Dongyan Mountain National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area is located in the Fuxing District of Taoyuan City, at the end of the Snow Mountain Range. From Amuping in Taoyuan, the mountain shape resembles a reclining maiden gazing eastward with large eyes, which led to the name "Dongyanshan." The entire recreation area covers nearly 1,000 hectares and features a stunning sea of Taiwan incense cedar forests spanning over 300 hectares. The highest point within the area is "Dongyanshan" at an elevation of 1,212 meters, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and distant sights such as Taoyuan, Sanxia, and the Tamsui River, making it a great spot for viewing the night scenery of Taoyuan. The "Taiwan incense cedar forest" and "sea of clouds" are the major highlights of Dongyanshan. Due to its elevation of around 1,000 meters, the area was historically an artificial forest, and thus the cedar forest has become the most significant landscape in the park, covering hundreds of hectares with lush, dense trees. The excellent forest cover has led to a rich amphibian ecology in the area, making Dongyanshan a perfect destination for family interactions and ecological education. The terrain in the mountainous area is varied, with fog often gathering in the afternoons, shrouding the mountains; this moment is when Dongyanshan is at its most beautiful, and if lucky, visitors may even witness a rainbow resting on the maiden's eyes. Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area features a 16-kilometer long forest bathing trail, including the "Self-Guided Trail," which allows for the ascent to the main peak of Dongyanshan at 1,212 meters; the "Cultural Trail," which focuses on forestry culture and timber harvesting displays; the "Parent-Child Peak Trail," resembling a mother carrying her child, located at the end of the forest road; and the "Fossil Trail," showcasing fossils from around 30 million years ago. Each trail offers unique ecological landscapes and forestry scenery, allowing visitors to experience Dongyanshan from different perspectives. The best way to explore Dongyanshan is by walking along the self-guided park trail, which spans approximately 4 kilometers including branch paths. If taking the route to the triangle marker at the main peak of Dongyanshan, the journey is about 1.6 kilometers. Visitors can follow the introduction provided in the pamphlet from the Forestry Bureau or navigate using the signs. The trail has multiple informative signage stations with graphics, and the wooden path can be climbed in about 60 minutes to reach the summit. The rich biodiversity along the way immerses visitors in nature's beauty and the joy of phytoncide SPA; upon reaching the trail's highest point at an elevation of 1,212 meters, the views from the observation platform are breathtaking, surrounded by mountains, and on clear days, one can even gaze across the Greater Taipei Basin. The observation platform often sees clouds drifting in, creating stunning landscapes interwoven with the green mountains. Moreover, the Cultural Trail located behind the restaurant is lushly forested, with small streams flowing occasionally. The displays of forestry culture and machinery are also distinctive features of the Cultural Trail, providing a simultaneous experience of natural phytoncide and a rich historical culture.
