Introduction to Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area

Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area is located at the border of Wufeng Township, Hsinchu County and Tai'an Township, Miaoli County, at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters. Named for its year-round misty atmosphere, it is the best starting point and essential route for viewing Dabajian Mountain. The Hsinchu Forest District Office has designated it as a national forest recreation area, constructing multiple forest trails leading to ancient cypress trees over 2,000 years old, giant tree forests, waterfalls, and more. The scenery changes with the seasons, and the forests are home to many alpine birds, making it a great place for birdwatching. The park features five trails: Waterfall, Giant Tree, Hazel Mountain, Birdwatching, and Honeymoon Trail. In autumn, there are large maple forests along the Dalu Forest Trail and the Cypress Trail, and additional maple viewing trails are available for hiking. Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area – Dalu Forest Trail

The Dalu Forest Trail boasts beautiful scenery along its 28-kilometer stretch from Tuchang to Guanwu, featuring expansive seas of clouds and swirling mists. Named after the Luchang Mountain area it connects to, the trail's eastern section is equally captivating. This 35-kilometer stretch features unique forest landscapes, including pure stands of natural two-needle pine and cork oak (a type of cork tree). The eastern section also includes the Taiwan Chashu Nature Reserve, home to the valuable Taiwan Chashu species and the Broad-tailed Swallowtail butterfly. The trailhead for the Dabajian Mountain trail is also located here. Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area – Zhenshan Trail

At the summit of Zhenshan Mountain, at an altitude of 2489 meters, the hiking trail is approximately 4130 meters long and is an excellent spot for watching the sunrise. From here, you can also see the snow-capped peaks and Dabajian Mountain. In April and May, alpine rhododendrons such as Rhododendron senense and Rhododendron taiwanense can be seen blooming on the Zhenshan Trail. Along the trail, in the shady and damp forest undergrowth or forest edges, you can find plants such as Impatiens balsamina and Impatiens dauricum, a species endemic to Taiwan, creating a rich ecological landscape. Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area – Leshan Forest Trail

The Leshan Forest Trail is also a great place to watch the sunrise. It stretches 13 kilometers. Although the summit of Leshan is a military-controlled area and outsiders are prohibited from visiting, the scenery along the trail is beautiful. You can see Taiwan alder, Taiwan two-needle pine, Huashan pine, and other coniferous trees. In the more shady and damp areas, you can often see Sedum morganianum, Alpine white pearl tree, and Rhododendron simsii. Along this forest trail, you can also enjoy views of Dabajian Mountain and the sacred ridgeline of Xueshan Mountain.