Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area - Shishan Visitor Center

Central Taiwan boasts pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, and rich natural, cultural, and industrial resources, making it highly suitable for tourism development. Therefore, the Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications merged three scenic areas—Shitou Mountain, Lishan, and Bagua Mountain—to form the "Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area." Its administrative scope covers 18 townships, cities, and districts across five counties and cities: Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, and Nantou, with a total area of approximately 77,521 hectares. The Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area Administration was established in March 2001 (Republic of China year 90) to manage tourism-related affairs within its jurisdiction. This area is rich in diverse topography, including high mountains, lakes, canyons, hills, and waterfalls, creating astonishing special landscapes. Coupled with abundant animal and plant ecosystems, such as birds, fish, and insects, as well as seasonal flowers and mountain forest scenery, the area is vibrant with life. Culturally, the area integrates diverse ethnic groups such as Hakka, Hokkien, Saisiyat, and Atayal, showcasing a pluralistic and inclusive cultural landscape. The lifestyle artifacts and traditional customs left behind are valuable assets that are in urgent need of preservation. Additionally, historical temples, famous ancient monasteries, and distinctive traditional houses form an architectural complex of historical sites, which are also important tourist attractions in the area, well worth observing in detail and understanding in depth. Within the jurisdiction, in addition to static sightseeing and cultural tours, there are also dynamic "LOHAS" (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) experiences. Multiple interconnected hiking and cycling trails within the area are not only the best choice for leisurely strolls and appreciating scenery but also a popular favorite among hikers and cyclists. Especially during the scorching summer, walking along shaded trails helps to completely dispel the heat. In winter, it's an excellent time for hot springs; high-quality hot springs and well-equipped hot spring resorts offer a warm indulgence during the cold season. Due to its excellent geographical location, suitable climatic conditions, and superior soil and water quality, this scenic area produces agricultural specialties such as temperate fruits, high-mountain vegetables, tea leaves, and trout, all renowned for their freshness and delicious taste. The tea produced in this area, in particular, is famous far and wide; from Shitou Mountain's Oriental Beauty Tea, Lishan's high-mountain tea, to Bagua Mountain's Songbo Evergreen Tea, a fragrant aroma of tea wafts from north to south. Additionally, aboriginal-flavored meals and Hakka delicacies are all local delights that must be savored when visiting. The Shishan Visitor Center was renovated from the former campus buildings of "Shishan Elementary School" and is located at approximately 5.5K on County Road 41. The center offers services such as tourist information, guided tours, and multimedia videos, along with a "Lei Cha" (Hakka pounded tea) experience, allowing visitors to learn about different tea cultures. The adjacent "Xiexin Tea House," originally teachers' dormitories, has been renovated into a relaxation space for enjoying Hakka tea snacks. In April and May, tung tree blossoms around the tea house are in full bloom, falling with the wind like snow, creating a very romantic scene. This center was established in July 2001 (Republic of China year 90), and its main building was originally the campus building of "Shishan Elementary School." The center repurposed the then-abandoned Shishan Elementary School, preserving the rustic charm unique to Hakka culture, to provide tourism-related services. The center is divided into: