Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, National Forest Recreation Area in Datong and Nan-ao, Taiwan
Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area is a protected woodland spanning elevations from 365 to 2,000 meters with mountain trails and diverse plant species including cypress forests. The terrain features distinct vegetation zones that change as you move higher into the landscape.
The area served as a major logging site during Japanese colonial rule and was converted to a protected forest recreation zone in 1983. This transformation marked a shift from resource extraction to environmental preservation.
The original name comes from the Atayal indigenous language and means dense forest before being renamed in 1936. Visitors can see how the landscape reflects both the heritage of local communities and modern conservation efforts.
It is best to arrive early, as the area opens at 6:00 AM on weekdays and even earlier on weekends to accommodate visitors throughout the day. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring weather protection since conditions change quickly with elevation.
The area contains Taiwan's largest alpine lake, Cuifeng Lake, situated at 1,840 meters elevation and surrounded by rare Taiwan beech trees. This remote water body is often overlooked by visitors despite being the highest lake in the region.
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