Pear Mountain Scenic Area Introduction
Pear Mountain Scenic Area is located at the 48-kilometer mark of the Central Cross-Island Highway, connecting to Taichung to the west and reaching Yilan to the north. To the east, it can be accessed along the Central Cross-Island Highway to Hualien, and to the south, it passes through Dayuling, Hehuanshan, Wushe, and Nantou. The east-west length is approximately 89 kilometers, covering a total area of about 31,300 hectares. Situated at a mid-high altitude, the area boasts beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons and is rich in natural resources, producing a variety of high-altitude temperate fruits and vegetables. This region, being the intersection of the main line of the Central Cross-Island Highway and the Yilan branch line, makes Pear Mountain a well-known high mountain scenic area in central Taiwan, designated as part of the "Central Mountain National Scenic Area" along with the Shitoushan Scenic Area in Miaoli and the Bagua Mountain Scenic Area in Changhua. The average elevation of this area is about 1,900 meters, characterized by a temperate climate that is mild and sunny, resulting in the production of high-quality local products renowned far and wide, including fruits like peaches, pears, apples, and persimmons, as well as vegetables such as cabbage, bok choy, and green garlic. In recent years, agricultural products such as Pear Mountain tea, baby cabbage, tomatoes, and kiwifruit have emerged, along with plans for tourist orchards and fruit markets that allow visitors to experience the joy of fruit picking and purchase fresh produce to enjoy at home. Due to its high-altitude environment, the area offers different beautiful scenery throughout the year, making it suitable for flower viewing, maple watching, and snow activities. The peak flower viewing season occurs from January to April, attracting many visitors to Pear Mountain during this popular time. The local population is diverse, including Hakka, Minnan, and veterans, particularly the Thao people living in the villages of Huanshan and Songmao. The area has a rich cultural heritage, with skilled weaving arts. The Pear Mountain Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall displays the history of the Central Cross-Island Highway's development and natural ecology of Pear Mountain, as well as introductions to Thao culture, providing travelers with a comprehensive understanding of the scenic area. The first established Pear Mountain Hotel, featuring a Chinese palace-style appearance, serves as a landmark of the Central Cross-Island Highway. Behind the hotel, an ecological and environmentally-friendly trail is set up, surrounded by lush trees, making it an excellent spot for bird watching and enjoying panoramic views of the mountains.
