.

The visit of the site begins with the eroded corals for which it is famous, and where groups of tourists flock. Very beautiful, but we deplore the sometimes ridiculous names given to the rock formations. You follow a precise route on slightly raised boards and the narrowest part, where you are at the foot of the ocean, is the most interesting. But the walk can continue to the top of the hill overlooking the peninsula, where it is much less crowded and the view is magnificent. Allow two hours for a complete visit.

The location has an exhibition on the history of Chiufen, on the first and second floor, but it is much more famous for its coffee, on the top floor, from which you can contemplate the beach of Juipin.

A small peninsula to the north-east of the town, the Badouzi park is certainly the best place to observe the ocean and the island of Heping, in a superb natural setting where the hills flow into the sea. It's almost like the Irish coast! On your left, facing the ocean, you will notice an imposing hydroelectric plant. Further behind the factory, the road that runs along the coast is absolutely beautiful, and leads you to a small and very pleasant beach.

A small island south-east of the port, now connected by two bridges, which stands out because of the shape of the rocks that sit on top of it. There is also a small fortress covered by vegetation (fun photos guaranteed), a small aboriginal museum, and a fish market run by the fishermen themselves (hard to find fresher). You can walk there on foot, but it's easier if you have a motorized vehicle. On your left, facing the ocean, the coast that goes to Jiufen (which can be seen clearly) is very pleasant, with several small fishing villages.

Dominating the city and port, it contains a 25 m statue with the effigy of the Buddhist goddess of the mercy Guanyin and the Chu Pu Tan Temple. You can get there free (or make a donation for the temple), to admire the view. Inside, a super kitsch, but unfortunately difficult to see anything through the tiny windows! We can see the whole city from the terrace, right in front of it. Most tourists have access to it on foot, the least courageous will take bus 201.

It is a popular getaway for the people of Taipei. Surrounded by hills, it contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the capital. Walking along the river or irrigation canals can be a nice walk. The Shimen Dam, built in 1964 on the Dahan River, has enabled the development of the north-western part of the island, facilitating irrigation and providing electricity and running water for more than three million people.