[2025 Yilan Attraction] Travel Guide for Sanching Temple (Updated Oct)

Yilan is renowned for its stunning mountain and ocean scenery as well as its rich cultural heritage. This classic itinerary combines the tranquil riverside of Dongshan River, the hidden forest gem of Xinliao Waterfall, and the solemn atmosphere of Taishang Laojun Taoist Temple, offering a perfect mix of natural exploration and religious culture. Here, visitors can stroll along the riverside, enjoy the refreshing coolness of the waterfall in the valley, and experience the spiritual power within the temple. For travelers, this is a profound journey that nourishes both body and soul. 🕰️ Operating Hours • Xinliao Waterfall Trail: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Temporarily closed during typhoon season or heavy rain. • Taishang Laojun Taoist Temple: Open daily from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Large-scale ceremonies are held during temple festivals or celebrations. 🏖️ Environment/Facilities • Xinliao Waterfall ⛰️ Located in the mountainous area of Dongshan Township, the 1.5-kilometer trail follows the creek and ends at a magnificent waterfall cascading down. The fresh air makes it ideal for hiking. • Taishang Laojun Taoist Temple ⛩️ As one of the significant Taoist sacred sites, the temple features grand architecture with a towering statue of Taishang Laojun at its entrance, exuding solemnity from afar. Inside, it houses Taishang Laojun and other deities, attracting many devotees for worship and blessings. 📍 Address • Xinliao Waterfall Trail: Xinliao Road, Dongshan Township, Yilan County • Taishang Laojun Taoist Temple: Xinliao Second Road, Taihe Village, Dongshan Township, Yilan County Transportation: • By car: About 1.5 hours’ drive from Taipei, with routes connecting all three attractions. • Public transport: Take a train to Dongshan Station or Luodong Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to reach the destinations. 💰 Cost per person • Xinliao Waterfall: Free admission. • Taishang Laojun Taoist Temple: Free entry; donations for incense are optional. Tips for Your Visit 1. Family-friendly: Dongshan River is gentle and particularly lively during the Children's Festival, making it ideal for kids. 2. Trail footwear: Although the Xinliao Waterfall Trail is short, wearing non-slip shoes is recommended. 3. Cultural experience: As an important Taoist site, visitors should maintain a respectful demeanor when visiting Taishang Laojun Temple. 4. Best itinerary: Start with Xinliao Waterfall in the morning, take a leisurely stroll along Dongshan River in the afternoon, and end the day with a visit to Taishang Laojun Temple for a complete route. Dongshan River, Xinliao Waterfall, and Taishang Laojun Taoist Temple—this itinerary seamlessly blends nature and culture. From water activities and hiking to religious exploration, each destination offers a unique experience.

📍 Sanqing Temple, the main Taoist temple in Yilan Entering Sanqing Temple, nestled amidst Yilan's magnificent mountain scenery, one is greeted by a majestic palace architecture. Its red pillars, golden tiles, and cascading eaves exude a solemn yet exquisite beauty. 👑 Majestic Statues and Exceptional Carvings The temple houses the Three Pure Ones and other deities. The magnificent carvings and statues showcase the profound heritage of Taoist culture. The guardian deities are majestic and lifelike, inspiring awe. 🐉 Coiled Dragon Stone Carvings and Breathtaking Awe The intricately detailed and majestic dragon stone carvings inside and outside the temple appear to guard the entire structure. The gushing Dragon Spring symbolizes unending blessings. 🙏 Soul Cleansing and Energizing The temple, overflowing with incense, exudes a sense of tranquility and solemnity. Whether visiting to pray or simply enjoy the culture and art, this place offers a deep sense of spiritual comfort. 📸 Top Check-In Spots • Longquan Stone Fountain • Resplendent statues in the main hall • Majestic archway and octagonal pavilion 🌿 This is more than just a religious sanctuary; it's a breathtaking feast of culture and art. #YilanAttractions #SanqingTemple #TaoistHolySite #CultureArts #TripMoments #MustVisitYilan

"This place is so spiritual. Everything you eat is delicious, and everything you go is wonderful." On this trip, a friend who was born in Yilan took us on a tour. In the morning, we visited Sanqing Temple (I'm not religious, but I enjoy seeing ancient sites in the mountains). This place allows you to experience the Taiwanese people's passion for praying and blessing. For lunch, we went to Yixinyuan Snack Shop in Luodong, where we enjoyed local Yilan cuisine. One dish, the "tangzao," didn't have broth, but it felt like it. It was crispy on the outside, yet incredibly hot on the inside. It perfectly describes the Yilan people's character: a cool exterior but warm interior. In the afternoon, we went to Wushi Harbor to watch the surfing. This jet-black beach was formed 40 years ago when locals built a breakwater, allowing the black sand to flow in from another beach. Today, it's a hot spot for surfing, attracting people from Taipei who wake up at 4:30 a.m. to surf in Yilan before returning to their offices in Taipei. Their enthusiasm is truly incredible. A friend drove to a coffee shop near Waiao Station, and luckily, we found parking. Also, luckily, we found a good seat right after entering the shop. The only thing we had was a 90-minute meal. We ordered coffee and cake, read, and before we knew it, time had flown by. A leisurely time. This time, I tried the hot springs at a hotel recommended by a friend from Hong Kong. The hot springs in Jiaoxi, Yilan, are truly unique. If you want hot spring water with the same properties, you'd have to go to Italy. The water has no sulfur smell and is known for its skin benefits, earning it the nickname "beauty bath." Entering the hotel room, I felt like I was in Japan. The cleanliness and decor were excellent, except for the high humidity in Yilan, which required me to immediately turn on the dehumidifier. This time, we tried a new route, from Yilan to Jiufen. My friend immediately took us to buy train tickets and arrange seats. Then, we went to dinner. The dining venue is a local favorite. The wait for a table at Fu Ge Stone Oven Chicken in Jiaoxi, Yilan, was worth it. Every dish was delicious. There are some shops near the hotel that are still open at 10pm, so you can take a break and walk around. The happy day ended successfully. #Yilan #Sanqing Palace #Wushigang #Wai'ao #Fugo Stone Kiln Chicken #Donglv Hot Spring Hotel Fenghuayang

#Taipei Attractions Sanqing Palace is a treasure of a temple that integrates historical culture, religious beliefs and natural landscapes! The appearance of the Taoist temple combines the architectural features of southern Fujian and Hakka, presenting an elegant and grand style! The palaces with flying eaves and intricately carved decorations all demonstrate the rich historical and cultural connotations of this place. The interior of the hall is equally exquisite, decorated with statues of the Three Pure Ones and various gods for devout tourists to worship. During every important festival, grand and lively ceremonies are held here, such as the Pudu ceremony and the release of water lanterns, attracting believers and tourists to participate. At the same time, the temple also has a Taoist culture special exhibition and an interactive experience area, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the religious and cultural heritage here.

#WinHongKongTicket Visiting the Sanqing Temple in Yilan is a soul-stirring experience. Walking into the palace and temple, you can feel the strong religious atmosphere and sacred breath. The magnificent buildings and exquisite carvings showcase the magnificent beauty of ancient Chinese architectural art. In the quiet temple, people pray devoutly and offer sacrifices, as if they can feel the purification of their souls and the tranquility of their hearts. Climbing to the top of the mountain and overlooking the scenery of Yilan is a pleasant experience. This trip not only made me feel the power of religious belief, but also allowed me to appreciate the cultural heritage and natural scenery of Yilan.