Xuejian Recreation Area

Xuejian Recreation Area is situated at an elevation of 1,870 meters and covers an area of approximately 9 hectares. Within the area, visitors can behold the majestic and precipitous 'Holy Ridge' and 'Daxue Ridge,' two magnificent mountain ranges, as well as the scenic beauty along the Daan River valley. The diverse forest types in Xuejian Recreation Area provide abundant food sources for wildlife, resulting in a rich variety of animal resources within the area, with mammals, birds, and reptiles being particularly notable. After enjoying the water to your heart's content, we'll take you straight to the mountain peak, where you can experience the tranquil leisure of 'only in this mountain, where the clouds are deep and the location is unknown' amidst the lush mountain forests. Mountains and hills constitute over 80% of Miaoli County's total area, making it a renowned 'mountain city.' Its forest resources are diverse and abundant; whether it's the lush forest landscapes, natural ecosystems, or high-mountain cloud seas, the natural beauty is breathtaking. Every time one is immersed in it, time seems to stand still, leaving only a sense of awe lingering leisurely through the mountains and forests. Erben Song, nestled in the serene forests of Tai'an, is part of the 'Xuejian Recreation Area' within Shei-Pa National Park, located in the Meiyuan tribe's back mountains of Tai'an Township. It sits at an elevation of 1,870 meters and covers approximately 9 hectares. Within the area, visitors can behold the majestic and precipitous 'Holy Ridge' and 'Daxue Ridge,' two magnificent mountain ranges, as well as the picturesque scenery along the Daan River valley. The diverse forest types in Xuejian Recreation Area provide abundant food sources for wildlife, resulting in a rich variety of animal resources within the area, with mammals, birds, and reptiles being particularly notable. With its lush green mountains and rich ecology, the area is scheduled to open this summer, allowing the public to explore the beauty of Tai'an's deep forests. The Erben Song Interpretation Station, located about a 20-minute drive from the Xuejian Visitor Center, has already opened ahead of schedule. Its beautiful forest landscape, composed of vast bamboo groves, Chinese fir, and Japanese cedar, creates a tranquil and captivating scene. Now, let us first lead you on a journey to explore this serene mountain forest. Upon entering Tai'an Township, after continuous winding along the mountain roads, the Daan River finally lies peacefully at our feet. At this point, we are at an elevation of 1,500 meters, where dense forest canopies completely block out the sunlight, making the air exceptionally fresh and comfortable. The wooden boardwalk stairs at Erben Song Interpretation Station are very easy to walk, so we deliberately slowed our pace to carefully admire the flora, fauna, and natural landscapes along the way, finding surprises at every moment. The viewing platform on the trail offers an expansive vista; looking forward, the misty clouds indeed evoke a feeling of 'clouds so deep, whereabouts unknown.' Looking down, the Daan River, hemmed in by the mountains on both sides, winds and flows like a shimmering, captivating silver ribbon draped across the land. The name 'Erben Song' originated from the two pine trees that stood in front of the local police station (Erben Song Police Station) during the Japanese colonial period. Although the building is no longer present, the dried trunk of one of the trees can still be seen. From a small path beside the boardwalk's starting point, one can reach the former site of Maruta Fort. However, the original foundation and cannon barrel are long gone, with only a marker remaining for visitors to ponder. Although the fort itself is no longer visible, as one walks through, the forest landscape transforms from dense, straight bamboo groves to towering Japanese cedar and Chinese fir. These two distinct forest types each possess their unique beauty, making it a place that makes visitors reluctant to leave. **[Xuejian Visitor Center]** Before exploring the Erben Song Trail, visitors can first visit the Xuejian Visitor Center. Its comprehensive and detailed indoor exhibits and explanations can introduce everyone to the beauty of Tai'an's culture and ecology. Its distinctive architecture, harmoniously integrated with the natural surroundings, and the beautiful scenery nearby are also worth seeing. Due to the external roads to Xuejian Recreation Area often being interrupted by heavy rain, it is advisable for visitors to contact the Xuejian Visitor Center before their trip.