Mount Beidawushan Introduction
Beidawu Mountain is located on the border between Pingtung County and Taitung County, belonging to the southernmost major ridge of the Central Mountain Range, with an altitude of about 3,090 meters. It offers views of the Taiwan Strait, Bashi Channel, and the Pacific Ocean at the same time, making it the only peak in southern Taiwan that exceeds 3,000 meters. It is known for its titles "Barrier of Southern Taiwan" and "Mother of Pingtung." In the traditional beliefs of the Rukai and Paiwan tribes, Beidawu Mountain is considered a sacred mountain, as it is believed to be the dwelling place of ancestor spirits. Beidawu Mountain features majestic, towering peaks with sheer cliffs, classified in geography as a fault-block landscape, and is listed as one of Taiwan's Five Mountains. Due to its pristine natural environment, it provides an excellent habitat for various plant resources and wildlife. In terms of vegetation, it transitions from tropical broadleaf forests to coniferous forests near the ridge line by the Dawu Temple, making it the largest remaining "primitive forest belt" in Taiwan. The birdlife along Beidawu Mountain is also rich. Between Jiaping Road and Xintaiwu, common birds include the Black-browed Fulvetta, Formosan Whistling Thrush, Taiwan Whistling Thrush, Blue-headed Rock Thrush, the Red Oriole, and the Mountain Scimitar Babbler; from Xintaiwu Village to the trailhead, species such as the Red-billed Blue Magpie, the Mountain Bulbul, the Bamboo Partridge, the Crested Serpent Eagle, and various eagles are often spotted. For birdwatching, one can reach the summit of Beidawu Mountain from the trailhead, passing the Huigu Mountain Lodge at an elevation of 2,200 meters, where species like the Taiwan Barwing, the Golden-winged Warbler, the Blue-and-white Flycatcher, and the Maroon Oriole are most commonly seen. In addition to its diverse ecosystems, the most captivating scenery of Beidawu Mountain is the tranquil sea of clouds, which appears stunningly beautiful under the morning sun and evening glow, resembling a fairyland on earth. Beidawu Mountain is also unique in its ability to simultaneously overlook the Taiwan Strait, Bashi Channel, and the Pacific Ocean, earning it the nickname "Grand View of Mountains and Seas."
