Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Due to the outsourcing of accommodation and dining services at Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area, services will be suspended from April 1, 2025, and partial restoration is expected in July 2025. During the service suspension, the Daxueshan Visitor Center will sell snacks, beverages, and other simple food items to meet the basic dietary needs of visitors. Taiwan boasts the largest area of high-altitude giant tree forests in the world, and the Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area, located in the southwestern section of the Xueshan mountain range, contains the most complete high-altitude giant tree forest, featuring subalpine forests of fir, cypress, and warm-temperate broadleaf forests dominated by Fagaceae species. Each ecological zone has significant giant trees preserved, making it the area with the most delicate changes in forest types under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Bureau. The terrain is highly undulating, with elevations ranging from the highest Xiaoxueshan (2,997 meters) extending southwest to Anmashan, Chuanxing Mountain, and Shaolai Mountain down to about 1,000 meters at Shaolaixikou. The Xiaoxue Trail ranges in elevation from approximately 2,200 to 2,600 meters and includes features of both fir forests and warm-temperate broadleaf forests. The upper section of the trail is characterized by fir forests, with the undergrowth primarily composed of the well-developed rhizomes of Yushan Arrow Bamboo, growing in large patches that resemble grasslands at first glance. Occasionally, a few Chamaecyparis obtusa and deadwood can be found, hinting at past wildfires in the area. Amidst the mist, the towering fir giants standing majestically create a picturesque landscape reminiscent of an ink wash painting. The lower section of the trail near the Chuanxing Mountain workstation and the boundary of the fir forest primarily features Quercus variabilis and Castanopsis cuspidata. The Fagaceae species here are distributed at higher elevations, in the range of 1,800 to 2,500 meters within the warm-temperate broadleaf forest zone, where the majestic Quercus variabilis and the Castanopsis carlesii in front of the Daxueshan Lodge evoke memories of the former grandeur of the broadleaf forest. These Fagaceae trees provide food resources for many wildlife species, such as squirrels and white-faced flying squirrels, and also offer foraging and habitat for various wild birds! The best place to enjoy the sunset over Daxueshan is from the area between the Anmashan workstation and the nursery, where the splendid sunset is accompanied by the scenic clouds and mountains, creating a poetic and mesmerizing beauty. Entering the circular forest bath trail, the Chamaecyparis obtusa and scattered red cypress are still the most eye-catching features of this cypress forest. Additionally, the dense growth of broadleaf trees, such as Taiwania cryptomerioides, Illicium anisatum, alpine ginger, and the only tree-type rhododendron species distributed in eastern Himalayan and Taiwan, occupies the second layer of the cypress forest, forming a mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest with the cypress. After entering autumn in October, the small caps of ferns on the cypress also donned autumn attire, adorned in red and yellow garments welcoming the season of "autumn thoughts," showcasing the enchanting misty forest scenery. The undergrowth ferns not only dominate in numbers but also, upon closer inspection, reveal a variety of species thriving in their preferred humid environment. On the way to the observation deck, looking towards the Anmashan ridge on the other side of the Daxueshan forest road, the straight, gray-white fir trees stand tall at high altitudes, interspersed with dark green firs, while the slopes are populated with cypress, two-leaved pines, and Huashan pines. The contrast of vibrant colors amidst the undergrowth of arrow bamboo perfectly enhances the mountain scenery, truly captivating! Upon arriving at the observation deck, the 360° panoramic view is the best location to observe the western ridge of the central Xueshan mountain range. To the north, Xiaoxueshan can be seen; to the east are Jiayang Mountain and Jianshan; the ridge behind is the Hehuanshan range; turning south reveals Baigoudashan and Baxianshan, while below are the Dajia River and the now-severed Central Cross-Island Highway. When visibility is high to the southwest, Yushan can be clearly seen, and to the northwest, Shaolaishan, Yuanzuitou, and Chuanxing Mountain are visible. While gazing at the distant mountains, don't forget to observe the Golden-winged White-eyes hopping nearby; a closer look at these lovely birds will surely leave you with lasting memories! It’s advisable to visit the observation deck in the morning, as the area becomes a foggy world in the afternoon. During this time, if you stroll along the Daxueshan forest road, "Beware, the Formosan Blue Pheasant may be right beside you!" Beautiful encounters in the forest often occur unexpectedly; with careful observation, nature's bountiful gifts are found everywhere! Continuing from Xiaoxueshan Lodge to Tianchi, this path alongside the Taiwan Huashan pine forest offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the landscape of the pine forest while walking. Generally, pine seeds have a pair of wing-like envelopes for wind dispersion, but the Taiwan Huashan pine, known as "Taiwan Golden Pine," lacks these wings and instead relies on its large seeds to attract animals like the Asian blackbird and Formosan macaque for feeding, utilizing their movements to spread the seeds. While this method may result in many seeds being digested by animals, the ability of these animals frequently allows seeds to be planted and rooted in farther locations! Arriving at the Ruixue Pavilion at Tianchi for a rest, this pavilion, completed in December 1967, features couplets written by the first director of the Forest Research Institute, Lin Weifan: "The auspicious colors rise in the green mountains; the sky is clear and peaceful, a land filled with appreciation; the elegant scenery of the snow mountains is filled with the fragrance of trees and birds, making ascension here ever so challenging." The text captures the view of Xiaoxueshan from Tianchi, adding historical depth and a sense of time to this forest. The ancient sacred tree stands tall here, marking the environment's coordinates. Information indicates that this red cypress, approximately 1,400 years old, stands about 50 meters tall, with a diameter of 4 meters and a circumference of 13 meters, previously ranking as the 11th largest tree in Taiwan. A quote from the text "Zhuangzi: Free and Easy Wandering" resonates: "Now you have a large tree, worrying about its uselessness. Why not plant it in a desolate land, roaming without burdens beside it, leisurely resting beneath its shade, untouched by axes and harm, without anything to use, what troubles could you have?" The sacred tree has survived to this day, and its appearance suggests it may have been spared from logging due to its forked trunk, thus preserving its life.
