The 2026 228 Long Weekend (Feb 27 – Mar 1) is approaching. Instead of being trapped in the traffic jams of the Hsuehshan Tunnel, why not switch to the scenic provincial highway alternatives and explore slow-living hidden gems like Beiguan, Yulan, and Sanxing Cherry Blossom Park? Let the Sunshine Assistant help you bypass the crowds with precision, saving your holiday time for true surprises and high-quality experiences.228 連假不塞車攻略
Traffic-Free Network: Slow Travel Proposals for Provincial Highways 2 and 9
To avoid congestion on National Highway 5 during the 2026 long weekend, smart drivers will choose Provincial Highway 9 (Beiyi Highway) or Provincial Highway 2 (Coastal Highway). In 2026, the Highway Bureau fully optimized its smart traffic display system. It is recommended to avoid southbound peak hours on the morning of Feb 27 and northbound High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) periods on the afternoon of Mar 1. Driving on Beiyi Highway allows you to overlook the Lanyang Plain from Shipai County Boundary Park, while the Coastal Highway offers constant views of the deep blue Pacific. If the Hsuehshan Tunnel backup exceeds 5km, switching to provincial roads not only offers driving pleasure but also saves you from the frustration of highway gridlock. These two routes are often dotted with mountain cherry blossoms in spring, turning the commute into a visual feast—a top choice for seasoned travelers.台 2 線與台 9 線的慢遊提案
【Information Overview】
Official Website: Freeway Bureau Real-Time Traffic Info Phone: 1968 (Traffic Inquiry Hotline) Address: National Highway 5 Alternative Routes (Provincial Highways 9 & 2) Transportation: Connect to Highway 9 from Xindian, or Highway 2 from Keelung/Ruifang toward Toucheng.
Beiguan Tidal Park: The Magnificent Tides of Lanyang's Top Scenery
This is the most representative coastal terrain of the Northeast Coast, featuring a grand landscape of reefs, arches, and crashing waves. It is one of the national-level geological parks. The trails are flat and easy to walk, making it perfect for families or simple outings. Visiting in the early morning during the 228 period offers a chance to see the famous "Guishan Sunrise." The atmosphere here is primitive and quiet, with ancient forts telling stories of history and the sound of waves washing over the soul—the best spot to listen to the sea far from the hustle and bustle.
北關海潮公園Photo by mandy__linnn北關海潮公園Photo by yu_zhen11.13
Wanglongpi: The Emerald Lake and Red Nine-Turn Bridge Hidden in Yuanshan
Around noon, you can head to Wanglongpi. The lake's emerald hue, surrounded by lush vegetation, sees fewer noisy tourists, making it suitable for quiet strolling, relaxing, and photography. A loop around the lake takes about 20 minutes—a tranquil forest healing journey. It is an excellent spot to avoid crowds and take picturesque photos.
望龍埤 Photo by chenmitun望龍埤Photo by hu_queenie_
【Wanglongpi Information Overview】
Travelogue: Autumn Yilan Walk: A Micro-Trip of Bald Cypress and Rural Light Hours: Open 24 hours Address: No. 42, Pocheng Rd., Yuanshan Township, Yilan County Self-Drive: Exit Yilan Interchange toward Yuanshan; follow navigation for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Yulan Tea Garden: Tea Fragrance and Mountain Views Amidst Clouds and Mist
Located in Datong Township, Yulan Tea Garden features blooming cherry blossoms and fresh air in spring. Walking along the tea garden paths offers views of the Lanyang River Valley and surrounding mountains. The trails are gentle and the scenery pleasant, making it a great spot for seniors to walk. Drive home relaxed; if the journey is long, feel free to take a thoughtful break midway.玉蘭茶園Photo by lililililil530
【Yulan Tea Garden Overview】
Official Website: Yulan Tea Garden Phone: 03-980-1896 Parking: Free parking lot available on-site Address: No. 80, Yulan, Songluo Village, Datong Township, Yilan County Transportation: Accessible by car or motorcycle
Sanxing Cherry Blossom Park: A Pink Tunnel Exclusive to 228
The highlight of the 2026 228 holiday is undoubtedly the pink feast at Sanxing Cherry Blossom Park. Late February marks the peak blooming period, where soft pink petals weave into a dreamlike tunnel. Compared to the crowded cherry blossom spots in the north, this location offers much more space for photography.三星櫻花公園photo by aiwei_o
【Sanxing Cherry Blossom Park Information Overview】
Hours: Open 24 hours Address: Next to Highway 7C, Sanxing Township, Yilan County (Sanxing Cherry Blossom Park) Transportation: Driving is recommended; take Highway 7C toward Changpi Lake.
228 Holiday Travel FAQ
Q1: When are the most congested times for National Highway 5 in Yilan during the 2026 228 holiday? A: Peaks usually occur on the first morning (Feb 27) for southbound traffic and the final afternoon/evening (Mar 1) for northbound traffic. It is advised to avoid these peaks or use provincial highways.
Q2: What are the HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) regulations for the 228 holiday? A: Controls are typically from 13:00 to 18:00 (for northbound traffic). Small vehicles with fewer than three passengers should avoid these times or use Highways 9 and 2.
Q3: Is there a transportation advantage to taking public transit to Yilan? A: Yes. National Highway 5 has dedicated bus lanes. During congested hours, buses are usually 30+ minutes faster than driving and save you the trouble of finding parking.
Q4: What are the recommended dining strategies in Yilan during the holiday? A: We suggest "off-peak dining" (e.g., 11:00 or 14:00) or avoiding core areas like Jiaoxi and Luodong, heading instead to peripheral townships like Dongshan or Zhuangwei.
Q5: How can I stay updated on traffic conditions to avoid getting stuck? A: We recommend downloading the "1968" Freeway App and listening to the Police Broadcasting Service (PBS) for real-time updates on incidents and HOV status.
The quality of a trip often depends on your control of the rhythm. During the 2026 228 holiday, while most are waiting anxiously on the highway, you could already be listening to the waves at Beiguan or sipping tea in Yulan. Avoiding traffic is not just a choice of route—it is an expression of lifestyle. We hope this crowd-avoidance guide ensures your Yilan trip is filled with beautiful memories of mountains, seas, and tea fragrance, rather than just waiting in lines.
cover photo by aiwei_o
More Yilan/Hualien/Taitung Travel Information for Quick Planning:
