Top Choices for Escaping the Summer Heat! Take Your Pick from a Curated Selection of Waterfalls, Giant Trees, and Sea of Clouds Across Five of Taiwan’s Top National Forest Recreation Areas!

In the sweltering summer heat, who doesn’t want to escape the city heat and go on a refreshing and rejuvenating holiday? The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA) has carefully curated a unique selection of national forest recreation areas across Taiwan, inviting the public to step into the lush green woods. Whether it’s strolling through a lush, misty valley with waterfalls or hiking to naturally-cooled mid-to-high altitude attractions, get ready to embark on a refreshing summer trip and let your mind and body be rejuvenated by negative ions and phytoncides. The FANCA recommends five distinctive national forest recreation areas, each with its own unique natural environment and cultural features, suitable for travelers of all ages planning a summer forest getaway.

Lalashan (R’ra) National Forest Recreation Area - Wander Amongst Giant Trees and Feel the Vitality of a Thousand Years
　　Located in Taoyuan City, Lalashan (R’ra) National Forest Recreation Area boasts the highest concentration of giant Taiwan red cypress and Taiwan cypress tree clusters in northern Taiwan. As you stroll along the forest trails shrouded in mist year-round, not only will you be breathing in the rich aroma of cypress wood, but also get to marvel at the unique tree shapes such as “second-generation trees” and “conjoined trees” up close. Under the shade of giant trees that are hundreds or even thousands of years old, you will be able to deeply feel the resilient vitality of nature.

Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area - A Visual Feast Beneath the Japanese Cedar Forest
　　The Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area boasts a vast expanse of straight and magnificent Japanese cedar forests, where sunlight filters through the canopy and casts a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. Hike the trail to the observation deck located at an altitude of 1,212 meters, and you will get to enjoy a panoramic view of the Greater Taipei Basin and the Mt. Qixing range. When the weather is right, you may also get the opportunity to admire the spectacular sight of a “cloud waterfall,” where misty clouds surge into the forest like a stampede of horses, and experience the magnificent scenery of interwoven forest and the mountain mist.

Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area - Alpine Giant Trees and Wildlife Park
　　Located in Taichung City, the Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area offers forest landscapes at different altitudes, ranging from warm temperate broadleaved forests to alpine hemlock forests. With its cool and pleasant climate in midsummer, the park is an internationally renowned birdwatching destination and a paradise for wildlife. While you enjoy the magnificent sea of clouds and the breathtaking sunset, a stroll through the forest may also offer the chance to encounter rare and precious wild animals endemic to Taiwan, such as the Mikado pheasant, the Taiwan blue pheasant, and the Taiwan serow, allowing you to experience the charm of the rich biodiversity found in Taiwan’s mountains and forests.

Basianshan Forest Recreation Area - A Summer Symphony of Mountain Birds and Clear Creeks
　　The Basianshan Forest Recreation Area showcases a rich stream ecosystem and forest landscape. We recommend taking a walk along the flat and beginner-friendly “Tianlai Trail.” Along the way, you will not only hear the gentle flow of Shiwen Creek’s clear water, but also be treated to the natural symphony of birdsongs sung by mountain birds such as the green-backed tit and Taiwan vivid niltava. Take a stroll to the famous “Jiabaotai” to admire the majestic mountain scenery and enjoy a leisurely and relaxed time with the soothing and cool breeze.

Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area - A Summer Retreat Where Waterfalls, Creeks, and Paiwan Culture Meet
　　The Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area, located in Pingtung County, is a popular summer vacation destination in southern Taiwan. It boasts abundant water resources as it’s where the Daren River and Neiwen River meet, while Shuangliu Waterfall is rich in negative ions, which can instantly dispel the summer heat. In addition to enjoying the refreshing temperatures of the valley, you can also explore the historical ruins of the “Tortoiseshell Lodge” along the lush White Fig-Tree Trail and experience the Paiwan people’s cultural wisdom in harmonic coexistence with nature.

　　The FANCA reminds visitors that detailed information on activities at national forest recreation areas, public transportation links, as well as park opening hours and control measures during the summer vacation can be found on the “Taiwan Forest Recreation” website (https://recreation.forest.gov.tw/).