Kenting National Forest Recreation Area, National Forest Recreation Area in Hengchun Township, Taiwan.
Kenting National Forest Recreation Area is a forested landscape rising 300 meters above sea level with dense vegetation and diverse wildlife spread across 75 hectares of protected land. Multiple hiking trails wind through the area, offering different routes for visitors of varying abilities.
The site began in 1906 as a botanical garden under Japanese administration and later became Taiwan's second National Forest Recreation Area in 1967. This transformation shifted its purpose from scientific collection to public forest conservation.
Local indigenous communities have sustained traditional practices of resource management that visitors can experience firsthand through guided nature walks led by knowledgeable residents. These walks reveal how people have lived in balance with the forest for generations.
Plan to visit early in the day to make the most of daylight for exploring the trails at a comfortable pace. Wear proper hiking shoes and bring adequate water, as the routes vary in difficulty depending on which paths you choose.
The forest grows on ancient coral reef formations elevated by tectonic activity about 500,000 years ago, creating limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites beneath the surface. This geology makes the location a rare example of deep earth history visible to forest visitors.
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