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Sightseeing and Attractions

Iland Country

HOW TO GET THERE
 

The city of Ilan is located in the central, and most favored part, of the Lanyang Plain. Streams and rivers provide a constant source of replenishment for the nutrients in the soil here, making Ilan a breadbasket county. The cultural, educational, and administrative heart of the Lanyang Plain is Ilan City, which is also a major hub for traffic along the northeast coast.


NATIONAL SCENIC AREA

• Northeast Coast National Scenic Area
  The Northeast Coast Scenic Area is straddles the northeastern corner of Taiwan. It comprises a narrow belt of coastline, running 66 kilometers in length. The northern section of the coastline looks out onto the East China Sea and the eastern section faces the Pacific. The Northeast Coast Scenic Area begins in the north near the town of Juifang in Taipei County and ends in the south near the town of Tou Cheng in Ilan County. Its western boarder fronts the coastal mountain range and its eastern boarder ends at water's edge. The Northeast Coast Scenic Area covers 9,450 hectares of interior land and, from Pitou Chiao to Santiao Chiao, 4,275 hectares of coastline - a grand total of 13,725 hectares of natural beauty for visitors to enjoy.
   

FOREST PLEASURE GROUND

• Chilan Forest Recreation Area
  The Chilan Forest Recreation Area is located about 38 kilometers up the Northern Cross-Island Highway, at the intersection with the highway's Lishan Branch. There is a terraced nursery here for cryptomeria trees, a cottage once used by the late President Chang Kai-shek, a forest foot-path, and a "little Tarzan" forest playground. Chilan Villa provides accommodation in 50 hotel rooms as well as 30 wood cottages. In its restaurant, the specialty of the house is the locally grown monkey-head mush-room. This area, surrounded by primeval forest at the 12-kilometer mark of the Chilan Forestry Road, features 51 huge red cypress and Japan cypress trees thousands of years old.Each of the 51 is named after a famous personage from Chinese history, chosen because its age approximates the time when the historical figure lived. One, of course, is named for Confucius, who lived over 2,000 years ago. This linkage with history makes a visit to the Chinese Historic Men Arboretum educational as well as fun. A Tour of the Ancient Forest Tours are arranged by, and depart from, the Chilan and Mingchr forest recreation areas and go to the Chinese Historic Men Arboretum, the natural cypress forest renewal area, and the Forestry By-Products Center. Reservations must be made before 4:00 p.m. at least one day in advance.
   

• Jiaosi Forest Recreation Area
  With the Central Mountain Range sweeping in from the west,two-thirds of Ilan County's total area is mountainous. The towering mountains provide spectacularly scenic landscapes as well as accommodation for some of Taiwan's most popular forest recreation areas, several of which are scattered along and in the vicinity of the Northern Cross-Island Highway.
   

• Mingchih Forest Recreation Area
  Mingchih is located 17 kilometers up the road from the Chilan Nursery, at the highest point of the Northern Cross-Island Highway. The frequently fog-shrouded lake of the name-Mingchih means "bright lake"-is nestled beautifully amidst the mountains and is surrounded by planted cryptomeria and old-growth cypress. A footpath around the lake, and lookout pavilions, make it easy for visitors to enjoy the scenery. Mingchih Hostel offers meals and accommodation in 32 hotel rooms and 36 cabins.
   

• Mt.Taiping Forest Recreation Area
  Taipingshan is situated in the northern county of Ilan and is one of Taiwan's three major forest recreation areas. With a moist climate and abundant rainfall, it has nurtured an environment rich in ecological resources. The forests that cover the area consist of such valuable trees as Taiwan cypress, Taiwan hemlock, and Japanese cypress. The area is also blessed with geothermal energy at the Renze Hot Springs, the largest alpine lake on the island (Cuifeng Lake), and a variety of other enchanting scenery. One of the prime tourist spots here is the Taipingshan primeval forest park, which you reach via flights of stone steps lined with purple-leafed maple trees that become especially rich in color between the months of March and November. This used to be a major logging area, and traces of the old logging equipment can still be seen here-the old forestry railroad, ruins of a cable car up the mountain, motorized carts, trestles. Visitors here can also savor the constantly changing sight of the "sea of clouds," the brilliant sunrise, forest waterfalls, and other alluring scenes. No wonder that this is a favorite vacation spot for the people of Taiwan! Entry to the Taipingshan Forest Recreation Area requires a B-class mountain permit, and an A-class permit is needed to proceed on to Cuifeng Lake. You can get your permit to the forest recreation area by presenting your ID card or passport at the Taipingshan inspection post.
   

• Taipingshan Mountain Forest recreational Area
  Historical Background : Tai Ping Shan Forest Park is located in Datong, Tai Chung County, 12,000 hectares in area. The park covers the Nan Hu Mountains, San Hsing Mountains and Ta Pa Chien Mountains. There are abundant cypress and pine trees and it used to be one of the three major forestry centers in Taiwan. Scenery here differs with the seasons. Visitors can come here to appreciate the flowers in spring, the sunrise and clouds in autumn. Vegetation here differs with the altitude.
  Cultural Highlights : Scenic spots here include Jen Tze Hot Spring, Forest Park, Forest Tour Track, Wildlife Conservation area and Tsui Feng Lake. The plants that change colors, such as maples, have brought Tai Ping Shan beautiful views. Cherry blossoms, plum blossoms and apricot blossoms make the park exquisite scenery.
   

• Tsueifeng Lake
  This lake, located at an altitude of 1,900 meters between Mt. Taiping and Mt. Dayuan, has a surface area of 20 hectares and is the largest alpine lake in Taiwan. The water is crystal clear; the view of the sunrise over the lake is spectacular, and visitors also sometimes catch sight of the rare Mikado and blue belly pheasants. A visit to Tsueifeng Lake requires a B-class mountain pass, which can be obtained at the Mt. Taiping check post by presenting a local identification card or passport. Vehicular entry is controlled; so,if you are driving, be sure to ask about the entry times before setting out. The last five kilometers of the road is gravel; care must be exercised when driving this portion, but it is excellent for walking.
   

• Wulaokeng Scenic Area
  The valley of Wulaokeng River is located in the boundary of Dongshan town and Suao town. Mountains, forests, and streams in this area are weaving into a beautiful scenery and make this place well-known as Wulao Forest and Spring. Earlier, it was famous as a good place to play with water, and now, it is one of the New Eight Views of Lanyang. Fishing, catching shrimps, Bar-B-Q, playing with water as well as birds observing are all recommended activities. In this place, different sections including camping area, Bar-B-Q booth are arranged and equipped with good facilities. For example, the camping area is so well-equipped to meet the international standard, and is the largest one in Taiwan, which allows 5,000 campers.
   

AMUSEMENT PARK

• Fushan Botanical Park
  This 410-hectare branch of the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute is the largest botanical park in Taiwan. It is located on the boundary between Ilan County's Yuanshan Township and Taipei County's Wulai Township. The area includes 20 kilometers of self-guided trails, with interpretive plaques for visitors to use. The park was established to preserve the characteristic forest ecology of northern Taiwan; most of its plant cover consists of natural temperate-zone broadleaf forests, and there is a complex mix of local vegetation as well as numerous species of wildlife in the area. Prior application is required to visit the park, and the number of visitors is currently limited to approximately 300 per day. The purpose of this is to protect the natural ecology and allow the environment to continue relatively undisturbed.
   

• Luodong Sports Park
  This 47-hectare park is located about two kilometers northwest of the Luodong Railway Station. The green expanse of the park gives visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area's scenery as well as to engage in sports of various kinds. It is divided into four areas: sports, landscape, waterscape, and forest. This is an ideal place to relax, and perhaps to get some exercise.
   

FARM / SCENERY

• Bird Watching
  Ilan's beautiful mountains and plains are rich in forests and wetlands which provide rich habitats for birds. This has made Ilan County one of Taiwan's premier areas for watching birds. Mountain birds Rentze, Chilan, Tsueifeng Lake, and Yuanyang Lake are ideal sites for spotting the Taiwan whistling thrush, brown dipper, Taiwan laughing thrush, Steer's liocichla, and the national treasure birds: the Mikado pheasant and Swinhoe's pheasant. April to June is the best time for bird watching here.
   

• Erlong (Two Dragons) River
  Dragon boat races are held throughout Taiwan at the time of the Dragon Boat Festival, but the one in Erlong Tsuen is unique because there are no starters, timers, or judges. The two teams themselves decide when the race will start, and signal their willingness by beating gongs. The team members stand as they row during the race, and the rowers can change places with fresh contestants at any time; the race can go on, therefore, for many laps. The winner is determined by the audience together with the competing teams. Unlike other dragon boats traditionally used around the island, the craft used in the Erlong races do not have dragonheads at their bows.
   

• Mt.Taiping Forest Recreation Area
  Taipingshan is situated in the northern county of Ilan and is one of Taiwan's three major forest recreation areas. With a moist climate and abundant rainfall, it has nurtured an environment rich in ecological resources. The forests that cover the area consist of such valuable trees as Taiwan cypress, Taiwan hemlock, and Japanese cypress. The area is also blessed with geothermal energy at the Renze Hot Springs, the largest alpine lake on the island (Cuifeng Lake), and a variety of other enchanting scenery. One of the prime tourist spots here is the Taipingshan primeval forest park, which you reach via flights of stone steps lined with purple-leafed maple trees that become especially rich in color between the months of March and November. This used to be a major logging area, and traces of the old logging equipment can still be seen here-the old forestry railroad, ruins of a cable car up the mountain, motorized carts, trestles. Visitors here can also savor the constantly changing sight of the "sea of clouds," the brilliant sunrise, forest waterfalls, and other alluring scenes. No wonder that this is a favorite vacation spot for the people of Taiwan! Entry to the Taipingshan Forest Recreation Area requires a B-class mountain permit, and an A-class permit is needed to proceed on to Cuifeng Lake. You can get your permit to the forest recreation area by presenting your ID card or passport at the Taipingshan inspection post.
   

• Suao
  Suao is situated at the southern end of Ilan County, where it occupies a long, narrow strip of land backed by mountains and facing the sea. The fine natural harbor here was expanded and upgraded into an international harbor in 1974. In addition to its harbor, which is one of the five largest in Taiwan, Suao is also known for its rare cold mineral springs and its lively Nanfangau Fishing Harbor.
   

• The Dongshan River
  The Dongshan River is only 24 kilometers long, but it is the fifth-longest stream in Ilan. A multi-purpose riverside recreation area has been planned along its course to provide for sports, leisure, and recreation activities divided into upstream, midstream, and downstream sections, each of which exhibits a different recreational character into what, it is hoped, will make the river into an "outdoor water park." The most important recreational site on the river is the Dongshan River Water Park, which has been designed to rebuild the natural relationship between man and water. This park simulates the natural landscapes and incorporates elements of the native culture of Lanyang--for example, there is a water stage, five conical stone towers built of pebbles, and Turtle Island, which rises from the sea off the Ilan coast, bring the landmark of Lanyang into the park, seemingly without thought. The banks of the Dongshan River are claimed by legend to be protected by a green dragon and a yellow dragon, and for this reason undulations and curves are built of pebbles along the river's banks to simulate dragons' scales, with pottery tile inlays of green and blue, and orange and yellow, adding to the characters of the two different types of dragon. Interesting mosaic pictures--masterpieces executed by the children of Lanyang--embellish the dragon-skin steps. Today, the annual Dragon Boat races, international scholastic rowing championships, and international toy festival are all held in the Dongshan River Park. For the Chisi Chinese Lovers' Day, and "magpie bridge" (by which, according to Chinese traditional, two legendary lovers are allowed to meet once a year) is built to add to the park's romantic atmosphere. Over the past few years, the Dongshan River Water Park has become one of the hottest tourist destinations in Taiwan.
   

• Tsueifeng Lake
  This lake, located at an altitude of 1,900 meters between Mt. Taiping and Mt. Dayuan, has a surface area of 20 hectares and is the largest alpine lake in Taiwan. The water is crystal clear; the view of the sunrise over the lake is spectacular, and visitors also sometimes catch sight of the rare Mikado and blue belly pheasants. A visit to Tsueifeng Lake requires a B-class mountain pass, which can be obtained at the Mt. Taiping check post by presenting a local identification card or passport. Vehicular entry is controlled; so,if you are driving, be sure to ask about the entry times before setting out. The last five kilometers of the road is gravel; care must be exercised when driving this portion, but it is excellent for walking.
   

BEACH / ISLAND

• Gueishan Island
  Historical Background : Gueishan Island is 10 kilometers east of Toucheng Town and it is the largest island of Ilan County. Gueishan Island is also the only active volcano in Taiwan and is the only island with residents in Ilan. Not only the landmark of Ilan, Gueishan Island is also an emblem of Ilan spirit. Gueishan Island, a.k.a. Gueishan Yu, got its name because its shape resembles a turtle. In 1999, the government abolished the martial laws and Ilan government began to petition for making Gueishan Island a tourist attraction. In 1999, the government designated Gueishan Island to be part the Northeastern Coastal Tourist District. In order to preserve the natural environment, the number of tourists is controlled. With the growing popularity of whale watching, Gueishan Island has become the hottest tourist attraction.
  Cultural Highlights : Guei Lake, a.k.a. Guei Wei Lake, was a freshwater lake. However, the islanders tried to draw seawater to the lake but failed. Thus, currently, the lake is half fresh and half salt water. There is a statue of Goddess of Mercy overlooking Guei Wei Lake and the local residents. There is an underwater world in Gueishan Island. Despite large amounts of sulfur and acid in the area, it is amazing that crabs still thrive here. The magnificent coastal views are worth visiting.
   

• Renze Hot Springs
  Situated 500 meters above sea level in Taiping Tsuen, the Renze Hot Springs are a stopover on the road to the Mt.Tai-ping Forest Recreation Area. The colorless, odorless mineral water here contains calcium carbonate and is very hot-frequently above 95 degrees Celsius. Bathing in the springs leaves the skin lustrous and smooth. Visitors here can also enjoy walking on nearby forest paths and watching the birds that make this area their home. Accommodation is available at the Renze Hostel, operated by the Lanyang Forestry Administration.
   

• Turtle Mountain Island
  Turtle Mountain Island, named for its resemblance to a sea turtle when viewed from a certain angle, lies in the Pacific Ocean to the northeast of Jiaosi. Although it covers an area of only 2.9 square kilometers, it is an important point for strategic defense along Taiwan's northeast coast. The sun rising over Turtle Mountain Island has been a famous scene ever since Ching Dynasty times. The best place to watch this spectacular sunrise is from Toucheng Beach or the mouth of the Lanyang River, and the best time is from April to September.
   

GENERAL

• Beiguan Park
  Historical Background : Beiguan Park, a.k.a. Lan Cheng Park, is a coastal park located in the northeast of Taiwan, Keng Hsin Li, Toucheng Town. With Nanguan in the south, it is the entrance to Lan Yang Plain. During the Ching Dynasty, Beiguan an is a military outpost and the Ching government encamped soldiers here. There are 2 ancient cannons of the Ching Dynasty in the park. After millions of years of erosion, there are many natural scenes in the park, especially the rocks. The park also has a great view of the ocean and the surging waves.
  Cultural Highlights : Guan Hai Pavilion overlooks the Guan Shan Island, Waiao and Beiguan. The Guan Hai Pavilion is a perfect place to appreciate the sunrise and the raging waves. The best time to visit Beiguan is when the tide rises or when the sun sets. The waves surge over the rocks with very loud sound. The 2 ancient cannons are over 160 years old, adding to the antique atmosphere of Beiguan.
   

• Chaoying Temple
  This temple, which has long been a social and religious center for the local people, is the only third-rank historic site in Ilan County. The temple is devoted to Matzu, Goddess of the Sea. It was originally built in the traditional way, facing the east and the sea so as to secure the protection of the goddess for local fishermen; but it was moved to a new site and expanded in 1834, a project which left it facing the mountains.
   

• Chinese Historic Men Arboretum
  Two massive pavilions dedicated to Kuan Kung, the God of War, the Spring and Autumn Pavilions were completed in 1951. In front of the pavilions is a statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, riding a dragon. According to legend, Guanyin appeared above the clouds riding on a dragon, signifying that believers must erect an image depicting this event between "pavilions of summer and autumn": The present-day structures are a result of this vision.
   

• Chingshuei Park on the Dongshan River
  The Dongshan River attracts large numbers of visitors to its famous scenery. Chinshuei Park, located along the banks of the river, is especially popular for its outdoor stage shows, shallow pools where visitors can wade in the water,and deeper areas where they can row boats. Green and yellow ceramic dragons guard the riverbank, which is lined by colorful tile mosaics made by schoolchildren. If you go there in the summer, don't forget to take along your swimming gear and enjoy the swimming pool.
   

• Cold Mineral Springs
  The water from Suao's mineral springs emerges from the ground at a temperature of about 22 degrees Celsius. This cool, clear, odorless, naturally carbonated water can be used for drinking and bathing as well. Cold mineral springs like this are rare-so rare, in fact, that Italy is said to have the only other like it in the world. To get to the springs, walk about 300 meters from the Suao Railway Station to Lengchiuan (Cold Spring) Road. When you first lower you body into one of the pools you will feel exhilarated by the shock of coolness, but after five minutes or so you will feel warm all over. Besides bathing and drinking, this water is also used in the production of Suao's famous jelly cake; in earlier times, it was used to produce naturally carbonated soda as well.
   

• Dasi
  Located on a horseshoe-shaped cove popularly known as "Honeymoon Bay," Dasi is the perfect place to take a romantic stroll in the soft sand or chase the hordes of fleet ghost crabs that dwell there. Honeymoon Bay also offers surfing, with two- to three-meter waves, and national surfing competitions are held there annually. Those more attuned to the land can take the path beside Mingshan Temple and climb to the top of the 441-meter Yingshr Peak, which provides sweeping views of the sea and the surrounding countryside. The climb takes about half an hour.
   

• Jiaosi
  Located in the northeastern corner of Ilan County, on Taiwan's northeast coast, the town of Jiaosi is known throughout the island for its hot springs. Before the Chinese moved into this area more than 400 years ago it was populated by two aboriginal tribes, the Gemalan and the Atayal. After a pioneer named Wu Sha led a group of settlers from mainland China's Fujian Province into the area in 1796, Jiaosi began its development into one of the most important towns of northern Ilan. The development of Jiaosi has always been closely tied to its hot springs. Local people began building walls around the springs for bathing back in Ching Dynasty times;after the Japanese occupied Taiwan in 1895, they built bathhouses and inns that ushered in the era of thriving tourism that still flourishes today. In addition to bathing,water from Jiaosi's hot springs is used for the agricultural and fish farming industries. These hot springs are, truly,the lifeline of Jiaosi's economy.
   

• Jiaosi hot springs
  The special ground or crust stratum in Ilan County had made this area well known for its numerous hot springs, which are the result of air warmed by some source underground, and rising upward blended with under-layer water. Among them you would see the most historic " Jiaosi Hot Spring", which is quite rare in Taiwan for its occurrence on a flatland. " Tangwei Hot spring", meanwhile, has been famous since Ching Dynasty and placed on the list of " Eight Scenes of Lanyang Area". The Jiaosi Hot Spring originates at the foot of a hill behind Fuchung Temple at Deyang Village, Jiaosi Township. While streaming along the ditches and highways, running through the railroads, the welling hot waters gather into a brook, serving local people as natural baths at the string of boiling ditches in ancient times. However, there are only two public bathhouses left for those who want to try an absolutely different bath. As an alkaline fountain, Jiaosi Hot Spring is crystal-clear, odorless, yet contains a considerable amount of minerals like Potassium chloride, Sodium sulphide, Potassium hydrogen carbonate, Technical Granular, Floating Acids as well as rich organisms. Being honored as " The Hot Spring among Hot Springs", you would find your skin smooth and fine without the slightest stickiness after a bath at Jiaosi. Moreover, its effect as a healing for skin or stomach problems attracts batches of people from time to time. All these years the Farmer's Association of Jiaosi has been developing hot spring vegetables, hot spring drinking water, and hot spring breeding. They devote themselves to give full play to the possible usage of hot spring, so as to gain financial ground for agricultural economy and tour industry in Jiaosi.
   

• Nanfangau Fish Market and Harbor
  At the southern side of Suao Harbor is Nanfangau, a major base for coastal fishing. The abundance of the fish catch here has made Nanfangau one of the three largest fishing towns on the island. There are actually three fishing harbors and markets at Nanfangau, each with its own unique character. The first market is the site of fresh fish auctions, held daily at around 2:00 p.m. by the fishermen's association. The second market is a retail market for seafood, with the fishermen themselves each selling his fish from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Running along the third fishing harbor is Yugang Road, which is packed with seafood restaurants and stores selling the special products of the area. It is regularly packed with tourists as well.
   

• Suao cold springs
  The Suao cold springs have a temperature of less than 22°C, and the water from
  these springs are clear, colorless and emit no smell. This rare type of cold springs is only found at a few places around the world, among which Italy, and is suitable for bathing and consumption. The cold spring area of Suao can be found at the northern side of Suao village, some 300 meters from the Suao train station around Chungyuan road and Lengchuan road. As the water temperature of the cold springs is lower than our body temperature, you will first feel cold when immersing into the water, however, after having soaked for some 5 minutes, your body will start to warm up. As the water of these cold springs contains high levels of carbon dioxide, it can also be used for food and beverages, such as goat-meat stew and glass-bead soda. The latter is not produced anymore, but goat-meat stew is still a specialty of the Suao area.
   

• Taiwan Experimental Duck Farm
  This research center was set up more than 20 years ago,and through selective breeding has turned black-feathered ducks into pure white ones. These hybrids are highly popular among duck growers in Taiwan. If you are interested in visiting this facility, please call first.
   

• Wufongci Waterfalls
  Historical Background : The Wufongci Falls are one of the eight great scenic spots of the Lan-Yang Plains, belonging to Jiaosi village in Ilan County. The Wufongci Falls are named for the five sharp peaks which stand in a row behind the falls, that look like the five triangular banners that usually hang down the back of the war generals costume in Chinese Opera. Fog and mist drift gracefully around the mountaintop year-long, and torrents of mountain springs continuously flow down its slopes, forming the three layers of cascades that are now the Wufongci Falls. There are three layers to the Falls, and they measure 100 meters from top to bottom. The entrance to the scenic viewpoint is situated near the bottom layer of the Falls, and there is also a barbecue area, and a play area for children to splash in the pools. A viewing pavilion is constructed at the mid-layer of the Falls; there is a vast expanse of vision at this point , and tourists may enjoy viewing the lush mountains, and the cascades shooting out from the precipices. The scene in the eight famous scenic views of Lan-Yang that is poetically named, resh mists draping the western peaks refers to the Wufongci Falls. The Falls are situated in an enclosed valley, which enhances the mystic beauty of the peaks. At dawn, as the sky slowly begins to brighten, musical birdsong can be heard resonating throughout the valley; the unique tranquility in the atmosphere is indescribable.
  Cultural Highlights : The Ancient Horse Route: Starting from Jiaosi and going upwards along the foot of the Wufongc peaks, there is an ancient route, called the ncient Horse Route by the locals. Before the Taipei-Ilan Highway was constructed, this route was the only means of reaching Taipei from Jiaosi. Now, orange and kumquat orchards dot both sides of the route, creating lush scenery and a rustic atmosphere.
   

TAIWAN TOP 20

• Northeast Coast National Scenic Area
  The Northeast Coast Scenic Area is straddles the northeastern corner of Taiwan. It comprises a narrow belt of coastline, running 66 kilometers in length. The northern section of the coastline looks out onto the East China Sea and the eastern section faces the Pacific. The Northeast Coast Scenic Area begins in the north near the town of Juifang in Taipei County and ends in the south near the town of Tou Cheng in Ilan County. Its western boarder fronts the coastal mountain range and its eastern boarder ends at water's edge. The Northeast Coast Scenic Area covers 9,450 hectares of interior land and, from Pitou Chiao to Santiao Chiao, 4,275 hectares of coastline - a grand total of 13,725 hectares of natural beauty for visitors to enjoy.
   

MUSEUM / GALLERY / MEMORY

• Chinese Historic Men Arboretum
  Two massive pavilions dedicated to Kuan Kung, the God of War, the Spring and Autumn Pavilions were completed in 1951. In front of the pavilions is a statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, riding a dragon. According to legend, Guanyin appeared above the clouds riding on a dragon, signifying that believers must erect an image depicting this event between "pavilions of summer and autumn": The present-day structures are a result of this vision.
   

HERITAGE / TEMPLE

• Dali Tiengong Temple
  Historical Background : The origin name of Ta Li Kung Temple is hi Yun Kung It locates at the side of the sea highroad in the village of Dali Town in Ilan. The main God is the God of jade emperor (Sky God) worshiped from the Fuchou. Because the people in the village wanted a spirit center for carry on the soul during 1836 (the Tao Year of sixteenth), then they had a mind of building the temple. The time when it's just built, the temple was simple and small. After many re-building, until the Kung Year of thirtieth, the temple was built as you seen today with the history of one hundred ninety-five years. The outside castle and the inner part of the Temple are brilliant crocket beam drawn. The place is full of public worship tripod at usual. Not only the main belief center for the people in Dali Twon, and also the people who come to worship the God during the Chinese Year time. The inner part of the Temple is brilliant, and the outside part of the Temple outside is beam drawn. The low front part of the temple has the board of chid Yang the first scenery written by the general Ho Ying Chin. The Northeast coast from Dali forms the single side mountain and the rock landform. The Sky God is faced against the rough wave of the Pacific Ocean. The view is very wide, and you can also enjoy the scenery of the sunrise in Kuei Shan Island. The scenery is very special and beautiful. Many tourists come to pick the shell at the coast. Camping is available at the near hill slope, too. There is a pathway near the temple forwarding to the back of the mountain. The back of the temple is the exit of the Ku Tao Veldt.
  Cultural Highlights : The back of Ta Li Kung Temple is leaning to the Tsao Ling Mountain. It faces toward the blue wide Pacific Ocean. The geographic environment of Ta Li Kung Temple is beautiful and shining. During the January 9th of the Chinese New Years celebration, many believers came to worship the Sky God from everywhere. Ta Li Kuan Lake used to be one of the eight sceneries of Lan Chou. After worship Sky God, you can overlook the whole Kuei Shan Island from the story of Ta Li Kung Temple. You can overlook the fine blue sea gather with the bright sky at sunny day, and when it rains, you can see how smoke and fog overflow among the story of the Temple. When the northeast monsoon comes visiting, the waves along the coast are very roughing, magnificent, and vigorous.
   

• Siatian Temple
  This temple, also known as Guan Di Temple, can be reached by walking south from the railway station along Jungshan Road for about one kilometer. Built in 1804, this is the largest and most important temple in northern Taiwan devoted to Guan Gung, the red-faced God of War. The most important activities at this temple are the spring and autumn rites which take place on the 13th day of the first lunar month and the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, respectively. These are the times when images of all the 'branch gods' that have been consecrated at Shietian Temple over the years are brought back from all over Taiwan for communion with the 'senior' deity, and devotees flock into the temple in great crowds. The ceremonies involve offerings to the god and a ritual dance performed by primary school students acting as Guan Gung's soldiers. The spring rites also include turtles fashioned of sticky rice, which are offered to the god in thanks for services rendered or in supplication for help.
   

BEACHES / ISLANDS

• Beigung Tidal Park
  During the Ching dynasty, Beigang ("northern pass") was a military outpost guarding the Ilan area to the south; today, only an old cannon battery remains to remind visitors of that early mission. The most notable geological features of this area are cuesta formations and tofu rock. Beigung Tidal Park is situated on the top of the largest of the cuestas; just follow the footpath, and you can see interesting rock formations as you enjoy the pounding of waves against the rocky shore. Food stands in the neighborhood offer a mouth-watering array of snacks and seafood.

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