Yilan Luodong One-Day Itinerary Guide4 Stops: Food, DIY, and Coffee — A Perfect Day Trip

Start your day trip simply with a comforting bowl of hot congee at Caigenxiang Noodle & Congee Shop. Located in downtown Luodong, this long-standing local favorite is a small venue, but its clean, warm atmosphere feels just like returning to Grandma's kitchen. The menu focuses on noodles, congee, and small dishes, all seemingly simple yet perfectly flavored—a light, stomach-warming, and comforting choice.

For first-time visitors, the poached chicken is a must-try. The fragrant chicken oil and tender, springy meat pair perfectly with either a bowl of braised pork rice or dry noodles. The duck blood and tofu is another dish that, despite its homey appearance, is impossible to stop eating once you start. The duck blood is silky smooth, the tofu soaks up the broth, and the soup has a hint of spice and garlic—it's unbeatable when mixed with rice! More than a fancy brunch, this is an everyday delight that makes you feel like today is a good day, a wonderfully home-style start to your outing!

Caigenxiang Noodle & Congee Shop

• Address: 宜蘭縣羅東鎮天津路22號
• Hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–20:00 (Closed Mondays)
• Average Spend: $200-$400

After a satisfying meal, it's the perfect time for something sweet, cold, and delightful to recharge — and that's where Xindi Bing Shi comes in! This charming, retro ice venue transports you straight into a 1980s time capsule the moment you step inside. It's like an illuminated vintage storybook, with mosaic tiles, classic ice cream freezers, and nostalgic signs sending you back to the Taiwanese youth of the 80s and 90s.

The venue specializes in Japanese shaved ice and traditional snowflake ice, with a wide array of flavors ranging from mango and matcha to classic red bean. Each bowl is crafted with care, so beautiful you'll want to snap a photo the moment it arrives! We recommend ordering a few different flavors with friends to share. The signature Matcha Red Bean or Milk Snowflake Ice are highly recommended — they're sweet but not cloying, generous in portion yet light on the palate, and incredibly photogenic. The freshly kneaded handmade tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) also left a deep impression; it's been a long time since we've had tangyuan so soft and chewy without sticking to your teeth. A bite of ice followed by a bite of tangyuan elevates the snowflake ice experience to another level!

The air conditioning inside is wonderfully comfortable. If you're like me and love to schedule a relaxing break during your travels, this is the perfect spot to sit for an hour, enjoy some dessert, rest your feet, and slow down the pace of your journey.

Xindi Bing Shi
Address: No. 117-1, Linsen Rd, Luodong Township, Yilan County
Hours: 12:00–19:00 (Closed Tuesdays)
Average Spend: $200

Beyond photos, a tangible souvenir makes travel memories even more vivid, and the sandblasted cup DIY at Da Fong Chui Handcraft Workshop is a highly popular experience in Yilan. It's truly enjoyable, and both adults and children can easily get the hang of it!

On-site instructors will guide you through applying stencils, scraping designs, and using the sandblasting machine. While it might sound complex, the actual process is surprisingly simple and therapeutic. From choosing a design and applying stickers to the final sandblasting, watching the glass transform from transparent to a frosted pattern is incredibly satisfying. The finished glass cup is of exceptionally high quality—you'll want to use it every day once you take it home.

The most significant commemorative value of sandblasting lies in personalizing your glass with your own story—pets, special dates, or symbols—creating a truly unique cup. The entire experience takes about an hour, a perfect pace for a trip, neither too long nor too rushed. The sense of accomplishment upon completion is immense, and taking your own creation home makes the whole journey even more meaningful.

Da Fong Chui Handcraft Workshop

• Address: 宜蘭縣冬山鄉光華三路129 號
• Hours: 09:00–17:30 (Tuesdays until 17:00; closed Wednesdays and Thursdays)

To cap off your Yilan day trip, a visit to To Light Coffee Roasters is a must. Tucked away in an alley, this charming venue blends Japanese aesthetics with a natural, serene vibe. Sunlight streams through the windows, bathing the interior in warmth, while the aroma of coffee fills the air—it’s the perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon.

The venue roasts its own beans, resulting in clean, complex flavors that will captivate even those who don’t typically drink coffee. And the desserts are another highlight: from tiramisu and lemon tart to chocolate cake and cinnamon rolls, every item we tried was exceptional, making it impossible to pick a favorite. Paired with a pour-over or latte, it’s the ideal afternoon tea.

To Light Coffee Roasters is the kind of venue you won’t want to leave, making it a perfect final stop to savor the day’s memories over a cup of coffee.

巷光咖啡 To Light Coffee Roasters

• Address: No. 22, Gongzheng St, Luodong Township, Yilan County
• Hours: 09:00–18:00 (closed Tuesdays)
• Average Spend: $200-$400