Dongyuan Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Dongyuan Forest Recreation Area is a serene valley surrounded by lush greenery. The forest trails in the park serve as guides, leading visitors to every scenic spot worth pausing at. The picturesque Dongyuan Lake, the refreshing sea of wild ginger flowers, the tranquil and elegant rosewood forest, and the rustic stone cottages are all reasons to linger and look back repeatedly. Dongyuan is filled with greenery, with abundant grasslands, numerous mountain trees, and extensive rosewood forests. Standing among the varying heights of the rosewood trees, observing the greenery certainly brings relaxation to the heart, and every breath is filled with fresh air. Thus, even without conversation, one can feel the sentiments of the trees, as the mood of relaxation is contagious. The seemingly calm and elegant rosewoods have remained unfettered here. The scent of wild ginger flowers is rich and inviting, easily visible as they bloom abundantly throughout the valley. The white petals are truly exquisite, especially thriving in this elegant and tranquil place. The wild peonies too, in violet, red, white, and peach pink, create a lively spectacle, definitely flowers that bring joy even in stillness. Dongyuan Lake has a melancholic nickname, "Crying Lake," but it is actually unrelated to any tragic legends; the name comes from the Paiwan language, meaning a gathering of water. Crying Lake is a peaceful and pleasant body of water, with green lotus leaves floating on the surface and purple lotus flowers blooming vibrantly. Occasionally, water birds swim here, and the stone cottages by the lake don't require imagination—everything before you is a beautiful world. Near Crying Lake, there is a unique aquatic grassland. One of the reasons for its uniqueness is due to a cursed legend, where the Paiwan people regard this area as a forbidden place; to enter, one must perform a ritual or be led by a tribal elder, although this is now just an old tale. Another reason for its uniqueness is that the grassland was once a marshland, and after being abandoned for farming, it became overgrown with weeds, making the grassy surface less stable than a stone path. It’s an opportunity to experience something different!
