Ba Xian Shan National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Baxianshan Forest Recreation Area is located in the Heping District of Taichung City, with the highest peak reaching 2,366 meters (approximately 7,800 feet), hence the name "Baxianshan." The area is lush with forests and features a refreshing climate. The Shiwun Creek and Jiabao Creek converge in this area, with water sourced from deep mountains and forests, resulting in clear water quality and a landscape dotted with rocks of various sizes. The natural ecological resources are abundant, and it was once one of Taiwan's three major forestry areas, rich in forestry culture, making it an excellent destination for experiencing nature on weekends! Baxianshan Forest Recreation Area is situated in the Heping District of Taichung City, with elevations ranging from 700 to 2,938 meters. Baxianshan, Malun Mountain, and other peaks are located within the area. The recreation area sits on the alluvial terrace (Jiabao Terrace) where Jiabao Creek flows into Shiwun Creek, both having clear and clean water with ample supply. The Shiwun Creek valley is magnificent and beautiful, with bizarrely shaped rocks, irregularly stacked grey-green and white giant stones creating a serene atmosphere that allows visitors to forget the mundane world. The current Baxianshan area is characterized by representative plants such as two-needle pine, Taiwan five-needle pine, Taiwan incense cedar, fir, and members of the Fagaceae family. Two-needle pines are found in collapsed areas and sunlit hill slopes, as they contain a large amount of resin and are susceptible to forest fires. The Taiwan five-needle pine primarily grows on ridge tops, with older specimens found in the Baxianshan area, indicating that this species has existed in the Shiwun Creek basin for a considerable time. In collapsed areas, pioneer plants like mountain hemp and others will gradually settle, while in frequently foggy environments, large rocks may host numerous ferns like Hedyotis, cup ferns, and other plant families, which are the most common species in the area. Under the advance of "pioneer species," more Lauraceae, Meliaceae, and Fagaceae plants will eventually join the secondary forest, gradually covering collapse areas, and climbing plants such as Tetrastigma, Cissus, and others start to occupy space among younger trees. With a rich environment provided by plants, insects gradually inhabit the new forest, attracting birds that feed on insects and fruit: mixed flocks composed of species such as the Azure Tit, Rufous-bellied Tit, Grey-throated Martin, and more, along with various endemic bird species migrating from high-altitude areas in winter, make this valley a bustling haven for wildlife, turning Baxianshan Forest Recreation Area along the Shiwun Creek into one of the most suitable spots for ecological observation in central Taiwan. The geology within the recreation area consists of fragile sandstone, slate, and hard rock. The ultramafic landscape formed from the erosion and cutting of Shiwun Creek makes the terrain steep, therefore it remains relatively undisturbed, with particularly clean water quality and rich ecological resources. Each autumn, many frogs like the Rhacophorus bergeri that grow at the forest floor head to Shiwun Creek for their annual group mating. Once the tadpoles mature into frogs, they trek back to the forest. In Shiwun Creek, one can also observe stream-dwelling birds like the kingfisher, lead-colored water thrush, Taiwan Whistling Thrush, and several other bird species that thrive in stream environments. The development of Baxianshan began with the precious cypress forest shrouded in mist. In 1911, due to its height of nearly eight thousand Japanese shaku (7,998 shaku, approximately 2,410 meters), it was initially named "Baqianshan," later changed to the more elegant "Baxianshan." However, overall development began in 1914 when the Japanese Government-General's Bureau of Colonial Industry instructed the Alishan Working Office to conduct surveys and measurements for the purpose of developing the area focusing on cypress, fragrant cedar, and fir, with a planned logging area of about 14,600 hectares, including Baxianshan and Baigudashan. The following year, the Forestry Bureau was established under the Government-General, marking the start of Baxianshan's forestry operations separate from the Alishan Working Office. A forest railway was laid from Fengyuan into the Baxianshan area. During the peak of logging, many loggers resided here, constructing schools, lodges, office buildings, and shrines at Jiabao Terrace, creating a mini-community. Once, Baxianshan Forest was listed alongside Alishan and Taiping Mountain as one of Taiwan's three major forestry areas. After Taiwan's recovery, it was renamed Baxianshan Forest, continuing forestry operations. Logging ceased entirely in the 1980s, leading to its transformation into a recreational area. However, the schools and shrines have disappeared over time due to earthquakes and the passage of years, and the forest railway leading from Baxianshan to Fengyuan has gradually vanished due to landslides and lack of maintenance, becoming a memory for local residents. Nature is constantly evolving; every year, Taiwan faces natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes, which is both an inevitable cycle of its ecosystem and a mechanism contributing to Taiwan's biodiversity and richness. A careful observation of the Baxianshan Forest Recreation Area reveals the mysteries contained within, one of the most profound gifts nature bestows upon the people of Taiwan.
