Yilan County -- Introduction

Yilan County, in northern Taiwan, 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 Yilan a breadbasket county.

The cultural, educational and administrative heart of the Lanyang Plain is Yilan City. It is also a major hub for traffic along Taiwan's northeast coast.

The most famous river in Yilan County is certainly the Dong Shan River. In recent years the boat races of the annual Dragon Boat Festival has been held here, attracting tens of thousands of local and international visitors. The river is also the location of the Yilan International Collegiate Invitational Regatta. In 2005, 21 universities from 12 countries participated in the event.

Other well-known festivals in Yilan County include the Ilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival and the Ilan Green Exposition. These two are among the most profitable festivals ever held in Taiwan.

Among all the major scenic spots in Yilan County, one place worth of a visit is the Kueishan Island. It is a volcanic island formed 200,000 years ago and occupies an area of 2.9 square kilometers. The island is rich in tourist resources, including strangely shaped steep cliffs, spas and wildlife. Since August 2000, the island has been opened for tourism.

Here are some interesting articles to read:

• Museum boss anything but crabby (May 19, 2006)
• Green Expo has Yilan dancing with the spring (May 12, 2006)
• Money woes may sink Yilan County's collegiate regatta (April 20, 2006)
• Chiaohsi hot springs breathe new life (January 9, 2005)
• Racing Against Time (March 1, 2003)

The following is a map of Yilan County: