Dulan: The Bohemia of Taiwan's East Coast

On Provincial Highway 11, there is a place that will make you involuntarily slow down. You will see foreigners carrying guitars, barefoot artists, and Amis youths holding surfboards. This is Dulan.

Once upon a time, this was a heavily-producing brown sugar town. Today, it is Taiwan's freest and most rebellious art village. There is a famous saying: "The mountains of Dulan will stick to you," meaning many people come and never want to leave.

1. Dulan Sugar Factory Culture Park

This is the heart of Dulan.

• History: Built during the Japanese colonial period, it was once a private sugar factory. After being abandoned, artists moved in, preserving the giant chimney and wooden factory buildings.
• Dulan Small House (都蘭小房子): Located at the old weigh station, it offers super delicious burgers and brunch.
• Good Buy (好的，擺): A select shop selling handmade goods by local artists. Here you can buy unique woven bags or pottery.
• Weekend Market: There are usually live music performances on Saturdays. This is when the local Dulan vibe is at its strongest.

2. Surfing Sanctuary

Dulan is not the only surfing spot, but it has the best atmosphere.

• Location: Although Jinzun hosts the World Surf League event every year, Dulan Beach is much more suitable for beginners and intermediates.
• Season: The northeast monsoon in winter brings the best waves, but the water temperature is lower. Summer waves are gentler, suitable for novices to experience.
• WaGaLiGong: This famous surf shop/bar is a gathering place for foreign surfers, offering lessons and board rental services.

3. Moonlight Inn

• Located on the mountainside of Mount Dulan, it is a filming location for the movie The Moon Also Rises.
• Nuyao Gallery (Banshee Gallery): The second floor preserves the movie scene, while the first floor is an exhibition space and a cafe.
• View: Looking out at the Pacific Ocean from here, the sea level presents a perfect curve. The tranquility here will make you forget about time.

4. Local Music and Nightlife

Dulan's nightlife is even more exciting than its daytime.

• Dulan Sugar Factory Cafe (Highway 11): The Live Band on Saturday nights is legendary. You might hear Golden Melody Award-level aboriginal singers jamming impromptu.
• Changbin / Donghe Beef Noodle: Yes, here, even a beef noodle shop can be a place for musical exchange.

When you come to Dulan, please put your watch away. "Dulan Time" is used here—go surfing when you want to surf, and sing when you want to sing. This is not laziness; it is the highest respect for life.

If the wind and waves at the seaside are too strong, you might want to turn to the Rift Valley and seek another kind of peace in the golden waves of rice at Chishang Brown Boulevard.