Qilan Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Qilan Forest Recreation Area is located in Touting Village, Datong Township, approximately 38 kilometers away from Yilan City. It is a must-visit place when traveling to Taipingshan and Lishan. The park features several facilities, including the former residence of President Chiang Kai-shek, a flower and tree viewing area, and forest bath walking trails. The European-style Qilan Mountain Villa and the cottages in the woods provide a comfortable accommodation environment for visitors. The area is rich with flowers and trees, with plum, cherry, apricot, peach, and mountain cherry blossoms planted along the trails, blooming with the seasons and adding vibrant colors that enhance the romantic atmosphere. Especially in spring, when the cherry blossoms bloom, it attracts many tourists to enjoy the scenery. The Ancient Tree Garden within Qilan Forest Recreation Area is home to the largest cluster of giant trees in Taiwan, making it definitely worth a visit. Each of these trees is over 400 years old and is named after famous figures from ancient Chinese history according to their age. Among the 51 giant trees, all except for the four cypress trees named after Zheng Chenggong, Zhu Xi, Guan Yu, and Yue Fei, are red cypress. Besides flower viewing and visiting the Ancient Tree Garden, don’t forget to taste the local specialty, Lion's Mane mushroom, to make your trip worthwhile.
