Wuling National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Wuling National Forest Recreation Area is located at the junction of the Heping District in Taichung City and Datong Township in Yilan County, with an elevation ranging from 1,800 to 3,884 meters and covering an area of 3,760 hectares. It belongs to the Xueshan Mountain Range, found just north of Wuling Farm in a dense pine forest. The area is vast with significant elevation differences, forming scenic topographies such as cliffs, precipices, and cirques, housing rich natural resources, pristine forests, diverse habitats for various species, and distinct landscapes in all four seasons, attracting numerous visitors year-round to experience the charm of nature. Surrounded by mountains, Wuling's forests largely grow on sunny slopes and belong to a semi-arid forest environment, mainly featuring two-needle pines that are adapted to dry conditions. The ecological environment is well preserved, nurturing many mammals such as Formosan sika deer, goats, and Formosan black bears, especially in the sparsely populated high-altitude forests, where their traces are often discovered. While walking through the forest, one can also hear the calls of birds like the white-tailed robin and the crowned laughingthrush, and witness the flight of morning butterflies, which is truly stunning. The Qijiawan River, a tributary of the Dajia River, is home to the precious species Oncorhynchus masou, a migratory fish that, due to geological changes, has become landlocked, serving as a living fossil from the Ice Age. The "Wuling Suspension Bridge," spanning the Qijiawan River, is 15 meters long and has a weight limit of 2 tons. From the bridge, visitors can use binoculars to look out for the Oncorhynchus masou, and going forward leads to the "Taoshui Trail," which is approximately 4.5 kilometers long, paved with concrete and rising in a Z shape for 450 meters. On both sides are lush artificial forests, with a scenic platform before the waterfall, where one can see the phrase "Smoke Sound" proposed by former national policy advisor Zhao Hengtian on the cliff. The trail ends at "Taoshui Waterfall," also known as "Smoke Sound Waterfall," with a drop of about 50 meters. This section is a renowned birdwatching route, with a serene and tranquil environment, surrounded by lush greenery and wild birds soaring and chirping. This area boasts breathtaking alpine views that change with the seasons, making it an excellent climbing base and a popular travel destination for viewing cherry blossoms, snow scenery, waterfalls, and birds. In the summer, abundant water flows down the waterfall like white silk, creating a magnificent sound that echoes through the valley, which is truly impressive. The mist rises like smoke, and the water temperature remains below 13 degrees Celsius year-round. Just getting a little closer to the waterfall brings a refreshing sensation, dispelling the summer heat of Taiwan, allowing visitors to feel rejuvenated and achieve relaxation for both body and mind.
