樟湖風景區, Natural recreation area in Gukeng Township, Taiwan.
The Zhanghu Scenic Area is a natural recreation zone in Gukeng's mountain forests with waterfalls, streams, and rock formations at elevations above 500 meters. Several hiking trails wind through the dense forests and connect to viewing points and various natural landmarks.
The region was named after camphor trees that once blanketed the area and supported a local camphor production industry in earlier times. The landscape later transformed into a natural recreation area that protects its forests and water resources.
The fossil museum at Zhanghu Elementary School displays shells and mollusks that once lived in ancient seas covering this region millions of years ago. These specimens help visitors understand how different the landscape was in the distant past.
The area is accessible by car via County Road 149A from Zhushan or County Road 158A from Gukeng, with both routes offering straightforward access to the entrances. Visitors should wear proper footwear and bring plenty of water, as the paths wind through forest areas and climb steeply in some sections.
The location is divided into sixteen separate natural landmarks known as the 'Sixteen Scenes of Zhanghu,' ranging from mountain viewpoints to ancient trees and multiple waterfalls. This traditional organization follows a classical approach to grouping natural attractions into distinct numbered scenes.
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