Dongyan Mountain National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area is located in Fuxing District, Taoyuan City, at the end of the Xueshan Mountain Range. From Amuping in Taoyuan, the mountain silhouette resembles a reclining girl gazing eastward with her big eyes, which has made the name "Dongyanshan" widely known. The entire recreation area covers nearly 1,000 hectares, featuring a breathtaking sea of Yoshino cypress trees spanning over 300 hectares. The highest point in the area is "Dongyanshan" at an elevation of 1,212 meters, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and distant sights of Taoyuan, Sanxia, and the Tamsui River, making it an excellent spot for viewing Taoyuan's night scenery. The "Yoshino Cypress Forest" and "Sea of Clouds" are the main attractions of Dongyanshan. Due to its elevation of around 1,000 meters, the area was previously afforested, making the cedar forest the most important landscape in the park, extending for hundreds of hectares with dense, lush green trees. Because of the ample forest coverage, the area is rich in amphibian ecology, making Dongyanshan a great place for family interaction and ecological education. The terrain in the mountains is varied, and in the afternoons, clouds and mist often gather, enveloping the forest; this is the most beautiful moment at Dongyanshan, where, if lucky, one might even see a rainbow resting upon the girl's eyes. Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area has a 16-kilometer-long forest bathing trail, mainly including the "Self-guided Trail" that leads to the summit of Dongyanshan at 1,212 meters; the "Intellectual Trail" themed around forestry culture and logging; the "Parent-Child Peak Trail" at the end of the forest path, which represents a mother with her child; and the "Fossil Trail," showcasing fossil traces from about 30 million years ago. Each trail presents different ecological landscapes and forest scenery, allowing visitors to approach Dongyanshan from various angles. The best way to experience Dongyanshan is by walking along the self-guided park trail, which, including branches, is approximately 4 kilometers long. If heading toward the summit triangular point of Dongyanshan from here, the total distance is about 1.6 kilometers. Visitors can follow a guide pamphlet provided by the Forestry Bureau or navigate by signs. The trail features many informative signboards, and walking along the wooden path takes about 60 minutes to reach the summit, with rich flora and fauna along the way that immerse one in nature's beauty and the enjoyment of phytoncide SPA. At the highest point of the trail, which is 1,212 meters above sea level, there is another spectacular view from the observation platform, surrounded by mountains, which is quite refreshing. On clear days, one can even gaze out over the Taipei Basin. At the observation deck, clouds and mist occasionally drift in, creating a stunning landscape intertwined with the green hills. The Intellectual Trail, located behind the restaurant, features dense forest coverage with occasional streams flowing through, showcasing forestry culture and tools, making it the most attractive feature of the Intellectual Trail, where one can simultaneously experience the refreshing phytoncide and the immersion in historical culture.
