The fiery Taiwan Red Maple in autumn, starry sky in the summer night, sea of clouds at dusk, the Formosan Muntjac and Mikado Pheasants strolling amidst the forest, and the one-and-only thousand-year-old Sacred Tree of Taiwan Red Cypress in the Greater Taichung area, are the most fascinating images of Dasyueshan (Great Snow Mountain) National Forest Recreation Area.
Formerly the Dasyueshan Forest Station, where the logging business commenced in 1958 and brought prosperity to Dongshi and Fengyuan; today, this mountain town that is an hour drive from Dongshi, has become a forest recreational area, and continues to introduce the grace of Mother Nature to the people in Central Taiwan. Situated at an elevation over 2,000 meters, the climate here is cool and pleasant. The Small Sacred Tree Trail and Skid Road Trail still preserve the virgin forest of giant Taiwan Cypress, which is among the most brilliant landscapes of the Recreation Area. Also, the 50-meter-tall and 1,400-year old giant Sacred Tree standing at the deepest end of the Recreation Area was once ranked as Taiwan’s 11th giant tree!
The wildlife is yet another magnificent treasure of Dasyueshan: Formosan Muntjac, Formosan Serow, and Formosan White-faced Flying Squirrel party at night, while mountain birds like Mikado Pheasant, Swinhoe’s Pheasant, and Formosan Yuhina dance during the day. When you stroll amidst the forest and enjoy the relaxing forest bath, you may easily find an unexpected encounter with these furry and feathery celebrities!