Tonghou Creek Introduction
Wulai District is renowned for its hot springs and mountain cherry blossoms. It is also the northernmost indigenous mountainous area in Taiwan, primarily inhabited by the Atayal people. The name "Wulai" derives from the Atayal language, meaning "the water is very hot, be careful" (Kiluh-ulay). During the Qing and Japanese colonial periods, the Atayal were referred to as "Quchiefan." The Tonghou River, located in northern Taiwan, is the largest tributary of the Nanshi River, flowing through the northeastern part of Wulai District, New Taipei City. Its headwaters are on Hongludi Mountain, flowing northwest to Xiaoyi and merging with the southern tributary Ayu River before continuing to Wulai, where it pours into the Nanshi River. Upstream of the Tonghou River is the Tonghou Old Trail, a path formerly used by the Atayal for hunting and migration. The trail features a sand trap dam about 4 kilometers in, where river water flows over an artificial structure, making it a hidden gem among photographers. The Tonghou Old Trail extends for 17 kilometers and leads to Jiaoxi Township in Yilan County. The valley formation of the Tonghou River marks a water source for the Taipei area (Jade Mountain Reservoir). Visitors venturing into the mountains need to apply for vehicle and personnel permits. The local natural ecology is rich and complete, attracting dozens of bird species, making it one of Taiwan's top ten birdwatching spots. It boasts picturesque scenery that was even chosen as a filming location for the movie "Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale."
