A Must-Visit Rice and Dim Sum Factory in Yilan🍘 (Part 1) Turning Rice into an Amusement Park: A Five Senses Journey Through Suao's "One Meter"

If you're planning a family day in Yilan or a relaxing stroll, the Yimite Rice Dim Sum Tourist Factory is a great place to combine snacking, playing in the water, and shopping for souvenirs. Admission is free and open 24/7. The factory features a cold spring foot bath, an outdoor lawn, and a small walking path. Inside, there's a dessert cabinet, a rice cracker wall, and a DIY workshop—just enough to take half a day to explore. Official information states: Admission is free daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, year-round, with one guided tour each morning and afternoon. Navigate to "No. 199, Xianghe Road, Su'ao Township, Yilan County" for the entrance. Free parking is available. One place, two paces: first, enjoy the desserts, then enjoy the breeze. Yimite is my favorite kind of tourist factory: one with both indoor and outdoor views, allowing for a leisurely stroll. Indoor pace: Step inside, and on the left is a freezer—Snowberry Girl, mochi, and daifuku are arranged like jewels; on the right is a tasting area with various rice snack gift boxes. I like to slowly pick out two daifukudang snacks for later, then browse the shelves for rice crackers or popcorn flakes. While enjoying them, I'll read about the production process—even children can understand. The museum's notices remind me, "Guided tours are offered daily, morning and afternoon," making it fun and engaging. Outdoor Rhythm: Through the glass doors, you'll find a gravel path and shaded greenery at your feet, with water lilies growing on the surface. Further inside, you'll find the beloved cold spring foot bath and hand-pumped water pump. In the summer, soaking your feet under an umbrella while watching children chase each other on the grass will truly make you forget the time. Many visitor reviews mentioned that the cold spring pool is free to use and that there's a pump nearby. Some articles also remind me that, for safety reasons, foot bathing is the primary method. Bring a small towel and a change of socks for a more relaxed experience. ⸻ A Little Backstory: Making "Rice" a Fun Brand Yimit's core focus isn't just selling snacks; it's making rice culture accessible, experiential, and a part of life. The park features displays and walkways showcasing the evolution and production process of rice-based pastries. A DIY workshop teaches you how to make your own mochi or snowberry pudding in 20–30 minutes (additional fee, subject to on-site announcements). The park also incorporates Su'ao's carbonated cold springs, allowing visitors to experience not only the taste but also the touch. It's no wonder this combination has been listed as "Su'ao's first stop" on many parent-child and travel websites. Follow the photos: My Half Day at Yimite ① Entrance and Courtyard: Slow Down First The arch and wooden frame of the main entrance remind me of a country bakery. There's outdoor seating in the garden to the right, where I love sipping free red bean drinks and searching for loot. The park's lawns, lotus pond, and treehouse create a lively atmosphere, and you can even occasionally encounter performances or family activities.  ② Dessert Counter: Grab your "to-eat" treats first. I usually choose a fruit daifuku and a mochi. The freshly made crust is chewy, the filling is fragrant, and the sweetness is minimal. If you find seasonal items, they'll be clearly labeled "Use Today" at the counter. For a simpler experience, you can simply take home a bag of assorted rice crackers.  ③ DIY: 20–30 minutes of focused time. The mochi and snowberry creations are the most popular DIY treats. There's an additional fee, and reservations can be made on-site or by phone. Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. The moment your child spreads the cream to resemble a snowy mountain and hides the strawberries inside, their faces beam with pride. The finished product can be eaten right away or taken on the bus for an afternoon snack.  ④ Cold Spring Foot Soak: Cool down the heat of travel. The bubbles from the cold spring water drift gently down to your ankles, like the Su'ao sea breeze, washing away the dry air. The nearby pump experience keeps children busy until they don't want to leave. Reminder: The cold spring pool is primarily for foot soaking. Please save your water activities for Su'ao Cold Spring Park or other facilities with more complete facilities. ⸻ Travel Information Card • Name: Yimite Rice and Dim Sum Factory (Yuewang Food) • Address: No. 199, Xianghe Road, Su'ao Township, Yilan County • Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM daily, open year-round • Admission: Free admission; DIY tours are subject to an additional fee (as announced on-site) • Guided Tours: One tour each morning and afternoon daily, announced by on-site announcements • Parking: Free parking is available at the park • Location: 10 minutes' drive from the Su'ao Interchange on National Highway 5 ⸻ 7 Reasons You'll Love Yimite (Reasonable and Sentimental) 1.0 yuan admission, great value: You can stop by even on rainy or hot days.  2. Cool your feet in the cold springs: free, clean, and the pump experience is incredibly relaxing.  3. Easy to DIY: You can make a snack in 20–30 minutes, giving kids a great sense of accomplishment.  4. The guides are beginner-friendly: Two sessions daily explain rice culture in a simple way.  5. Don't miss out on souvenirs: Sample the rice crackers, daifuku, and mochi on site before deciding. 6. The outdoor courtyard is perfect for photo opportunities: The lotus pond, tree house, and lawn create stunning photos.  7. Easy to combine with your itinerary: Located in the Su'ao area, you can connect to Su'ao Cold Spring Park, Crayon Castle, or Shuangquan Hotel.  ⸻ Suggested Itinerary: Turn a Half-Day into a Full Day • Morning | Factory Tour First, enjoy a painting session at Wax Art Crayon Castle (Address: 500 Haishan West Road, Su'ao Town), then stop by Yimi Te for lunch and snacks. • Afternoon | Cold Spring Playback If you want to really get in the water, head to Su'ao Cold Spring Park (Address: 6-4 Lengquan Road, Su'ao Town; admission required, excellent facilities). • Evening | Hot Springs and a Good Night's Sleep If you want to maximize your stay, stay overnight at the Lakeshore Hotel Su'ao Four Seasons Twin Springs or the Longshanlin Su'ao Hot and Cold Springs Resort Hotel, offering both a cold spring and hot spring experience (travel articles often cite these two as representative accommodations in Su'ao). ⸻ My Little Moment of Truth Arriving after the rain, the courtyard still smelled of wood. Sitting under an umbrella, I cut open a mango daifuku. Inside, the fruit is moist and creamy, while the mochi skin is pulled into fine strands by my fingertips—like a bite of summer. My child plays with the pump nearby, water droplets bouncing up and hitting their calves, their laughter washing away the fatigue of the journey. Before leaving, I grab two boxes of rice crackers and load the car. The navigation system switches back to National Five. The car windows are still fogged up, and I'm already thinking about what flavor of snowberry muffin I'll make next time I come. 🙂 ⸻ • Yimite Rice and Pastry Factory Address: No. 199, Xianghe Road, Su'ao Township, Yilan County Hours: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM (Open year-round) | Free admission, DIY tours charged separately Guided tours: One morning and one afternoon daily (announced by announcement) Parking: Free parking • 📍 Wax Art Crayon Castle (No. 500, Haishan West Road, Su'ao Township) • 📍 Su'ao Cold Spring Park (No. 6-4, Lengquan Road, Su'ao Township)