Dongshan River Water Park | Yilan Attraction

Dongshan River Water Park is planned along the lower reaches of the Dongshan River, with a wide water surface suitable for kayaking, dragon-boat racing, and other water activities. The park is best known for the annual Yilan International Children's Folklore and Art Festival each summer; during the event, large water installations are set up and draw large numbers of families. Outside the event period, the park returns to everyday use — walking or cycling along the riverside path is a routine for local residents.

Highlights of Dongshan River Water Park

The Dongshan River flows slowly at this stretch; riverside vegetation extends in bands, some sections have lush aquatic plants, and waterbirds appear frequently. The park's built infrastructure includes a dock, viewing platforms, and boardwalks, all designed around water access, with low retaining walls that let people get close to the water's surface. On weekdays outside the Children's Folklore Festival, the park atmosphere is quiet and well-suited to cycling or light walking.

The Yilan International Children's Folklore and Art Festival is held each summer holiday (July to August); it is one of Taiwan's larger summer water festivals, bringing in folk performance groups from various countries and featuring splash zones, stages, and food stalls — tickets must be purchased separately. On festival weekends, crowds are concentrated, and wait times for parking and entry are longer.

How to make the most of your visit

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Kayak the calm river stretchThe Dongshan River is gentle at this point and suitable for beginners to paddle a kayak; some operators provide rentals and instruction. It is recommended to check in advance whether advance booking is required.

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Cycle along the riverbankThe roads around the park are flat; cycling along the Dongshan River extension route connects toward the National Center for Traditional Arts — a common weekend leisure route in Yilan.

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Buy tickets early for the Children's Folklore FestivalThe July-to-August festival draws large crowds; purchasing tickets and finding parking both require extra time. Those wishing to attend are advised to buy tickets early and consider visiting on a weekday.

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Evening light is best for river sceneryAt sunset the river surface glimmers and the mountain silhouettes are clear — the best light conditions of the day at Dongshan River Water Park, ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Practical information

Getting there and travel time

Take the Taiwan Railways to Wujie Station or Dongshan Station, then take a taxi for about 10 to 15 minutes. By car, about 10 minutes from Luodong town center; there is a car park.
During the Children's Folklore Festival (July to August), the car park fills early; it is recommended to use public transport or the event shuttle service.

Nearby connections

The National Center for Traditional Arts is nearby and can be connected on foot or by bicycle; the two are about 1 to 2 km apart.
Luodong Night Market and Luodong Forestry Culture Park are both within a 15-minute drive, and can be combined into a half-day or full-day southern Yilan itinerary.

Sources: Yilan County Government official information on Dongshan River Water Park; Wikipedia entry on 'Dongshan River Water Park.' Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

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