Tonghou Stream Introduction
Wulai District is renowned for its hot springs and mountain cherry blossoms. It is also the northernmost indigenous mountainous area in Taiwan, predominantly inhabited by the Atayal people. The name "Wulai" originates from the Atayal language "Ulay," which means "the water is very hot, be careful" ("Kiluh-ulay"). During the Qing and Japanese rule, the Atayal people in Wulai District were referred to as "Quchifan." The Tonghou River, located in northern Taiwan, is the largest tributary of the Nanshi River, flowing through the northeastern part of Wulai District in New Taipei City. Its source is at Mount Hongludi, flowing northwest to Xiaoyi, where it joins the southern tributary Ayu River before continuing to Wulai, where it merges into the Nanshi River. The upper reaches of Tonghou River have the Tonghou Old Trail, which was once a route used by the Atayal people for hunting and migration. One famous landmark along the trail is the sand dam, located about 4 kilometers in, where the river flows along artificial blocks; it has become one of the hidden gems in the photography community. The Tonghou Old Trail spans 17 kilometers and connects to Jiaoxi Township in Yilan County. The Tonghou River flows through a valley terrain and serves as a water source for the Taipei area (Feitsui Reservoir). Visitors wishing to enter the mountains must apply for vehicle and personnel access. The area boasts a rich and complete natural ecology, attracting dozens of bird species, making it one of Taiwan's top ten bird-watching locations. With its picturesque landscape, it was also chosen as a filming location for the movie "Seediq Bale."
