Samsan National Scenic Area

Central Taiwan boasts a pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, and abundant natural, cultural, and industrial resources, making it highly suitable for tourism development. For this reason, the Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications merged three scenic areas—Lion's Head Mountain, Lishan, and Baguashan—to form the "Samsan National Scenic Area." Its administrative scope covers 18 townships and districts across five counties and cities: Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, and Nantou, totaling approximately 77,521 hectares. The Samsan National Scenic Area Administration was established in March 2001 (the 90th year of the Republic of China) to specifically manage tourism affairs within its jurisdiction. This area is rich in diverse topography, including high mountains, lakes, canyons, hills, and waterfalls, creating breathtaking and unique landscapes. Coupled with rich flora and fauna, such as various bird, fish, and insect species, as well as seasonal flowers and forest scenery, the area is vibrant with life. Culturally, the area showcases a diverse and inclusive cultural landscape, blending different ethnic groups such as Hakka, Minnan, Saisiyat, and Atayal. The lifestyle artifacts and traditional customs passed down by these groups are precious assets that urgently need preservation. Furthermore, historic temples, ancient monasteries, and distinctive traditional houses form an important cluster of heritage buildings, making them key attractions worthy of close observation and in-depth understanding. Besides static scenic and cultural tours, the area also offers dynamic healthy living (LOHAS) experiences. Numerous interconnected hiking trails and cycling paths are not only ideal for leisurely walks and appreciating scenery but also popular choices for hikers and cyclists. Especially in the hot summer, walking on shaded trails provides a refreshing escape from the heat. In winter, it's the perfect time for hot springs; high-quality thermal springs and well-equipped hot spring resorts offer a warm indulgence during the cold season. Due to its excellent geographical location, suitable climate conditions, and superior soil and water quality, the scenic area cultivates specialty agricultural products such as temperate fruits, high-mountain vegetables, tea leaves, and trout, all renowned for their fresh and delicious taste. The tea produced here is particularly famous, with its fragrance wafting from north to south, featuring Eastern Beauty Tea from Lion's Head Mountain, high-mountain tea from Lishan, and Songboling Everlasting Green Tea from Baguashan. Additionally, aboriginal-style cuisine and Hakka delicacies are local flavors that visitors must try.