Jianshi Giant Tree Group

After visiting Neiwun Scenic Area, head towards the "back mountains." After passing the initial section of Jianshi, ascend along the Laluo River Valley. The river water is abundant and clean, and the valley is filled with strangely shaped rocks, creating a rugged and natural landscape. The latter section, after crossing a saddle, enters the area commonly known as the "back mountains." Here, majestic mountains tower, and the scenery is magnificent. Continuing further, one can reach the excellent hot springs of Xiuluan, as well as Smangus and Cinsbu, the most remote indigenous communities in Jianshi Township, to admire their groups of sacred trees. Jianshi Rock is located along the Youluo River, standing over 50 meters tall, resembling an index finger pointing straight to the sky. According to local residents, in ancient times, the Jianshi Rock formation was connected to the left bank, joining another prominent boulder. It was later broken apart by floods, splitting into two Jianshi Rocks: the larger one called "Jianshi Gong" (Male Jianshi) and the smaller one called "Jianshi Mu" (Female Jianshi). Below Jianshi Rock, there was a small temple dedicated to "Jianshi Ye" (Lord Jianshi), worshipped by local villagers. It has since been relocated to the nearby Jianshi Fuhui Temple. Smangus Sacred Tree Group: Smangus is known as the "Black Tribe" and is located in the fog-prevalent belt in the northeastern corner of Taiwan, at an elevation of approximately 1,600 meters. Although the area near the community has been developed, a two-hour walk leads to pristine forests, which are also the home of Taiwan cypress. Community residents have successively discovered several giant Taiwan red cypress forest areas, the largest of which is the Smangus Giant Sacred Tree, originally known as "Lord of the Sacred Trees," ranked among Taiwan's top ten sacred trees. The most distinctive feature of the Giant Sacred Tree is its human-like shape. It has a circumference of 20.5 meters, an estimated age of 2,500 years, and a slightly shorter height of about 35 meters. The discovery of this group of sacred trees has attracted a large number of visitors. Cinsbu Sacred Tree Group: Cinsbu is located at the end of Xiuluan Road in Jianshi Township and is an Atayal tribal community. The path from the community to the entrance of the sacred tree group is lined with peach trees. During the blooming season in March and April each year, both sides of the road are filled with pink peach blossoms. The Cinsbu Sacred Tree Group is Taiwan's largest pristine Taiwan cypress forest, covering an area of 50 square kilometers. Upon entering the sacred tree area, towering Taiwan red cypresses stand majestically along the path. Due to the long-term humid and undisturbed environment, the surfaces of these ancient sacred trees are covered with moss and ferns. Continuing to an elevation of approximately 2,375 meters, there is a "Poison Dragon Pond" (Du Long Tan). It is not large, but because it is located in the pristine, deep forest, surrounded by frequent mist and fog, it exudes a mysterious atmosphere. Due to inconvenient external transportation, visitors must bring their own vehicles and apply for a Class A mountain entry permit.