Linmei Shipan Trail: A Natural Retreat in Yilan, Taiwan

Linmei Shipan Trail: Exploring a Hidden Gem in Jiaoxi, Yilan

The Linmei Shipan Trail, located in Jiaoxi, Yilan, is a charming trail that combines waterfalls, forests, and streams. The trail is approximately 1.7 kilometers long, a loop route (enter on the right, exit on the left), and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to walk. Known as "Little Taroko of Yilan," it is a famous family-friendly nature trail, belonging to the low-altitude subtropical valley and canyon terrain. Built along the Dezikou River valley, the scenery is rich and varied, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing and pleasant nature trip. This area was originally a forest area of the Forestry Bureau, and later planned as a trail. The trail name combines the two place names "Linmei Village" and "Shipan Waterfall." "Linmei" is the local village name (formerly known as Linwei), named after a large, hard, four-sided sandstone rock at the end of the trail. Shipan is a sloping single-sided rock with many potholes on it, with streams flowing over it, forming a special landscape.

Before entering the Linmei Shipan Trail, you need to pass through the Caonan Lake lakeside trail, where you can enjoy the matcha-colored scenery of Caonan Lake. There is a viewing platform by the lake.

The entrance to the Linmei Shipan Trail (near Jiaoxi Golf Course) is located in a low-altitude subtropical forest valley. The predecessor of the trail was an old irrigation canal, preserving the relics of ancient agricultural irrigation projects. Along the way, you can also see rich natural ecology, diverse plants such as tree ferns, ferns, and wild ginger flowers, as well as rich insect and bird ecology. You can enjoy fireflies in spring, escape the summer heat, and view maple leaves in autumn and winter, each season with its own charm. (In order to protect the natural ecology, it is forbidden to play in the water, camp, barbecue, or destroy the ecology on the trail.)

The clear stream and waterfall trail follows the Dezikou River, and the stream is crystal clear, with many waterfalls and pools. There is a 30-meter-long, 70-degree inclined steel ladder section along the way, which is the only more challenging area in the route.

The most famous Shipan Waterfall is the highlight of the trail. The high waterfall falls and splashes water droplets like mist, making it a popular place for taking pictures and viewing the waterfall. The slope of the trail is gentle, and the road surface is well paved, making it suitable for tourists of all ages. Some sections have wooden walkways and suspension bridges, which add to the fun of walking. The trail entrance has parking lots, restrooms and other facilities for tourists to use. (There are no public toilets inside the trail, so it is recommended to use the restroom at the entrance first.)

Overall, the Linmei Shipan Trail combines natural beauty, historical culture and ecological education value, and is one of the most popular light mountain climbing and hiking trails in Jiaoxi, Yilan.

『Linmei Shipan Trail』

Address: Linwei Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County

Opening hours: Open all year round (However, please note that the trail may be temporarily closed due to slope maintenance or typhoons. It is recommended to check the latest opening information before departure.)

Tickets: Free

Transportation:

By car: Get off at Toucheng Interchange, follow Tai 9 Line to Jiaoxi direction, turn to Linwei direction, pass Dafeng Bridge to the side of Foguang University to reach the entrance.

Public transportation: You can take the Taiwan Railway to Jiaoxi Station, transfer to a taxi or Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Jiaoxi Line A and get off at the "Linmei Shipan Trail" stop.