Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
The bouncing car, hot springs, alpine lakes, giant forests, and the national treasure of Formosan beech compose the long history of over a century in the Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area. Taipingshan, formerly known as "Miannao," means "lush and green" in the Atayal language. In 1914, the Japanese conducted a resource survey, and in 1915, they decided to develop the area. The Taiwan Nichinichi Shimbun reported on July 28, 1936: "The name Taipingshan comes from the time before the current office was transferred, when the then chief engineer Nakazato directly translated it from the indigenous language. Furthermore, the five-year campaign of Governor Sakuma has concluded, signifying peace in the land." Therefore, the true origin of the name Taipingshan is "peace in the world," named by the pioneering explorer Nakazato. At an elevation of 2000 meters, Taipingshan is second only to Alishan in forestry legend. In 1915, the Japanese began logging operations here, later taken over by the Nationalist government, becoming Taiwan's largest forest area, and eventually transforming into a recreation area in 1983, leaving behind precious relics such as the Jianqing Railway and the bouncing car. Visitors can stroll through the primitive forests behind Zhen'an Temple, allowing their thoughts to soar back to the era when giant trees covered the mountains. Driving along the Cuifeng Scenic Road, where you will often encounter Formosan macaques and Temminck's tragopan, the destination is the largest alpine lake in Taiwan, Cuifeng Lake, located at an altitude of 1840 meters, with the opposite shore being the home of the national treasure, the Formosan beech, which can be admired in brilliant golden hues in autumn along a 4-kilometer trail. Not far from the toll station is Jushizawa Hot Springs, a renowned carbonated spring and a significant feature of the area. Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area is undoubtedly the top choice for nature lovers visiting Yilan.
Image provided | Yilan Branch
Photo provided by the Yilan Branch
