Yilan County, Administrative county in northeastern Taiwan
Yilan is an administrative area in northeastern Taiwan Province that stretches across the Lanyang Plain, surrounded by mountains on three sides while the fourth opens to the Pacific Ocean. Several rivers run through the territory and feed the agricultural land that spreads between coastal settlements and forested slopes.
The area was the territory of the indigenous Kavalan people until 1787, who lived and fished along the river courses. Large-scale settlement by Han Chinese began at the end of the 18th century and fundamentally changed the agricultural use of the plain.
The county takes its name from the Yilan River, which flows through the plain and has irrigated fields for centuries. Along the coast villages, fishermen still hang their nets to dry, and local markets sell fresh catch directly after the morning haul.
The Hsuehshan Tunnel links the area to Taipei and allows travel by car or long-distance bus in under an hour. The coastal road offers a slower but more scenic alternative with views of the sea and offshore islands.
Off the coast lies Guishan Island with submarine hot springs that flow directly into the sea and can be observed from boats. The waters around the island attract whales and dolphins that hunt and rest in these areas.
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