Maple Forest Trail: Discover Hualien

Visiting Hualien brings a sense of bliss. If you crave the ocean, you can be at the beach in under half an hour; if you long for the mountains, it takes less than 30 minutes to breathe in their invigorating phytoncides. The 'Maple Forest Trail', nearly 3 kilometers long, is located in Fuxing Village, Ji'an Township, Hualien County. Various flowers are planted along its path; when spring arrives, azaleas, plum blossoms, and peach blossoms bloom in succession, with pentas and lantana vying for attention. In autumn, a stroll through the fiery red maple forest feels like stepping into a poetic masterpiece, leaving an unforgettable impression. Enjoyable in all seasons with spring blossoms and autumn maples. From Fuxing Village, a short drive is still required to reach the true entrance of the Maple Forest Trail, where parking is available. The Maple Forest Trail features a total of 6 observation decks, situated at elevations of approximately 300 to 400 meters. The one-way walk takes about 2 hours. The gentle slope makes it an easy stroll, and visitors can also cycle, ride a scooter, or even drive to a chosen section for a walk. It's an excellent destination for families to enjoy hiking and springtime excursions. On clear days, from the higher vantage points of the trail, you can take in the entire panorama of Hualien City, Meilun Mountain, the Pacific Ocean, the Huadong Valley, the Coastal Mountain Range, and even Qingshui Cliff and Qixingtan. The beautiful scenery of blue skies and turquoise seas evokes the breathtaking landscapes from the documentary 'Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above,' with Hualien's full 180-degree vista unfolding beneath your feet. From the entrance to the first observation deck, you can already discern traces of chessboard-patterned farmlands. This area was once settled by Japanese immigrants, shaping the daily life of present-day Hualien residents. The Yoshino Immigration Village comprised three settlements, characterized by their grid-patterned streets and square fields—a unique landscape of these immigrant villages. In the distance, the verdant Meilun Mountain quietly 'breathes,' acting as the city's green lung. Six Observation Decks Offer Panoramic Views of Hualien. Adjacent to the second observation deck is the Xiangshanlu (Elephant Mountain Lodge) parking lot, allowing visitors arriving by car to begin their uphill walk from this point. The third observation deck offers the most spectacular scenery and the broadest panoramic views along the Maple Forest Trail. From here, you can clearly behold Hualien's coastline and the vast Pacific Ocean! It's also one of the prime spots to admire Hualien's nightscape, with countless twinkling lights creating a mesmerizingly beautiful scene. Gazing at the densely packed houses in the city below, resembling scattered matchboxes, one might momentarily feel as if all of Hualien City is a personal toy world. It's fun to try and spot where the popular fried egg scallion pancakes are made, or identify that tall building. Observing the subtle movements and quietude of the distant harbor and mountains adds another layer of interest. The slopes near the fourth observation deck feature a rich ecosystem of various flowers and plants for visitors to admire. Proceeding to the fifth observation deck, situated by a hairpin turn, the bird's-eye view of Hualien's landscape offers a distinct and captivating charm. The sixth observation deck marks the junction of the Maple Forest and Baiyun (White Cloud) trails, where the Maple Forest Trail concludes. Visitors with ample stamina are welcome to continue their journey to enjoy more beautiful scenery! This beloved spot for Hualien locals to stroll, hike, and watch the sunrise conceals unparalleled wonders. Ascend the Maple Forest Trail—a microcosm of Hualien—and on a warm spring day, immerse yourself in the 'Huilan' beauty of blue skies, white clouds, green mountains, and fragrant blossoms! Overlooking the beautiful nightscape of the entire Hualien Plain and the northern slopes of the Coastal Mountain Range, the winding mountain path, lined with rows of maple trees, is also a popular destination for tourists seeking leisure and hiking. Transportation: ● By Car: From Provincial Highway 9, turn onto Provincial Highway 9C. After entering Fuxing Village, turn right at the traffic light towards the mountains, heading towards 'Foxing Temple,' until you reach the Xiangshanlu (Elephant Mountain Lodge) parking lot. Address: Dashan, Fuxing Village, Ji'an Township, Hualien County.