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 looking east with big eyes, hence the name "Dongyanshan" became widely known. The entire recreation area covers nearly 1,000 hectares, featuring a stunning sea of Taiwan incense cedar trees that stretches over 300 hectares. Within the area, Dongyanshan, at an elevation of 1,212 meters, is the highest point, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, as well as sights over Taoyuan, Sanxia, and the Tamsui River, making it a great spot for enjoying the night view of Taoyuan. The greatest features of Dongyanshan are the "Cedar Forest" and "Sea of Clouds." With an altitude of around 1,000 meters, the area was once a reforestation site and has thus become heavily populated with cedar trees, making this forest the most important landscape in the recreation area, which extends for hundreds of hectares, lush and verdant. Due to the good coverage of the forest, the area is rich in amphibian ecology, making Dongyanshan an excellent place for family interaction and ecological education. The terrain in the mountainous area is varied, and during the afternoons, clouds and mist often gather among the forests, creating the most beautiful moments at Dongyanshan. If fortunate, one may even witness a rainbow falling upon the girl's eyes. Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area features a 16-kilometer long forest bath trail system, which includes the "Self-guided Trail" that leads to the main peak of Dongyanshan, standing at an elevation of 1,212 meters; the "Intellectual Trail" themed around forestry culture and logging exhibitions; the "Parent-Child Peak Trail" at the end of the forest road, resembling a caring mother with her child; and the "Fossil Trail," showcasing trace fossils from around 30 million years ago, among others. Each trail offers different ecological landscapes and forest scenery, allowing visitors to experience Dongyanshan from various angles. The best way to explore Dongyanshan is by walking along the self-guided park trail, which, including its branches, is approximately 4 kilometers long. If one travels toward the triangulation point at the main peak of Dongyanshan from there, the distance is about 1.6 kilometers. Visitors can use the guide pamphlet provided by the Forestry Bureau or follow the signs. The trail is equipped with several informative signboards, and by ascending the wooden steps along the trail, one can reach the summit in approximately 60 minutes. Along the way, the rich flora and fauna allow for an immersive experience in nature and the enjoyment of phytoncide SPA. Upon reaching the highest point at an elevation of 1,212 meters, the view from the observation platform is refreshing, and on clear days, one can even overlook the Taipei Basin. At the observation platform, clouds and mist frequently drift by, interweaving with the green mountains to create a breathtaking landscape. The Intellectual Trail, located behind the restaurant, features lush forest scenery with occasional streams and showcases forestry culture and machinery, making it an attractive characteristic of the trail. Here, one can simultaneously experience the refreshing nature of phytoncide and the immersion in historical culture.
