Yilan City is situated on the northeastern side of Taiwan and only 50 minutes away from Taipei by car. The fastest way to get to Yilan from Taipei is to drive Highway No. 3 connecting to No. 5, which will go trough three tunnels; the last one is almost 13km long and the longest in Asia.

Yilan has a rich agricultural life with a high production of fruits and vegetables. And with the long coastline they also have the fishery industry. The Lanyang Plain, in which the city is located, is surrounded by hills which are suitable for tea plantations.

A spectacular island, Turtle Island, can be visited on one of the whale and dolphin tours while enjoying the sea. A Disembarking Notice applies and is available from the Northeast Coast Scenery Administration Bureau 5 – 20 days in advance, Tel: 02-2499–1115. Bring your passport. Note: If you're only going for the whale and dolphin tour no Disembarking Notice is needed. Tours: Toucheng Fishing Association, Tel: 03 – 978-2511.

Jhenjhu Straw Art Village is in the nearby Dongshan River area. This village has developed an art industry using "straw" including mask, painting, toys etc. This is an ideal place to bike along the riverbank and at the same time appreciate the exhibition. Add: Fulong Rd. Sec. 1, Lane 383, #50. Tel: 03– 959-1957. Open daily 8:00am – 5:30pm.

NCTA (National Center for Traditional Arts) Add: Wujie Township, Wubin Rd. Sec. 2, #201, Tel: 03 - 950-7711. Open Mon – Sun 9:00am – 6:00pm. Tickets: NT$150 adults - children under 115 cm free. A beautiful outdoor theme park introducing Taiwanese culture, with theater, music, dances and acrobatics, as well as many do-it-yourself activities for the children. Very original souvenirs to purchase.