Dongshan Township is located in the central part of Yilan County and serves as an important transitional zone connecting the Yilan Plain with the Central Mountain Range. Formerly known as “Winter Melon Mountain,” the name reflects strong elements of local life and culture. Geographically, it borders Sanxing Township and Luodong Township to the north, Wujie Township to the northeast, Su’ao Township to the southeast, Nan’ao Township to the south, and Datong Township to the west, covering a broad area. With a population of approximately 53,000, it is the third most populous administrative district in Yilan County and the fifth most populous township-level division in all of Taiwan.
The terrain of Dongshan is mostly flat plains, but it is close to mountainous areas. The climate is influenced by the northeast monsoon and local topography, resulting in abundant rainfall. During typhoons and heavy rains, low-lying areas such as Wuyuan, Zhenzhu, and Bucheng communities are prone to flooding, showing the typical characteristics of a downstream river plain.
In terms of tourism resources, Dongshan Township offers a wealth of natural scenery and cultural attractions that draw numerous visitors:
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Dongshan River Ecoark: A riverside green space that combines ecological education and water-friendly areas. It's ideal for boating, cycling, and family recreation, and is a representative attraction in the lower reaches of the Dongshan River.
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Meihua Lake Scenic Area: A tranquil lake surrounded by mountains and water. It features leisure trails and lakeside facilities and is integrated with the surrounding Meihua Lake Leisure Agriculture Area, promoting agritourism and rural experience activities.
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Renshan Botanical Garden: Managed by the Forestry Research Institute under the Council of Agriculture, the garden preserves a rich variety of plant species and is an ideal site for nature education and plant observation.
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Xinliao Waterfall: Located in the mountainous region, the Xinliao Trail is popular among hikers. Along the route, one can see valleys, forests, and cascading waterfalls—making it a favorite destination for those seeking to connect with nature.
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Dongshan Sanqing Temple and Caohu Yuzun Temple: These two important temples not only hold religious significance but also serve as cultural hubs of the region, attracting pilgrims and worshippers and highlighting the local spiritual identity.
Overall, Dongshan Township is a livable town that integrates natural landscapes, ecological education, and rural tourism. With the thriving development of leisure agriculture and ecotourism, Dongshan is gradually revealing its diverse and promising potential in tourism and development while maintaining its natural environment and quality of life.
