Travel Guide to What What Wanyi (什麼玩藝), Yilan County

Introduction

Nestled in the quiet green countryside of Sanxing Township, Yilan, What What Wanyi (什麼玩藝) is a charming family-run homestyle hotel that offers a gentle escape from the crowded tourist hubs of Taiwan. Far from the hustle of Taipei, this cozy property leans into Yilan’s signature laid-back rural vibe, making it ideal for weekend getaways with kids, group trips with friends, or anyone looking to slow down amid rice paddies and mountain breezes. Whether you’re here to explore local farms, sample famous Sanxing green onions, or just unwind on a sunlit terrace, this hotel positions you perfectly to experience the best of western Yilan.

Hotel Overview

What What Wanyi is located at No. 52, Lane 291, Dapu Middle Road, Sanxing Township, Datun Village, Yilan County, a quiet residential lane surrounded by farmland that feels worlds away from busy downtown areas. The property caters perfectly to families and small groups, with spacious non-smoking, soundproofed family rooms that include sofa beds and fold-out beds for extra guests. All rooms come with air conditioning, heating, a private entrance, flat-screen TV, and free WiFi that works across the entire property. Private in-room bathrooms include all essentials: free toiletries, a hair dryer, towels, slippers, and a standing shower. Outside, guests can enjoy a sunlit terrace, garden, and shared barbecue facilities for evening cookouts with friends. On-site amenities include free public street parking, daily housekeeping, private check-in/check-out, a shared guest lounge, and a designated smoking area. The only thing to note is that staff only speak Chinese, so having a translation app handy is helpful for international guests.

Nearby Attractions

Three unmissable local spots are just a short drive from the hotel: First, Sanxing Green Onion Culture Museum is 10 minutes away by car. This quirky, family-friendly museum teaches visitors about Yilan’s most famous agricultural export, with hands-on experiences like picking your own green onions and making delicious scallion pancakes from scratch. Second, Jimmy’s Moon Bus at Luodong Forestry Culture Garden is 15 minutes from the hotel. This whimsical open-air art installation inspired by local illustrator Jimmy Liao is set in a renovated historic forestry park, perfect for a casual stroll and dreamy photo opportunities. Third, Yilan Cyuanji Temple (also known as the Snout Temple) in nearby Dongshan is 20 minutes away. This one-of-a-kind Taoist temple is famous for its hundreds of carved pig heads offered by pilgrims, offering a unique glimpse into local folk religion.

Travel Tips

Book your stay in advance, especially during Yilan’s hot spring season (winter) and harvest festivals (fall), when rooms fill up quickly. If you plan to use the barbecue facilities, ask the staff when you book to confirm availability and bring your own ingredients, as the nearest full-service supermarket is a 10-minute drive into central Sanxing. Bring layers: Yilan’s countryside can get cool in the evenings even during summer, and the large garden means more mosquitoes, so pack bug spray for late nights on the terrace. A car or scooter is highly recommended, as the hotel is in a rural area with limited public transit, and parking is free and easy.