Bong Bong Train, hot spring, mountain lakes, Giant Tree forest and national treasure, Taiwan Beech, have paved the long track of history of Taipingshan (Peace Mountain) National Forest Recreation Area for over a century.
With an elevation of 1,950 meters, Taipingshan is a forestry legend second only to Alishan. Since 1915, the Japanese started the logging business here, taken over by the nationalist government later on. It thus became the largest forest station in Taiwan, and was ultimately transformed into a recreational area in 1983, leaving precious historical sites such as the Jiancing Historic Trail and Bong Bong Train behind.
Taipingshan was formerly referred to as “Minnao”, meaning a dense and flourishing forest.
Visitors can stroll amidst the virgin forest at the back of Zhen’an Temple, and set free their minds to roam back to the age when Giant Trees stood throughout the mountain. Driving through the Cueifong Forest Road, on which one often encounters wildlife like Taiwan macaque and Mikado Pheasant, you will arrive at the largest mountain lake in Taiwan: Cueifong Lake, at an altitude of 1,840 meters. On the far end of the lake is home to the national treasure, Taiwan Beech. One may take a walk on the 4-km trail in autumn to appreciate the mountain covered in gold.
Not far from the Ticket Station is Jioujhihze Hot Spring, a well-known carbon dioxide spring, another major feature around here. Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area is no doubt the prime choice for any nature lover who pays a visit to Yilan.