Shihmen Forest Recreation Area Introduction
Shihpan Forest is located at the foot of the Alishan mountain range, sitting on Tongtou Mountain in Zhongpu Township, Chiayi County. This secret forest in Chiayi County spans over 30 hectares and is classified as a near-village natural ecological zone, with elevations ranging from 300 meters to over 600 meters. The entire area belongs to a subtropical broadleaf forest, lushly rising along the banks of Shinnong Creek. The ecological resources within the park are diverse and abundant. Common plants include a variety of ground cover, ferns, lotus, bamboo, Paulownia, teak, camphor trees, and banyan trees. You can also frequently spot endemic species such as the Crested Serpent Eagle, Formosan Blue Magpie, and various species of sunbirds along the hiking trails. Another notable feature of the park is the stone sculptures that mark various landmarks, with a stone carving indicating every 500-meter elevation gain and simultaneously informing visitors about the ecological distribution in the area. The forest belt belongs to a subtropical broadleaf forest. It possesses rich ecological resources and biological diversity, including ground cover plants, ferns, bamboo, Taiwan fir, orchids, teak, camphor trees, banyan trees, azaleas, and others; as well as birds like eagles, Taiwan Blue Magpies, tree magpies, greenish-brown, Black-naped Blue Flycatchers, Cherry Finches, and various sunbirds. The hiking trails are paved with logs, and the varied forest scenery is naturally changing. Informational plaques are set up along the way to help visitors learn about nature, providing continuous surprises as you walk through, and you will certainly gain much from the experience if you take the time to observe.
