Wuling National Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Wuling National Forest Recreation Area is located at the boundary of Taichung City's Heping District and Yi-Lan County's Datong Township, with an elevation ranging from 1,800 to 3,884 meters. Covering an area of 3,760 hectares, it belongs to the Snow Mountain range, situated in the dense pine forest north of Wuling Farm. The vast area features significant elevation differences, forming cliffs, precipices, and cirque landscapes, housing abundant natural resources, rich biodiversity, and diverse seasonal sceneries that attract many visitors year-round to experience the charm of nature. Surrounded by mountains, Wuling has a predominantly sunny slope, creating a relatively dry forest environment, primarily populated by two-needled pines adapted to arid conditions. The ecological environment is well-preserved, nurturing various mammals such as the Formosan serow, the Chinese goat, and the Formosan black bear, especially in the high-altitude forest locations where human presence is rare, often indicating their tracks. Birdwatchers may also encounter species like the white-throated dipper and the crested tit, alongside the fluttering of the Common Mormon butterfly. The Qijiawan Stream, a tributary of the Dajia River, is home to the precious cherry salmon, a migratory fish species that has become landlocked due to geological changes, representing a living fossil from the Ice Age. Spanning Qijiawan Stream is the "Wuling Suspension Bridge," which is 15 meters long and has a weight limit of 2 tons. Visitors can use telescopes from the bridge to look for cherry salmon. Forward leads to the "Taoshan Trail," approximately 4.5 kilometers long, paved with concrete and zigzagging upward 450 meters along the mountainside, bordered by lush artificial forests. A viewpoint can be found in front of the waterfall, where the characters "Yansheng" (Smoke Sound) proposed by former policy advisor Zhao Hengtian are visible on the cliff. The trail culminates at "Taoshan Waterfall," also known as "Yansheng Waterfall," with a drop of about 50 meters. This segment is renowned for birdwatching, featuring a tranquil and serene environment with rich greenery and birds soaring and singing overhead. This area boasts magnificent high-altitude scenery that changes with the seasons, making it not only an excellent mountaineering destination but also a travel hotspot for cherry blossoms, snow scenery, waterfall viewing, and birdwatching. During the abundant water flow in summer, the waterfall cascades down like white silk, producing a thunderous sound that echoes through the valley, creating an impressive sight. Mist swirls like smoke, and the water temperature remains below 13 degrees Celsius year-round. Just getting close to the waterfall brings a refreshing sensation, providing relief from Taiwan's sweltering heat and allowing one to feel rejuvenated, achieving relaxation of body and mind.
