Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area

Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area is bordered by Mount Majun in the east, Wanda in the west, Mahai'puku Fujiyama in the north, and the Wanshui River in the south, covering an area of 2,787 hectares. It enjoys warm winters and cool summers, with an elevation ranging from 1,200 to 2,600 meters, offering a refreshing and pleasant environment with green mountains and clear waters. The entire park features a main self-guided trail, approximately 6 kilometers long, passing through the main trail, Haohanpo (Hero Slope), and a mid-way service station. Along the way, visitors can admire plants from the glacial period such as Taiwania and Metasequoia, as well as the most popular maple forest area and the highest point, the pine forest area. Every year from December to January of the following year, a large area of maple trees in the valley turns brilliant red, with leaves falling in a picturesque display. In addition to sightseeing and maple viewing, the forest recreation area is also suitable for forest bathing, bird watching, and ecological research. Each season offers a different charm. Aowanda Hot Spring is located in Qihai Village, Ren'ai Township, Nantou County. Its two spring sources are found in the bottom of the Wanda North Creek and Wanda South Creek valleys, respectively. The spring water temperature is approximately 58 degrees Celsius, with a hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of 7, making it a weakly alkaline carbonic acid spring. The water quality is clear and transparent, suitable for both drinking and bathing. As the spring sources are deep within a gorge, development is difficult, and there are no bathing facilities or lodging available. You can take a Nantou Bus directly from Puli to Wanda, then follow the industrial road from Wanda straight ahead. Every late autumn, the nearby maple forests are exceptionally beautiful.