Wuling National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Wuling National Forest Recreation Area is located at the boundary between the Heping District of Taichung City and Datong Township of 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, located just north of Wuling Farm amid dense cypress forests. The area is vast with significant altitude variations, forming dramatic cliffs, crags, and cirques, rich in natural resources, with primitive forests, diverse species, and distinct seasonal landscapes that attract numerous visitors year-round to experience the charm of nature. Surrounded by mountains, Wuling's forests primarily exist on sunny slopes and constitute a semi-arid forest environment, predominantly featuring the drought-resistant Taiwan fir. The ecological environment is well-preserved, nurturing many mammals such as the Formosan serow, the Chinese goral, and the Formosan black bear. In the remote high-altitude forests, their traces can often be observed, while walking through the woods, one can encounter birds such as the white-tailed robins and the crowned shama, along with the stunningly fluttering pink butterfly, the Apatura polytes. The Qijiawan Stream, a tributary of the Dajia River, is home to the precious species, cherry salmon, which is a migratory fish that has become a landlocked species due to geological changes, acting as a living fossil from the Ice Age. The "Wuling Suspension Bridge," spanning the Qijiawan Stream, is 15 meters long and has a weight limit of 2 tons, providing an opportunity to use binoculars to spot cherry salmon from the bridge. Proceeding along will lead to the "Taoshan Trail," approximately 4.5 kilometers long, paved with concrete that climbs 450 meters in a Z-shaped ascent, flanked by lush artificial forests. There is a viewing platform in front of a waterfall, and on the cliffs, one can see the words "Yansheng" proposed by former national policy advisor Zhao Hengtian. The end of the trail leads to the "Taoshan Waterfall," also known as "Yansheng Waterfall," which has a drop of about 50 meters. This segment is a well-known bird-watching route, characterized by serene and quiet surroundings, verdant trees, and the chirping flight of wild birds. This area boasts stunning alpine scenery that changes with the seasons, making it an excellent spot for hiking and a travel destination for viewing cherry blossoms, snow scenery, waterfalls, and birds. In the abundant water summer, the waterfall cascades like white silk, producing a magnificent sound that echoes in the valley, impressive and enveloped in mist. The water temperature remains below 13 degrees Celsius year-round, so approaching the waterfall brings a refreshing sensation, alleviating the heat in Taiwan's unbearable weather, providing a sense of relaxation for the body, mind, and spirit.
