Museum
Former Yilan Prison
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The Former Yilan Prison, built in 1896 during Japanese rule, operated as a correctional facility until the 1990s. Now a museum, it offers a stark look at prison life with original cellblocks, solitary confinement rooms, and watchtowers open to visitors. Exhibits detail the prison's history, notable inmates, and changes in Taiwan's penal system. The eerie atmosphere and preserved graffiti on cell walls provide a hauntingly authentic experience.
Don't miss
- Walk through the narrow, dark solitary confinement cells with original iron doors.
- See the guard tower and learn about prison security methods from the Japanese era.
- Read inmate-carved messages and artwork still visible on cell walls.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Former Yilan Prison
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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