Lala Mountain National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Lala Mountain National Forest Recreation Area (hereinafter referred to as this area) is located in the Baling area of Fuxing District, Taoyuan City. The Atayal tribe's Baling village, whose name "Balung" means "cypress" or "huge fallen trees," indicates the local heritage. "Lala" is a transliteration of the Atayal language "R'ra," which means "beautiful," "amazing," or "to gaze, to watch over." It is said that this area served as a place for tribe members to watch for prey and defend against invaders, and also reflects their feelings of awe and beauty upon visiting, demonstrating the rich cypress and ecological resources of this region. Cypress trees are found only in the foggy belts of North America, Japan, and Taiwan, making the cypress forest of Lala Mountain particularly precious. This area is situated in the foggy forest belt, classified as an original mixed forest of coniferous and broadleaf trees, which preserves a precious collection of ancient cypress giants nurtured in a natural environment for many centuries. It is also an important habitat for various wildlife, including the Taiwan Blue Magpie, the Chinese Bulbul, and the Formosan serow, representing the forest ecosystems of the mid-elevations in northern Taiwan, featuring rich natural and cultural characteristics.
Photo provided by Hsinchu Branch
Photo provided by Hsinchu Branch
