Dongyuan Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Dongyuan Forest Recreation Area is a tranquil valley surrounded by lush forests. The forest trails within the park serve as guides, leading visitors to every scenic spot worth a stop. The picturesque Dongyuan Lake, the fresh and pure fields of wild ginger flowers, the serene and elegant rosewood forests, and the authentic stone cottages all provide reasons to linger and look back. The greenery of Dongyuan is abundant, with vast meadows and towering trees, as well as the rich rosewood forests. Standing among the varying heights of rosewood trees, one can't help but feel relaxed in the presence of so much greenery. Even without conversation, one can sense the mood of the trees, as the ease of the atmosphere is contagious. The seemingly tranquil and graceful rosewoods have always felt free to reside here. The fragrance in the air is the rich aroma of wild ginger flowers, which are abundant in the valley, with their white petals standing out beautifully, especially in this elegant and tranquil setting; it seems almost natural. Wild peonies also bloom in vibrant purples, reds, whites, and peachy pinks, creating a lively scene of blossoms that bring commotion to the calm. Dongyuan Lake has a melancholic nickname, known as "Weeping Lake," but it is in fact unrelated to tragic legends; it is derived from the Paiwan language, meaning a gathering of water. Weeping Lake is a serene and pleasant body of water, with green lotus leaves floating atop its surface and purple lotus flowers blooming beautifully. Often, water birds can be seen gliding through, while stone cottages rest by the lakeside. There’s no need for imagination—everything before your eyes is a beautiful world. Near Weeping Lake, there is a unique aquatic grassland. One of the reasons it is special relates to a curse legend; the Paiwan people regard this place as a taboo area, and entering it requires a ceremony or guidance from tribal elders—though this is now a tale of the past. Another reason for its uniqueness is that the grassland was once a marshland, abandoned from farming, leading to its overgrowth of weeds; thus, the grass surface is not as solid as a stone path. You might want to experience this for yourself!
