Datong

Datong (大同) is a mountain township in southwestern Yilan County, Taiwan, primarily inhabited by the Atayal indigenous people. The area is known for Taipingshan (太平山), a historic mountain forest area with a charming old logging railway, hot springs, and the spectacular Cueifong Lake (翠峰湖), Taiwan's largest high-mountain lake.

The climate is temperate to cool at higher elevations. The best time to visit is March to November. Roads are winding and mountain passes can be foggy.

By Plane

Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) is about 70 km southwest. A taxi takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and costs around NT$2,000–2,500.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Yilan Station, about 30 km east. From Yilan, take a taxi or bus into the mountains.

By Car / Road

Datong is accessible via Provincial Highway 7 (the Northern Cross-Island Highway) and County Road 191. From Yilan City, drive west for about 40 minutes to reach the Taipingshan entrance.

A car is essential for exploring the mountain area. Taipingshan has shuttle buses within the park.

• Taipingshan (太平山) — A former logging area turned national forest recreation area.

• Cueifong Lake (翠峰湖) — Taiwan's largest high-mountain lake, with a scenic walking trail.

• Taipingshan Old Railway — A historic narrow-gauge railway with scenic forest views.

• Renshou Hot Springs — Natural hot springs in the Taipingshan area.

• Ride the Taipingshan Forest Railway for a scenic journey through the forest.

• Hike the Cueifong Lake trail.

• Soak in the mountain hot springs.

• Watch the sunrise from the Taipingshan viewpoint.

• Mountain restaurants in Taipingshan serve simple Taiwanese meals. NT$150–300.
• Atayal restaurants offer indigenous cuisine.

Bottled water is essential. Hot tea is ideal for the cool mountain climate.

• Mid-range: Taipingshan Lodge — The only accommodation within the park (book well in advance, NT$2,000–3,500).
• Budget: Homestays in the lower mountain villages, NT$1,000–1,500.

• High-mountain tea from local farms.
• Indigenous Atayal handicrafts.

• Yilan City — 30 km east (40 min drive).
• Jiaoxi — 25 km northeast. Hot spring town.
• Sanxing — 20 km south. Known for green onions and scenic farms.
• Yuanshan — 15 km east. Lake and temple area.
• Dongshan — 20 km southeast. River scenery.