
Toucheng, being one of the earliest developed areas in Yilan, was once the most prosperous economic center on the Lanyang Plain in the 18th century. The Old Street in Toucheng, located at the midpoint of the town, holds historical significance as the earliest developed street. The Qington Temple, situated in the middle of the Old Street and connected to the Head Weir Harbor, played a crucial role in Toucheng's developmental history.
Additionally, the Dali Tiangong Temple, dedicated to the Jade Emperor, preserves a variety of precious ancient artifacts. Notably, the North Gate Sea Tide Park, one of the Eight Views of Lanyang, offers the best vantage point for admiring the beautiful rocky coastal scenery overlooking Guishan Island. During weekends and holidays, visitors can explore the beauty of temple architectural art or listen to religious legends, immersing themselves in the cultural richness of religious traditions.
Travel Duration: 1-day tour
Travel Seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Itinerary Types: Cultural and Historical, Leisure for Seniors, Coastal Scenery
Transportation: Intercity Bus, Public Bus, Self-driving
National Highway 5, Tou Cheng Interchange ➔ Tiangong Temple, Dali ➔ Beiguan Tidal Park ➔ Wai’ao Service Area ➔ Wai’ao Beach ➔ Wushi Port ➔ Qingyuan Temple ➔ Toucheng Old Street ➔ Kaeseong Temple
►Tiangong Temple, Dali
Tiangong Temple, originally named Caoling Qingyun Palace, is located in the Dali fishing village along the northern coastal highway. The main deity enshrined is the Jade Emperor (Tiangong), invited from Zhangzhou, China, with the Heavenly Holy Mother as the assistant deity. The central deity is characterized by a dark face, hence the nickname "Black-faced Jade Emperor." The temple houses various precious artifacts, including divine palanquins, incense burners, ancient plaques, jade seals, and carved decorative arts, making it highly valuable in terms of cultural heritage.
►Beiguan Tidal Park
Renowned for its spectacular tidal wave scenery, Beiguan Tidal Park is an excellent spot to witness tidal phenomena. When the tide reaches its peak, it rushes into the narrow bay, creating magnificent waves that attract visitors to witness the wonders of nature. The park's surroundings are rich in environment, featuring observation platforms and walking trails for visitors to stroll. Additionally, visitors can observe the ecological diversity within the bay, making it an ideal place to relax and get close to nature.
►Wai’ao Service Area
Wai’ao Service Area is a distinctive yellow building with a unique asymmetrical design that often leaves a lasting impression on passersby. During weekends and holidays, it attracts a large number of visitors. Adjacent to the nearby Gangao Beach, it offers various leisure activities such as surfing, paragliding, and water play. Facing the Pacific Ocean and Turtle Island, the large floor-to-ceiling windows provide a spacious area for visitors to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery. It's also a perfect spot to savor a cup of coffee while admiring the seaside beauty.
►Wai'ao Beach
With its expansive sandy shores and crystal-clear azure waters, Wai'ao Beach is a paradise for surf enthusiasts. It is also an excellent destination for people looking to relax and enjoy the sunshine on the beach. Apart from surfing, visitors can engage in activities such as crab hunting and sandcastle building on the beach. Additionally, they can admire the magnificent views of Turtle Island and the Pacific Ocean. The sight of paragliders soaring in the sky adds an exhilarating and romantic atmosphere, allowing visitors to fully embrace the joy and surprises that the beach has to offer.
►Wushi Port
Enjoy the magnificent coastal scenery, savor fresh and delicious seafood dishes, and experience the leisurely maritime atmosphere. Whether engaged in fishing activities or embarking on a sightseeing journey, Wushi Port showcases Yilan's unique maritime culture and abundant marine resources.
►Qingyuan Temple
Qingyuan Temple in Toucheng, commonly known as "Toucheng Mazu Temple" or "Toucheng Mazu Palace," is located in the Chengdong neighborhood near Toucheng Township, Yilan County. Constructed in the first year of the Qing Jiaqing era (1796), it is the oldest Mazu temple in Toucheng. Named "Qingyuan" in commemoration of the Jiaqing era, the temple features a typical Zhangzhou architectural style. On June 30, 2014, it was officially designated as a county-designated historical site by the Yilan County Government.
►Toucheng Old Street
Explore Japanese-style historical architecture and engage in traditional local craftsmanship DIY experiences. Toucheng, known as the "First City in Kailan," boasts Ping Street as the "First Street in Eastern Taiwan," harboring many precious cultural assets that remain authentic. The street preserves intact land god temples at both ends, the three-arch architecture of Chen Chun-ji Yuanhe Synthesis, Lu's House and Shiyun Lake, the historical houses of the Kang family in the Thirteen Rows, and the literary museum of Li Rongchun (Town History Museum). It is perfect for a leisurely stroll to experience the historical atmosphere of the small town.
►Kaeseong Temple
Established in the early years of the Jiaqing era (1842), Kaeseong Temple primarily enshrines the "Black-Faced Golden Bodhisattva" brought by Wu Sha. The original temple site was located under the Fude Creek railway bridge but was relocated to its current site due to flooding in the third year of Tongzhi (1864). The temple preserves numerous historical plaques, including the "Universal Compassion" plaque from the fifth year of Tongzhi and the "Dharma Rain Cultivates Orchids" plaque from the eleventh year of Tongzhi, bearing witness to Yilan's rich cultural and religious heritage.
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