Nanxing Taxodium Forest (formerly Bade Taxodium Forest) Introduction
The bald cypress trees have turned red, bringing smiles to the faces of travelers! Every winter, as the chill sets in, along the path of Floating Canopy Lane 185 next to Xiaoli Lake, nearly 3 hectares of Daxi bald cypress forest are adorned with magnificent gradient colors—orange, vibrant red, blue skies, white clouds, and flowing streams—attracting thousands of travelers eager to witness this poetic landscape reminiscent of an Impressionist painting. The bald cypress, belonging to the cupressaceae family, is also known as the American cypress because it is native to the United States. This tree can grow up to 50 meters tall and is commonly used as an ornamental plant and building material. Unlike typical conifers, the bald cypress's needle-like leaves transform from green to red with the onset of winter and ultimately fall like feathers. The two major photo hotspots for bald cypress trees in Taoyuan—Daxi Bald Cypress Avenue (originally named Shiyuan Road) and Nanxing Bald Cypress—have remained popular since becoming viral on IG and FB, with no decrease in the number of visitors. Daxi Bald Cypress Avenue boasts around 300 bald cypress trees planted in two rows, creating a serene aesthetic. In contrast, Nanxing Bald Cypress, located by the Qiedong Creek, is a private nursery with nearly 3,000 bald cypress trees rising dramatically, offering a unique grandeur that differs from the "small and beautiful" ambiance of Daxi. As you stroll along the trail by Xiaoli Lake, the breathtaking scenery of the bald cypress is fully visible, and nearby fields are equally enchanting; in the fallow farmland, delightful yellow cosmos sway in the breeze, while surprise sightings of the red quinoa, typically found in mountainous areas, add to the charm. The expansive Xiaoli Lake, with its mirror-like surface reflecting distant mountains and nearby forests, frequently sees cyclists and birds flying by. While enjoying the stunning views, one can also closely observe the cypress knees and light brown cones, providing a fun lesson in nature.
