Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area (太平山國家森林遊樂區) is one of the 18 national forest recreation areas in Taiwan. It takes about 3 hours for the 140 km (87 mi) drive from Taipei Station to the Cueifong Villa (翠峰山屋) at the Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area. The 35,883 km2 (13,855 sq mi) Taiwan is a mountainous island. In such a small area, Taiwan has the largest number and density of high mountains in the world. There are 286 mountain summits over 3,000 m (9,800 ft) above sea level on the island with Yushan (玉山) being the tallest mountain in East Asia.
This mountain road is easily damaged during typhoon season and heavy rain. Most of the road is a 2 lane paved road with a center divide line except the Cueifong Scenic Road from Taipingshan Village (太平山莊) to Cueifong Villa which is a paved road without the center divide line and limited to small cars only. The recreation area covers an area of 12,631 ha (31,212 acre). There are some popular spots such as Jioujhihze Hot Spring (鳩之澤溫泉), Jhongjian Visitors Center(中間遊客中心), Jancing Historic Trail (見晴懷古步道), Taipingshan Villa (太平山莊), Cypress Forest Trail (檜木原始林步道), Taiwan Hemlock Forest Nature Trail (鐵杉林自然步道), 翠峰湖環山步道 (Cueifong Lake Circular Trail), 台灣山毛櫸步道 (Taiwan Beech Trail), and 翠峰山屋 (Cueifong Villa). If you like hot springs, then you definitely should pay a visit to Jioujhihze Hot Spring. It is a weak based sodium bicarbonate spring with no odor and clear water. After the hot spring, you can visit the Jancing Historic Trail transformed from the old Forest Railway- Jancing Line for wood logging. I really like this trail with its natural beauty and historical heritages along the railway. Taipingshan Villa is the major lodging and restaurant area. One of the most amazing scenes is the Japanese Maple (紫葉槭) turning red in the early May instead of the autumn Maple. You should take the challenge by taking the 496-step stairs surrounded by a tunnel of red leaf Japanese Maple to the top. Here you can take the 0.61 km Cypress Forest Trail at the elevation of 2,000 m (6,562 ft) and enjoy the forest bath and the nature. Last but not least, you should take the 3.95 km (2.45 mi) Cueifong Lake Circular Trail to see the largest alpine lake in Taiwan. The changing environment with its surrounding forest and waterfowls in mist makes it an unforgettable adventure.
Driving on the mountain road requires caution at all times. Weather is continuously changing, and bringing an extra coat even in summer time is recommended. It is almost impossible to visit all 18 attractions and 9 trails in one visit. Therefore, plan in advance and follow the plan even if you stay overnight in the villa inside the forest recreation area. You need to bring a camera and lenses if possible because you need them all.
This mountain road is easily damaged during typhoon season and heavy rain. Most of the road is a 2 lane paved road with a center divide line except the Cueifong Scenic Road from Taipingshan Village (太平山莊) to Cueifong Villa which is a paved road without the center divide line and limited to small cars only. The recreation area covers an area of 12,631 ha (31,212 acre). There are some popular spots such as Jioujhihze Hot Spring (鳩之澤溫泉), Jhongjian Visitors Center(中間遊客中心), Jancing Historic Trail (見晴懷古步道), Taipingshan Villa (太平山莊), Cypress Forest Trail (檜木原始林步道), Taiwan Hemlock Forest Nature Trail (鐵杉林自然步道), 翠峰湖環山步道 (Cueifong Lake Circular Trail), 台灣山毛櫸步道 (Taiwan Beech Trail), and 翠峰山屋 (Cueifong Villa). If you like hot springs, then you definitely should pay a visit to Jioujhihze Hot Spring. It is a weak based sodium bicarbonate spring with no odor and clear water. After the hot spring, you can visit the Jancing Historic Trail transformed from the old Forest Railway- Jancing Line for wood logging. I really like this trail with its natural beauty and historical heritages along the railway. Taipingshan Villa is the major lodging and restaurant area. One of the most amazing scenes is the Japanese Maple (紫葉槭) turning red in the early May instead of the autumn Maple. You should take the challenge by taking the 496-step stairs surrounded by a tunnel of red leaf Japanese Maple to the top. Here you can take the 0.61 km Cypress Forest Trail at the elevation of 2,000 m (6,562 ft) and enjoy the forest bath and the nature. Last but not least, you should take the 3.95 km (2.45 mi) Cueifong Lake Circular Trail to see the largest alpine lake in Taiwan. The changing environment with its surrounding forest and waterfowls in mist makes it an unforgettable adventure.
Driving on the mountain road requires caution at all times. Weather is continuously changing, and bringing an extra coat even in summer time is recommended. It is almost impossible to visit all 18 attractions and 9 trails in one visit. Therefore, plan in advance and follow the plan even if you stay overnight in the villa inside the forest recreation area. You need to bring a camera and lenses if possible because you need them all.
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James Huang - All rights reserved.
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