Roaming amidst the orderly, gorgeous Cryptomeria (Japanese cedar) forest in the clouds, you can overlook the view spanning from Taoyuan to the Greater Taipei area as you climb to the peak of Dongyanshan (East Eye Mountain) at an altitude of 1,212 meters. Such is the most unwinding forest trip in Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area, Taoyuan.
At a distance approximately one hour drive from Daxi, Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area used to be of the logging compartment of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, leaving plenty of traces of forestry, such as yarders and forest nurseries. A Stone Monument for Silviculture stands at the entrance of Dongman Scenic Trail, a testimony to the forestry in Taiwan back in the day.
Dongyanshan enjoys quite a versatile ecology, being home to about 43 kinds of mountain birds, as well as a great number of mammals. Formosan White-faced Flying Squirrel from medium-high altitude can also be spotted here. Especially, there are many Formosan hares residing here as well. So watch out for what is next to your feet when you take a walk in the forest!
As for the Fossil Area beside the Dongyanshan Forest Trail, there are fossils and landscapes aged over tens of thousands of years, which makes it exceptionally valuable. If you have a chance to visit Daxi, perhaps plan for a trip to Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area, as well to cleanse your mind and soul in the forest!