Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area is traversed by the Fuyuan River and features a well-connected mountain trail network. The highlights include the Longyin Suspension Bridge, Fuyuan Suspension Bridge, and Longyin Waterfall, all set in a serene environment that combines birdwatching, butterfly watching, forest bathing, and hot springs, providing visitors with a diverse recreational experience. Located just over an hour from Hualien City, Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area, known as "Butterfly Valley," was once the eastern terminus of the Qing Dynasty's "Guangmen Ancient Path." It boasts extensive plantations of 40-year-old camphor trees, creating a beautiful and pleasant atmosphere. The original forest features representative tree species of low-elevation forests, such as Cinnamomum camphora and Albizia, alongside abundant epiphytic plants, reminiscent of the Avatar forest. Situated in the foothills of the Central Mountain Range, the park is rich in avian resources, making it a renowned birdwatching destination in Hualien, home to the county bird, the grey-cheeked fulvetta, as well as the five-colored bird, Taiwan glassy, Formosan blue magpie, and the crestless serpent eagle, which can often be seen soaring in the skies. Additionally, the best time for butterfly watching is during spring and summer (March to August), when the diverse butterfly species earn the area its name of "Butterfly Valley." The park's humid and pollution-free environment also fosters a diverse range of fireflies; the black-winged firefly appears from March to June, while the Taiwan window firefly showcases itself from October to December, making this a popular spot for firefly watching in recent years.
Photo provided by Hualien Branch
Photo provided by Hualien Branch
