Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area

Embrace sacred trees amidst misty mountains, admire the largest Wushe cherry blossom tree in Taiwan covered in a blanket of white in spring, ascend to behold the majestic 'Holy Ridge' of the Xueshan (Snow Mountain) Range, and perhaps even encounter national treasures. This is Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area, offering visitors the richest cloud forest experience at the border of Hsinchu and Miaoli. Guanwu, located two hours from Zhudong, is called 'Maoyili' in the Atayal language, meaning 'higher mountains'. This area became a logging site in 1940 and ceased operations in 1980, leaving behind mountains covered with neatly planted artificial forests. Meanwhile, the five magnificent giant Taiwan cypress trees along the Gui Mountain Giant Tree Trail tell visitors tales of Taiwan's forests in their former glory. Guanwu's wildlife is quite spectacular. Besides the Swinhoe's pheasant and Formosan serow that roam the trails, the most unique discoveries are the world's only Impatiens devolii and two endemic Taiwanese national treasures: the Broad-tailed Swallowtail butterfly and the Guanwu Salamander, named after Guanwu. The Dalu Forest Road, which connects to the park, forks here. The eastern branch leads to Dabajian Mountain, while the western branch goes to Hzen Mountain, the highest peak in the park, offering visitors breathtaking views outlined by the Holy Ridge of the Xueshan Mountain Range.