Yuanshan Ecological Park | Yilan Attraction

Yuanshan Ecological Park was formerly a pond used by the Yilan Distillery. Once the irrigation function was retired, the county government converted it into an ecological wetland park, retaining the pond water and introducing lotus and aquatic plants. Today this stretch of water has become a habitat for pheasant-tailed jacanas, egrets, and other waterbirds. It is also one of the few public spaces in Yuanshan Township focused on ecological education — the atmosphere is quiet, and visitor numbers are low.

Highlights of Yuanshan Ecological Park

The park preserves the traditional form of a rural irrigation pond; the water margins are planted with lotus and various emergent aquatic plants, with the overall landscape kept to minimal human intervention. The pheasant-tailed jacana is a protected species in Taiwan; Yuanshan is one of the few locations on the Lanyang Plain with a stable population. Visitors should maintain their distance and avoid disturbing breeding behavior.

The lotus flowering season is concentrated in summer (June to August), with the best blooms in the early morning when the light is also favorable for photography. In autumn and winter the water level drops; as aquatic plants recede, mudflats are exposed, which actually attracts more wading birds to forage. The park provides simple interpretation signs; it is a self-guided observation site with no fixed guided tours.

How to make the most of your visit

🦢

Bring binoculars for waterbird observationPheasant-tailed jacanas and egrets move across the water surface and near reed beds; at naked-eye distances they are quite far away, so a pair of binoculars significantly improves the quality of observation.

🌸

Best time for lotus: early mornings from June to AugustLotus flowers are most fully open before 8 a.m., and the light is soft; by afternoon most petals have already closed. Visiting on a summer morning gives the best results.

📚

Suitable for parent-child ecological educationThe park is of a manageable size with a simple walking route; interpretation signs are mainly in Chinese. It is suitable for informal water-ecosystem observation with children.

🚴

Can be combined with Yuanshan Township cycling routesThe rural roads of Yuanshan Township are flat; you can hire a bicycle from Yilan City and ride to Yuanshan, using the park as a midway stop. The round trip is about 10 to 15 km.

Practical information

Getting there and travel time

Drive west from Yilan City along Yuanshan Road; the park is about 10 minutes away, and there is roadside parking nearby.
There is no direct fixed public transport; you can take the Taiwan Railways to Yilan Station and then take a taxi, about 15 minutes.

Nearby connections

Yuanshan Township shares the rural landscape belt; the surrounding area has local orchards and agricultural direct-sales stands where you can learn about farming patterns on the Lanyang Plain.
Returning to Yilan City connects to Lanyang Museum or Luodong Night Market; a half-day to full-day Lanyang Plain itinerary can be arranged.

Sources: Yilan County Yuanshan Township Office; Wikipedia entry on 'Yuanshan Ecological Park.' Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

🗺️ View on the map ← All Yilan attractions