Guanshan National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
In the mist-covered hills, embrace the sacred giant trees, admire the white blossoms of the largest Wushe mountain cherry tree in Taiwan during spring, and enjoy a panoramic view of the majestic "Holy Ridge" of the Snow Mountain Range. You may even encounter national treasures. This is the Guanshan National Forest Recreation Area, which offers a rich feast of misty forests at the junction of Hsinchu and Miaoli. Guanshan, two hours away from Zhudong, is called "Mao Yi Li" in the Atayal language, meaning "higher ridges." Established as a logging site in 1940, it ceased operations in 1980, leaving behind an expanse of neatly planted forests; the five massive red cypress giants along the Giant Cedar Trail narrate the grandeur of Taiwan's forests in the past. The wildlife at Guanshan is captivating. In addition to the imperial pheasants and Formosan serows strolling along the forest paths, the most unique sights are the world’s one-of-a-kind Mimulus formosana and two endemic national treasures: the Formosan sika deer and the Guanshan salamander named after this place. The main access road, Dalu Forest Road, forks here; the eastern route leads to Dabajian Mountain, while the western route goes to the highest point in the area, Tsaishan, allowing visitors to enjoy the breathtaking scenery sculpted by the Holy Ridge of the Snow Mountain Range.
Photo provided | Hsinchu branch
Photo provided by the Forest Shape Nature Education Team.
