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MAGAZINE, June 2007.
Words & Pictures by the Dongshih
Forest District Office, Forestry Bureau
Translated by Ann Lee
Website: http://dongshih.forest.gov.tw
Reservations (04) 2522-9696, (04) 2522-9797
For online reservations, http://tsfs.forest.gov.tw
All recreation areas listed below open from 8 am-5 pm |
Mt.
Hehuan National Forest Recreation Area
Mt. Hehuan, once a bleak and indistinct
hunting ground for Atayal Aborigines, is now the most
distinguished snow-viewing resort in Taiwan. When the
Central Cross-Island Highway was built in 1956, the
area from Wushe to Dayu Summit was also developed. The
easiest way to get there is through 14 Taiwan Provincial
Highway Chia. Due to its unique geography, topography
and the traveling convenience provided by the Central
Cross-Island Expressway, Hehuan quickly became a well-frequented
tourist area. With the massif of Mt. Hehuan and Cilai
Twin Peaks, the recreation area is also popular among
hikers.
Mt. Hehuan Forest Recreational Area
ranges in altitude from 2,750 to 3,421 (East Peak) meters.
The area has a highland climate that varies greatly
from day to night. Unique geological features at the
park include steep rock walls and a significant valley
with the massif of Cilai Twin Peaks visible in the east.
Plentiful dwarf bamboo fields intermingle with hemlocks
and firs, in sharp contrast to the snowy landscape.
During the winter, snow accumulates in the Hehuan Valley
and East Peak, making them perfect locations for skiing.
Mt. Hehuan Forest Recreational Area
(049)280-2732 |
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Wuling
National Forest Recreation Area
The Wuling National Forest Recreation
Area, located northeast of Heping Township in Taichung
County, is surrounded by SheiPa National Park and the
Wuling Taiwan Trout Nature Reserve. It is a forest recreation
area that's great for enjoying nature and learning about
forestry. This area houses Taiwan's second highest peak,
Syueshan (Snow Mtn.), and includes a total area of 3,760
hectares. Other special scenery includes Cijiawan Creek,
Taoshan Waterfall, a highland meadow, a white wood forest,
broken ridges, cirques, and mountain peaks that face
Mt. Dabajian and the Central Mountains.
Rare landlocked Masu Salmon (Taiwan
trout) can be seen near the Wuling Bridge. Tourists
can enjoy beautiful Linyin flowers on a peaceful walk
through the forest trail along this bridge (4.5 kilometers),
which is a perfect stroll for early birds in the morning.
The far end of the forest trail leads to the 50-meter-tall
Taoshan Waterfall. The falls' foggy surroundings will
give you the feeling of relaxing in a forest spa. To
reach the recreational area, go on the Yilan branch
of the Central Cross-Island Highway, take the road that
leads to Wuling Farm and drive for another 30 kilometers.
Wuling National Forest Recreation Area,
(04) 2590-1020
Tickets: Adults NT$160, Children NT$80, large vehicles
NT$80, small vehicles NT$50, scooters NT$10. |
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Dasyueshan
National Forest Recreation Area
Located in Heping Township of Taichung
County, Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area has
the best primeval natural surroundings of the forest
in Taiwan. It is also easy to get to; just go about
31 kilometers past Dongshi when taking the Da Syue Shan
Forest Road. Geographically speaking, this area has
a great advantage; it is a place where clouds and mists
prevail, (with altitudes from 1,800 to 2,500 meters)
and forest vegetation is distributed across four forest
belts, leaving tourists with a great view. Along with
an ever-changing climate and amazing sunrise and sunset
views, Dasyueshan Forest Recreational Area has diverse
and abundant forestry resources, provides a good nurturing
environment for wild birds, and is also great for activities
such as bird watching, hiking, appreciating great views,
immersing in the natural surroundings of the forest
and observing the ecological dispersion of plants and
animals. The world's largest Taiwan Cypress (Hinoki)
trees are also grown in the area. All roads connecting
to Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area only allow
vehicles with 20 people or less, so bigger groups with
larger vehicles are prohibited. Making reservations
ahead of time will make the trip a little easier and
answer many questions about the area.
Dasyueshan Forest Recreational Area,
(04) 2587-7901
Tickets: Children NT$100, Adults NT$200, weekdays &
group tickets for 20 or more NT$150 each, cars NT$100,
scooters NT$20. |
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Basianshan
National Forest Recreation Area
Located in Heping Township, close to the Guguan Hot
Springs, Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area
is filled with lush forests and a refreshing climate.
Both Shiwen and Jibao creeks are within this recreation
area and provide tranquil waters for visitors to enjoy,
making Basianshan a great place for activities like
bird-watching, mountain-climbing, hiking, and enjoying
great natural surroundings of the forest. Basianshan,
along with Taipingshan and Mt. Ali, have the reputation
as Taiwan's three main forestry centers. To promote
the park's abundant biological resources, the park area
established a tourist information center, an ecological
classroom, a plant specimen garden, and numerous immerse
in the natural surroundings of the forest trails (Evergreen,
Health, and Challenge). Further environmental educational
programs are planned for the near future as well. The
park has a lodge and restaurant that accommodates up
to 100 people. The diverse menu items will keep hungry
hikers satisfied. For overnight visitors, the lodge
offers small wooden cabins, honeymoon houses, and the
Basian Cottages. The facility can provide accommodations
for up to 160 people. Basianshan is 33 kilometers past
the DuMing Bridge on Taiwan's Number 8 Provincial highway.
Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area
(04) 2595-1214
Tickets: Children NT$75, Adults NT$150,
Weekdays/adults & groups of 20 or more NT$100, cars
NT$100, scooters NT$20
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