Your guide to the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame FestivalIs the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival worth visiting? 2025 dates, tickets, and location at a glance
This comprehensive guide to the 2025 Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival covers everything you need to know: dates, location, transportation, ticket deals, facility highlights, performance schedules, and recommendations for nearby accommodations, dining, and attractions. Whether it's your first time attending or you're a returning visitor, you'll find all the essential pre-trip information to plan an exciting and unforgettable family summer getaway.
Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival Introduction
Founded in 1996, the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival is a major parent-child event held every summer at Dongshan River Water Park, and one of Taiwan's most iconic summer activities. Centered on exhibitions, performances, games, and cultural exchange, it is the only large-scale international festival in Taiwan with "children" and "children's games" as its theme. It is also Asia's first folk arts festival focused on "children" to be certified by the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF®), which is in partnership with UNESCO.
✦2025 Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival: Dates and Location
- Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival Dates: July 5 (Sat) – August 17 (Sun), 2025
- Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival Location: Dongshan River Water Park (No. 2, Section 2, Qinhe Road, Wujie Township, Yilan County)
✦2025 Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival Highlights
The 2025 Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival, themed "Childlike Heart, Infinite Play, 30 Years," symbolizes more than just a celebration; it's a wonderland that transcends age, generations, and cultures, creating boundless joy. This year, in addition to marking its 30th anniversary milestone, the festival has collaborated with renowned Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, combining his iconic "Rubber Duck" with the classic IP "Snoopy" to create a giant inflatable "Snoopy Duck" that is absolutely adorable!
Getting to the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival
The Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival, held annually during summer, draws increasing crowds each year. To ease traffic congestion, organizers strongly encourage visitors to use public transportation, which is both eco-friendly and convenient. Those who take designated intercity buses to the park can even enjoy exclusive discounts: weekday tickets for $200 and weekend tickets for $300, simply by presenting their bus ticket stub. There are several ways to get to Dongshan River Water Park, and Twosevenths has compiled three options. Whether you prefer the flexibility of driving, the efficiency and affordability of intercity buses, or the relaxed pace of train travel with shuttle connections, you can choose the option that best suits your needs and fully enjoy the water fun, performances, and festive summer atmosphere!
✦Driving
You can reach the park via National Highway 5 (Luodong Interchange) or Provincial Highway 2 (Coastal Highway). Paid parking is available at both entrances (NT$100 for large vehicles, NT$50 for small vehicles, NT$20 for motorcycles).
✦By Coach
From Taipei, you can take Capital Bus 1570, Kamalan Bus 1917, Metropolitan Bus 9028, or Kuo-Kuang Bus 1879 directly to the park. For detailed bus schedules, please refer to the official website.
✦By Train
From the rear exit of Luodong Train Station, take Capital Bus 241 or Taiwan Tour Bus Winter Wonderland Line from Luodong Transfer Station to Dongshan River Water Park. Alternatively, take Kamalan Bus 621 to Dapu Bridge Station, then walk approximately 7 minutes to the rear entrance of Dongshan River Water Park.
From the front exit of Luodong Train Station, take Kuo-Kuang Bus 1797 from the Kuo-Kuang Bus Station on Gongzheng Road to Dongshan River Water Park.
2025 Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival Tickets
The 2025 Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival offers a diverse range of tickets, from single-entry weekday and weekend passes to the newly introduced evening "Starlight" tickets, as well as multi-entry festival passports and even value-added packages that combine local attractions. Whether you're planning a day trip or want to visit multiple times throughout the summer, you'll find the perfect option. Twosevenths has compiled the following information on ticket types and discounts to help you choose easily and enjoy the entire summer.
✦Single-Visit Pass Form
| Ticket Sales Period | Ticket Type | Ticket Price | Applicable To | |
| Weekday Ticket | Holiday Ticket | |||
|
Presale Period (5/1-7/5) |
Presale Individual Ticket | $200 | $300 | General Public |
| Presale Child Ticket | $100 | $200 | Children aged 6-12 or 115-150 cm tall | |
| Event Period | Individual Ticket | $250 | $350 | General Public |
| Concession Ticket | $200 | $350 |
|
|
| Child Ticket | $100 | $200 | Children aged 6-12 or 115-150 cm tall | |
| Starlight Ticket | $100 | $100 | Sold from 6 PM; last ticket sales at 7 PM | |
There have been some price adjustments:
1. The holiday concession ticket price has increased from $250 to $350.
2. Starlight tickets are now available for the first time at $100 (sales begin at 6 PM, with the last ticket sales at the venue at 7 PM).
✦Children's Play Passport (Multi-Use Ticket)
| Ticket Sales Period | Passport Type | Ticket Price | Applicable To | |
|
Presale Period (5/1-7/5) |
General | Non-County Resident | $400 | General public not registered in Yilan County |
| County Resident | $100 | Limited to current residents of Yilan County or those with ID numbers starting with G | ||
| Junior High & Elementary Students | Non-County Resident | $100 | Junior high and elementary students | |
| County Resident | $100 | |||
|
Event Period (7/6-8/18) |
General | Non-County Resident | $500 | General public not registered in Yilan County |
| County Resident | $400 | Limited to current residents of Yilan County or those with ID numbers starting with G | ||
| Junior High & Elementary Students | Non-County Resident | $400 | Non-Yilan County residents | |
| County Resident | $200 | Limited to junior high and elementary students who are current residents of Yilan County or whose ID numbers start with G | ||
2025 Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival: Facilities and Activities
The Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival, beloved by adults and children alike, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with a fully upgraded program of water activities, exhibitions, aerial displays, and performances. New highlights include the incredibly cute "Snoopy Duck" art installation and the "Childlike Flight" dual zipline, making its debut this year. Whether you want to run wild in the water, experience the thrill of flying through the air, enjoy spectacular performances, or capture unforgettable memories, the 2025 Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival offers the most vibrant and diverse summer experience!
✦Children's Games and Activities
The diverse water facilities will keep you playing all day, with so much to explore. The "Time Castle" combines a five-story waterslide with an LED interactive wall, fountains, and a water maze, offering the thrill of a rapid three-story descent. "Whale Adventure" is a whale-shaped bodyboarding wave machine that makes you feel like you're tumbling in giant waves. "Rainforest Traverse" is an immersive waterway adventure, transporting you to a tropical secret realm. There are also dedicated family-friendly splash zones: "Sprite's Leap Island" and "Little Bay."
✦Games at the Yilan Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival
This year's Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival also features an AI interactive game, "Time-Space Adventure: The Legend of Kavalan." Using VR, motion sensing, and other interactive technologies, you transform into a warrior, stepping through a time portal to embark on an adventure. Explore Yilan's culture and natural beauty through multi-sensory experiences, engage in various time-space competitions, and enjoy the blended fun of ancient and modern eras.
✦Children's Folklore Festival Performances
This year's International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival amplifies its global reach, inviting 28 folk art performance troupes from at least 23 countries, including Greece for the first time. Over the years, the festival has hosted participants from 100 countries, marking a significant milestone in its internationalization! Beyond that, the festival boasts a rich program of international-level professional highlight performances, parade floats, and a magical light and shadow show with stunning sound and visual effects. This extraordinary artistic spectacle is an absolute must-see.
Common FAQs for the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival
To make the most of your trip to the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival, Twosevenths has compiled a guide to common questions and important tips. This will help you plan your visit, avoid pitfalls, and have a fantastic time!
✦Yes, you should wear a swimsuit to the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival.
For water facilities (such as the tube slides inside Time Castle), swimsuits are required. We also advise against wearing jeans in the water. For other facilities, you may prepare according to your personal needs, and we recommend bringing a change of clothes.
✦Yes, there are hair dryers available at the Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival.
Yes, there are coin-operated hair dryers available for visitors in the changing rooms within the park.
✦Yes, you can ride bicycles in the Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival park.
Bicycles are not permitted inside the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival park.
✦Pets are not allowed in the water at the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival.
Pets are welcome in the park, but they are not allowed in the water facilities or any of the exhibition halls. You can use the pet boarding area next to Restroom No. 6.
✦Yes, you can rent inner tubes at the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival.
There are no swim rings available for rent, so we recommend bringing your own. The service desk can inflate large swim rings for you.
✦Yes, you can bring a tent to the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival.
There are no specific restrictions on bringing items, as long as they do not obstruct pathways or inconvenience others.
Where to Stay for the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival
A comfortable stay is essential for any trip to Yilan, especially when planning a visit to the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival. This year, the Yilan County Government is offering a "Children's Festival 30th Anniversary Accommodation Fun" special: stay at any legal Yilan accommodation, and for every NT$2,000 spent, you can redeem one Children's Festival ticket. Spend NT$4,000 for two tickets, and so on—the more you stay, the more tickets you receive, effectively saving you the cost of admission. Twosevenths has also curated three top Yilan accommodations for the Children's Festival, ensuring you have a relaxing and secure place to rest after a day of fun.
✦Tong Wan Qu Parent-Child B&B
Just a five-minute drive from the Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival, this venue is a popular choice for families attending the festival. Each room features adorable themed decor, delighting children with popular characters like Mario, Hello Kitty, Totoro, and Snoopy. Plus, every room comes equipped with a slide and a ball pit, ensuring kids have endless fun and burn off plenty of energy.
✦CHECK inn MAGI Kids
This play paradise is designed for families with children aged 0–8. The hotel's exterior, a vibrant landmark, is themed around a "log pond," "stacked building blocks," "retro toy train," and a "treehouse secret base." Inside, you'll find over 350 ping of indoor parent-child play areas, featuring nearly 50 electric cars, a 200-meter circular car track, a slide over two stories high, and age-segregated play zones. It's the ideal choice if you're looking for accommodation during the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival where kids can have a blast and adults can relax.
✦Songfeng Hostel
This accommodation in Wujie Township, Yilan, near Luodong city center, is an excellent choice for families visiting the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival. It features the "Song'erle Parent-Child Center," specifically designed for families, offering a wealth of playroom facilities including a ball pit, pretend play area, grass sledding ramp, and a mini climbing wall, along with DIY craft activities to keep children entertained all day long! Additionally, there's a sprawling infinity pool perfect for the whole family to relax and unwind.
Food around the Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival
No trip to the annual Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival is complete without a deep dive into the local cuisine! The festival grounds are in Dongshan, a charming riverside area that's also a hidden foodie paradise. You'll find everything from local specialty snacks to delightful desserts.
✦Dongshan Fish Ball Rice Noodles
Dongshan, a major rice-producing area, is home to many local rice noodle delicacies, and this popular old venue is the perfect place to enjoy a bowl after visiting the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival. Made with local rice, the thick rice noodles are chewy and fragrant, paired with sweet and firm handmade fish balls. The broth, rich with dried shrimp and chives, is light and refreshing. A simple yet warming bowl of classic rice noodle soup is the most comforting local flavor.
- Address: No. 19, Chengxing Rd., Dongshan Township, Yilan County
- Hours: 09:00–19:30
✦Naniwaharu Kakigori Honten
This shaved ice venue, famous for its vibrant Ryukyu Okinawan-style decor and the adorable "Yaeyama Rainbow Bear A-kun," has expanded from Hualien to Dongshan, Yilan. Every bite offers a delightful surprise for both the eyes and the palate, making it the perfect dreamy choice to beat the heat.
- Address: No. 16, Alley 4, Lane 158, Guangxing Road, Dongshan Township, Yilan County
- Hours: Weekdays 13:00-18:00 (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays), Weekends 13:00-19:00
✦Xiaohua Village Handmade Rice Cake Shop
This incredibly popular venue makes all its traditional rice cakes (guǒ) from pure rice, with no added flour. The result is a chewy, soft texture with a subtle rice aroma. Each bite offers a pure, sweet flavor and satisfying chewiness—a simple yet heartwarming local taste that has become a must-try when visiting Dongshan.
- Address: No. 209, Dongshan Rd, Dongshan Township, Yilan County
- Hours: 10:00-17:00 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
✦Daoshan Stinky Tofu
This unassuming tin-roofed venue has already gone viral in local groups for its "Four-Layer Supreme Tofu Bricks." The stinky tofu here is fried in three stages at different oil temperatures, resulting in a crispy exterior, tender interior, and a surprisingly rich soybean aroma in every bite. What's truly unique is the two types of kimchi offered: perilla plum kimchi and white grape pineapple kimchi. Paired with the stinky tofu, they add incredible layers of flavor. Beyond the delicious food, this is also a popular photo spot: the entrance features a decorative "knife mountain" and a "wok" installation, and you can even climb a "knife ladder" for photos, offering both creativity and interactive fun.
- Address: No. 113, Lude Rd, Dongshan Township, Yilan County
- Hours: 11:00-18:00
Yilan Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival: A Two-Day Itinerary
Make the most of the Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival with a two-day, one-night getaway! Twosevenths has curated an itinerary centered around the festival, ensuring a summer trip that's both fulfilling and unforgettable. Come create vibrant childhood memories in Yilan!
✦Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival Itinerary: Day 1
Arrive in Yilan → Starry Dream Forest Theater → Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival → Stroll along Dongshan River Trail / Luodong Night Market
✦Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival Itinerary: Day 2
Option 1: Yilan Museum of Literature and History → Orange Country Preserved Fruit Museum → Head home happy
Option 2: National Center for Traditional Arts day trip → Head home happy
Final Thoughts
This is your complete guide to the 2025 Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival! Twosevenths has compiled all the essential details on event dates, location, transportation, ticket discounts, facility highlights, performance must-sees, accommodation recommendations, and local cuisine, so you have everything you need at your fingertips.
The Children's Folklore & Folkgame Festival is not just a fantastic choice for family outings; it's a summer paradise where both adults and children can unwind and have a blast. From thrilling water attractions to stunning art installations and diverse performances, you can also explore Yilan's beautiful scenery and delicious local snacks, making your summer truly unforgettable. Start planning now and seize this lively and colorful festival time with family and friends!
For more Yilan itinerary ideas, check out our guides to free family attractions in Yilan and Yilan rainy day activities to enrich your trip.
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