Wuling National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Wuling National Forest Recreation Area is located at the border of Taichung City’s Heping District and Yilan County’s Datong Township, with an elevation ranging from 1,800 to 3,884 meters. Covering an area of 3,760 hectares, it is part of the Xueshan Mountain Range, with the north of Wuling Farm being densely forested. The area is vast and features significant elevation changes, forming cliffs, sheer walls, and cirques, harboring rich natural resources. The region boasts a distribution of primeval forests, diverse species habitats, and different sceneries throughout the four seasons, attracting many visitors year-round to experience the charm of nature. Wuling is surrounded by mountains, and many of the forests are located on sunny slopes, creating a semi-arid forest environment. The main vegetation consists of two-needle pines, which adapt well to dry conditions. The ecological environment is well-preserved, nurturing numerous mammal species such as Formosan sika deer, Chinese goats, and Formosan black bears, particularly in the high-altitude forests, where their traces can often be spotted. While strolling through the woods, visitors might also hear the calls of bird species like the white-tailed magpie and the crested myna, along with the fluttering of the twilight butterfly, which is truly stunning. The Qijiawan Creek, a tributary of the Dajia River, is home to the precious species, cherry salmon (Oncorhynchus masou), which is an anadromous fish species that has become landlocked due to geological changes, making it a living fossil from the Ice Age. Spanning across Qijiawan Creek is the "Wuling Suspension Bridge," measuring 15 meters long and with a weight limit of 2 tons. From this bridge, visitors can use telescopes to overlook the area, with opportunities to spot cherry salmon. Continuing forward leads to the "Taoshan Trail," which is approximately 4.5 kilometers long, paved with concrete, and ascends 450 meters in a zigzag pattern following the mountain's contour. On either side are lush artificial forests, and there is a scenic platform in front of a waterfall where the characters "Yansheng" proposed by former policy advisor Zhao Hengtian can be seen on the cliffs. The endpoint of the trail is the "Taoshan Waterfall," also known as "Yansheng Waterfall," which has a drop of about 50 meters. This segment is a famous birdwatching route characterized by its tranquil environment, verdant woods, and the chirping of wild birds. This area boasts stunning alpine scenery across the four seasons, making it not only a great mountain hiking spot but also a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing, snow scenery, waterfall appreciation, and birdwatching. During the water-rich summer, the waterfall's flow cascades down like white silk, creating an impressive roar that reverberates through the valley. The mist rises like smoke, and the water temperature is consistently below 13 degrees Celsius. Just a slight approach to the waterfall provides a refreshing sensation, dissipating the heat in Taiwan's sweltering weather and offering a rejuvenating experience for both body and mind.
