Nantou’s elevated woodland sanctuary

The world of Xitou Nature Education Area’s winding forest trails is a treasure trove of sights for the hiking enthusiast or the casual outdoor rambler

• By Shane O’Reilly / Contributing reporter

• • Add TT as Preferred Source

  • 

  • 

  • 

Tucked away within a deep, undulating valley, Xitou Nature Education Area’s (溪頭自然教育園區) misty high-altitude realm spans approximately 25 square kilometers and sits at 1,150 meters above sea level.

Its untamed beauty unfolds across a mosaic of emerald and chartreuse treetops, slick, pendulous fronds, imposing conifers and boundless bamboo groves.

Xitou, in Nantou County, is Taiwan’s most popular forest park, attracting over 2 million visitors each year in search of both sylvan exploration and respite from oppressive urban humidity.

The tranquil University Pond in all its naked beauty.

Photo: Shane O’Reilly

Parking is terraced up a gentle hillside, with two lots found close to the Visitor Center and ticketing area 1. Another smaller parking lot sits adjacent to the main entrance and ticketing area 2.

Maps are presented on arrival, detailing the 14 trails of varying length. Many crisscross or link up with others, and there’s a map legend attributing levels of difficulty to each.

Preparedness is essential and should reflect the individual’s level of fitness and experience. For a full day of activity, consider trekking poles and hydration backpacks.

A glimpse deep into the dense, verdant beauty of the Xitou Nature Education Area.

Photo: Shane O’Reilly

For those underprepared or simply exhausted, comfortable electric shuttle cars resembling elongated golf carts are provided at designated pick-up zones.

THE TRAILS

The various circuitous trails are flanked by dense, towering greenery, at times connecting as a lattice overhead; the air is always cool, tinged with earthy scents.

The bright, golden-tipped leaves of the Gingko Plantation.

Photo: Shane O’Reilly

University Pond Trail (大學池步道) and Sacred Tree Trail (神木步道) are the reserves most popular trails. Both offer a paved option for a much smoother trek, with an easy ascent making it ideal for those with strollers or mobility concerns.

The former culminates at an idyllic algae-spotted pond and footbridge adjacent to waterways and a well-appointed restaurant and dining area.

The latter concludes at its 2,800-year-old namesake. No longer standing, it’s still an incredible sight, its immense, horizontal mass clearly discernible from the viewing platform.

A path for the experienced hiker only.

Photo: Shane O’Reilly

The Bird Watching Trail (賞鳥步道) and the Mountaineering Trail (登山步道) offer much more of a challenge with a dramatic incline and plenty of steps.

THE SIGHTS

Visitors will find a wealth of fascinating landmarks scattered throughout the area, as depicted on the illustrated map, from a ginkgo grove to a pavilion, a bamboo cottage, various bridges, arboretums and a plant nursery.

Particularly notable sights include the Phoenix Mountain Astronomical Observatory (溪頭天文台), which stands at 1,800 meters above sea level, making it the park’s highest accessible point.

And to the east, the Sky Walk (空中走廊) is perched 23 meters above the forest floor, allowing visitors exceptional views amid the outstretched branches of the forest canopy.

Nature buffs often seek out the elusive wildlife here, like the Taiwan Serow or Formosan Giant Flying Squirrel.

Most, however, may have to settle for the sudden darting movements of pallas’s squirrels, found scampering throughout the various picnic areas.

Occasional encounters with a Formosan rock macaque (台灣獼猴) have also been known to happen. Bright-eyed and brazen, they are opportunistic creatures, and visitors must remember not to feed them.

For your information

IF YOU GO

The park is open to the public seven days a week from 7am with last admittance at 5pm. Car parking costs NT$180 per day. Entrance fees: Adults are NT$250, children aged 6-12 are NT$130, children under six are free, and it’s NT$40 for those over 65. The Xitou Nature Education Area’s electric shuttle bus (電動接駁車) costs NT$70 per person per one-way trip and is available every 20 minutes from designated locations. Food and drink facilities: Beyond the aforementioned University Pond restaurant and dining area, you can explore Japanese-style snacks at the Xitou Monster Village (妖怪村), a short walk outside the central car park zone. Within the car park area, Xitou Shopping Street (溪頭商店街) provides a row of food and drink options, while further up the slope to the main entrance, the Howard Resort Xitou (溪頭福華渡假飯店) offers set menu or buffet dining options.