Dafen, Hualien, Mountain settlement in Zhuoxi Township, Taiwan.
Dafen is a mountain settlement in Hualien County situated at approximately 1,320 meters elevation within Yushan National Park. The landscape is shaped by dense forests, steep mountainsides, and the peaks of Taiwan's Central Range, with watercourses carving through valleys below the settlement.
The area developed historically as a corridor where indigenous groups traversed Taiwan's mountain spine to move between different regions. The Batongguan Trail, which passes near this settlement, represents one of the ancient routes that connected communities across the island.
The Bunun people shape the character of this mountain community through traditional ways of life passed down across generations. Visitors can observe how the settlement sits within the natural landscape, where daily routines remain connected to the surrounding forests and water sources.
A permit from the Nan-an Visitor Center is required to access hiking trails that venture into protected areas within the national park. Check current access rules before visiting, as conditions can change based on the season and wildlife management activities.
The Laklak Stream that flows through the area transforms dramatically from narrow mountain creek to a wide river channel as it descends. This progression reveals how water shapes the landscape across different elevations and makes the downstream journey itself a compelling part of the experience.
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