Yilan Attractions | Dongshan River Eco Ark | Mysterious Waterway

Yilan Attractions | Dongshan River Eco Ark | Mysterious Waterway | Yilan's Popular Photo Spot

In 2016, Dongshan River Forest Park was redesigned and rebuilt, reopening with a brand-new look as the "Dongshan River Eco Ark." The park sits along the middle and upper reaches of the Dongshan River, covering about 18 hectares. It is a forest-themed ecological park that blends in with the Dongshan River. Official guided tours are also available, but you have to fill out the form below in advance to make a reservation!

Recently, thanks to Instagram, the Mysterious Waterway inside the Dongshan River Eco Ark has become a hot photo spot, bringing this place to many more people's attention. It is also the venue for the annual Green Expo — a large park filled with installation art, and a great place for a stroll in the outdoors.

Address: No. 172, Section 2, Dongshan Road, Dongshan Township, Yilan County
Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00
Phone: +88639591314
Admission: NT$30
Tour reservation: Dongshan River Eco Ark guided tour application

🚃 Getting There

The Dongshan River Eco Ark is right next to Dongshan Station — about a five-minute walk to the park entrance — so if you're not driving, coming by train is quite convenient. If you ride a scooter or drive, there is a decent amount of parking: an outdoor parking lot in front of the main entrance, charging NT$50 per entry for cars and NT$20 for scooters. Also, if you enter after 5 p.m., parking is free!

In front of the entrance there are two machines that look very similar — one sells admission tickets, the other is for paying parking fees.

🏞 Park Information

The park covers roughly 18 hectares and contains many installation artworks and various structures. If you want to visit every spot and take photos, a full loop will take at least an hour or two, so set aside plenty of time for the Dongshan River Eco Ark and take your time wandering around.

As soon as you enter the park, a vast expanse of grassland and a green railway bridge come into view.

Along the way there are also plenty of interesting installation artworks and displays introducing the stories of the Dongshan River.

Walk a little farther and you'll reach a wooden bridge running parallel to the railway bridge, where you can watch trains pass through the park at very close range.

🛶 The Mysterious Waterway

The Mysterious Waterway inside the Dongshan River Eco Ark has recently become a hot photo spot online. This cave-like waterway looks like a movie set, and under different lighting you can capture some really beautiful shots. For your own safety, please don't climb onto the rocks to take photos!

⛰ Hope Hill

"Big Tree Tower," the classic landmark atop Hope Hill

Hope Hill is the highest point in the Dongshan River Eco Ark, where you can look out over the trains and the park scenery.

The observation tower on Hope Hill, "Big Tree Tower," is the tallest landmark in the Eco Ark. Designed in the shape of a tree trunk, it looks like a giant treehouse installation, and inside there is a spiral staircase leading to the very top for views of the Dongshan River.

If you're traveling in Yilan, consider setting aside some time to visit the Dongshan River Eco Ark. It's nicely laid out and perfect for a leisurely walk or for bringing the kids along.

More Taiwan accommodation and attraction references

If you enjoy my posts, feel free to follow the travel accounts below. I regularly share beautiful spots I've found and practical travel tips — and recommendations for fun places are always welcome!

Travel Sean

搜尋此網誌