Xitou Nature Education Area Introduction
In the natural classroom of Xitou, enjoy the bamboo sea and experience a forest bath to cleanse your soul and fully appreciate the blessings of phytoncides! Originally a mountain village called "the source of the creek" during the late Qing Dynasty, Xitou was planned as a recreational forest area in 1970. It is located at the foot of Phoenix Mountain in Lugu Township and is one of the seven experimental forests of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at National Taiwan University. It is a renowned summer resort in Taiwan, surrounded by mountains, with fresh air that feels sweet upon breathing! The park is planted with precious tree species such as Taiwan cedar, false cypress, cypress, and ginkgo, offering dense forests and a cool climate. Whether it's forest bathing, bird watching, hiking, or educational observation, this is an ideal place for various activities. Legend has it that there is a "red cypress sacred tree" in the park that is over three thousand years old, growing enveloped around a giant rock. Several of its supporting branches have become hollow and decayed, yet it stands tall and proud. Next to the sacred tree's trail is a grove of Taiwan cedar, and visitors can walk along a creatively designed forest skywalk to closely observe the canopy ecology from above! The Moso bamboo forest area has a tranquil and beautiful landscape, perfect for leisurely strolls. There is also the "ginkgo forest," known for its other name "maidenhair tree"! The park has planted over one hundred ginkgo trees, each over eighty years old, making it one of the largest ginkgo forests in Taiwan! Nestled within the serene Moso bamboo forest is a building adorned with bamboo decor, known as the Bamboo Cottage. Once the residence of Chiang Kai-shek, its gates are now locked and not open to the public. However, the elegant and comfortable architectural style is unforgettable!
