Wuling National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Wuling National Forest Recreation Area is located at the boundary between Heping District in Taichung City and Datong Township in Yilan County, 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 area north of Wuling Farm being verdantly forested. The region is vast, with significant elevation changes that create cliffs, precipices, and glacial valleys, harboring rich natural resources. Original forests are widespread, housing diverse species, and offering different scenery throughout the four seasons, attracting many visitors year-round to experience the charm of nature firsthand. Surrounded by mountains, Wuling features forests primarily on sunny slopes, creating a relatively dry forest environment, with the predominant plant being the two-needle pine, adapted to arid conditions. The ecological environment is well-preserved, nurturing many mammals such as the Formosan serow, Taiwanese mountain goat, and Formosan black bear. Particularly in the sparsely populated high-altitude forests, tracks of these animals can often be seen. While walking through the woods, one can also encounter birds like the white-tailed wagtail and the crowned bush robin, along with the beautiful Formosan swallowtail butterfly. The Qijiawan River, a tributary of the Dajia River, is home to the precious cherry salmon, a migratory fish species that has become a landlocked species due to geological changes, serving as a living fossil from the Ice Age. The "Wuling Suspension Bridge" spans the Qijiawan River, measuring 15 meters in length and limited to a weight of 2 tons. From the bridge, telescopes can be used to overlook the area, possibly catching a glimpse of the cherry salmon. Continuing forward leads to the "Taoshan Trail," which is approximately 4.5 kilometers long with a paved cement surface, zigzagging upward by 450 meters according to the terrain, flanked by lush artificial forests. At the foot of a waterfall, there is an observation platform where one can see the characters "Yansheng" (烟声) proposed by former national policy advisor Zhao Hengti etched on the cliff. The trail culminates at "Taoshan Waterfall," also known as "Yansheng Waterfall," which has a drop of about 50 meters. This section is famous for bird watching, characterized by a serene and tranquil environment with verdant foliage and the songs of wild birds. This area boasts breathtaking alpine scenery throughout the four seasons, making it an excellent climbing base and a prime destination for cherry blossom viewing, snow scenery, waterfall appreciation, and bird watching. In the abundant waters of summer, the waterfall cascades down like white silk, creating a magnificent sound that reverberates through the valley, providing an astonishing experience. The mist envelops the area, with water temperatures consistently below 13 degrees Celsius. Just by approaching the waterfall, one can feel a refreshing coolness, allowing visitors to escape the sweltering heat of Taiwan's summer and enjoy a revitalizing experience for both body and mind.
