Zhiben National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Zhihben National Forest Recreation Area is located in the midstream of the Zhihben River, covering an area of approximately 110.8 hectares. It features subtropical monsoon forests at altitudes ranging from 110 to 650 meters. The diversity of forestry, bird, and insect species creates a rich ecological classroom. The area offers various recreational facilities, including multiple hiking trails, a monsoon forest area, and a water foot massage path, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. **Forest Trail Scenic Path**: Approximately 426 meters long (about a 45-minute walk), this path passes through major facilities in the Wuming Taitung area, Monsoon Forest area, Indigenous Forest area, and Water Foot Massage area, making it a leisurely trail suitable for children and the elderly. **Hero Slope Trail**: Known for its steepness, this trail is about 827 meters long with a vertical drop of 180 meters, making it one of the best choices to test physical strength and endurance. The view from the end point at Qian Gen Banyan overlooks the Zhihben Hot Springs and the vast Pacific Ocean, providing a wonderful reward for completing the hike. Adventurers are welcome to challenge themselves, but please assess your own abilities; those with health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, or heart disease should not attempt this trail. **Forest Bathing Trail**: Approximately 1,820 meters long, taking about 90 minutes to walk. This gently inclined trail allows easy completion while immersing in the cypress forest and large-leaved mahogany forest, perfect for deepening your breath in nature. **Qilixiang Trail**: This trail is about 1,082 meters long, with a walking time of about 60 minutes. It connects the Huajian Zhihben Herb Garden and the Forest Bathing Trail branch, preserving natural landscapes and integrating an environmental design style using locally suitable materials and craftsmanship. In addition to adapting to the terrain, it incorporates energy-saving and carbon-reducing concepts, using local materials (stones and fallen trees) to create stone steps and slope protection, as well as drainage facilities like flow dividers and breathing wooden grids for water collection. **Banyan Shade Trail**: Approximately 2,030 meters long, with an easy walking time of about 1.5 hours. The highest elevation is about 421 meters, providing viewpoints of the Zhihben Hot Springs area from various angles. Along the trail, several century-old banyan trees grow with beard-like roots. **Must-visit Features and Facilities**: **Huajian Zhihben Herb Garden**: Home to over 50 kinds of herbs and riparian plants; through information boards, visitors can learn about different types of plants. Additionally, spring water has been introduced, flowing into a creek, creating a habitat for small fish and shrimp. **Monsoon Forest Area**: This area features wind chimes, wind tubes, and maple leaf panels designed to let you experience the sounds of the wind in the forest directly. **Water Foot Massage Path**: Cool mountain spring water gathers on round pebbles, creating a forest foot bath that is beloved by visitors of all ages. Here, soaking feet is not only refreshing but also beneficial for health. Located on the outskirts of Taitung City, Zhihben Forest Recreation Area is the ideal spot for hiking, birdwatching, butterfly watching, and recreational activities, making it a great destination for family outings. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy!
