Dongyan Mountain National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
The Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area is located in the Fuxing District of Taoyuan City, at the tail end of the Xueshan Mountain range. From the perspective of Amuping in Taoyuan, the mountain resembles a reclining girl gazing east with large eyes, which is how it got its name, "Dongyanshan." The entire recreation area covers nearly 1,000 hectares and features a spectacular forest of more than 300 hectares of Cryptomeria japonica. The highest point in the area is Dongyanshan, standing at an elevation of 1,212 meters, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, as well as distant sights of Taoyuan, Sanxia, and the Tamsui River. It is also a great spot for viewing the nightscape of Taoyuan. The most prominent features of Dongyanshan are its "Cryptomeria Forest" and "Sea of Clouds." At an altitude of around 1,000 meters, the area was previously a reforested site, making the Cryptomeria forest the most significant landscape within the park, stretching for hundreds of hectares and filled with dense, lush trees. Thanks to the rich forest coverage, the area boasts a diverse amphibian ecosystem, making Dongyanshan an excellent place for family interaction and ecological education. The mountainous terrain is varied, often shrouded in mist during the afternoons, creating the most beautiful moments at Dongyanshan. On lucky days, one might even spot a rainbow resting upon the girl’s eyes. Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area features a 16-kilometer forest bathing trail network comprising four main hiking trails: the "Self-guided Trail," which leads to the peak of Dongyanshan at 1,212 meters; the "Intellectual Trail," themed around forestry culture and logging exhibits; the "Parent-Child Peak Trail," which resembles a mother and child; and the "Fossil Trail," showcasing fossils from about 30 million years ago. Each trail offers unique ecological landscapes and forest scenery, allowing visitors to experience Dongyanshan from various perspectives. The best way to explore Dongyanshan is by walking the self-guided park trail, which is about 4 kilometers long, and leads to the Dongyanshan main peak triangle point in approximately 1.6 kilometers. Along the way, visitors can follow a guide brochure provided by the Forestry Bureau or navigate using the signs. The trail features numerous informative signboards with illustrations, and walking along the wooden paths will take about 60 minutes to reach the summit. The rich flora and fauna along the way immerse you in the joys of nature and the pleasures of phytoncide SPA. At the peak, which stands at 1,212 meters, visitors can enjoy another stunning perspective, as the surrounding mountains present a refreshing sight. On clear days, one can even see the Taipei Basin from the viewing platform; clouds and mist occasionally drift in, intertwining with the green mountainous landscape to create breathtaking views. The Intellectual Trail, located behind the restaurant, is densely wooded with small streams flowing through and showcases forestry culture and machinery, making it particularly captivating. Here, visitors can simultaneously experience the refreshing phytoncides of nature and the immersion in historical culture.
