An hour from the bustling Taipei metropolitan area, Yilan County offers a change of pace with its tranquil rice fields, coastal scenery, and vibrant creative spaces. The Lanyang Museum, located in Toucheng, is the perfect gateway to understanding the distinct local cultures of Yilan. The location is no coincidence—Toucheng served as the entry point for Han Chinese settlers in the late 18th century, when they moved in to cultivate the fertile Lanyang Plain.
The museum itself is an architectural wonder designed by renowned architect Kris Yao. Inspired by the unique cuesta rock formations along Taiwan’s northeast coastline, the slanted structure mirrors the surrounding landscape. The building appears to rise naturally from the earth, blending into its coastal environment.
Inside, the exhibition hall starts at the top floor and leads visitors downward in a cascading design. The layout follows the natural flow of Yilan’s geography, allowing guests to experience the mountains, plains, and oceans that define the region. The exhibits explore the region’s rich history, from early indigenous cultures to the fishing and agricultural traditions that continue today. Overall, the space is not huge, but intricately curated. A “kids’ archaeologist area” offers younger visitors an interactive experience, where they can dig for hidden treasures.
