Chinan National Forest Recreation Area
Taiwan · Hualien County · 壽豐鄉 · Nature & Scenery
Image source: Taiwan_Opendata; license credits as shown.
Overview
If you are interested in history, Chinan National Forest Recreation Area is a place you should not miss: an old locomotive, logging machinery, and countless historical artifacts and old photographs in the Forestry Exhibition Hall are preserved in this small park on the shore of Liyu Lake in Hualien, making it feel like a snapshot of the 1960s. Chinan is one of the three legendary sites in Hualien’s forestry history and the starting point of the Halun mountain logging railway. Beginning in 1930, it was planned by the Japanese and expanded by the Republic of China government, creating a forestry railway empire in Hualien that stretched nearly 50 kilometers. After all logging was banned in 1989, the remote Halun work station was shut down and became isolated from the outside world; only Chinan Transfer Station was preserved and transformed into a forest recreation area, allowing visitors to remember this era of forestry. Beyond its history, Chinan’s forest is mainly made up of mulberry and camphor trees, mixed with plantation species such as Formosan ash, and the endemic brown-eared bulbul of eastern Taiwan is often seen here, making it a great place to connect with nature. At Chinan National Forest Recreation Area, you can enjoy forest bathing in an atmosphere shaped by history and understand how forestry management has changed and what lies ahead under different historical circumstances.
Getting There
[Driving] Route 1: From Taipei toward Hualien: Hualien (Provincial Highway 9) → Jizhan → Nanhua (toward Provincial Highway 9C) → Gancheng → Wenlan → (turn onto Linyuan Road at kilometer 17 of Provincial Highway 9C) Chinan, a journey of 18 kilometers. [Driving] Route 2: From Taitung toward Hualien: Guangfu (Provincial Highway 9) → Fenglin → Shoufeng (Provincial Highway 9C) → (turn onto Linyuan Road at kilometer 17 of Provincial Highway 9C) Chinan. [Public transportation] Take Ubus 1139: transfer at Hualien Railway Station to Ubus 1139 bound for Shoufeng via Liyu Lake, and get off at Chinan Station. You will see a sign for Chinan National Forest Recreation Area by the roadside; follow the signs and walk about 900 meters to reach Chinan National Forest Recreation Area (Chinan Nature Education Center). Ubus contact number: 0800-676-676. Highway Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications - Real-time Highway Bus Information Website https://www.taiwanbus.tw/eBUSPage/Query/RouteQuery.aspx [Public transportation] Take Taroko Bus (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle) 303: Hualien Station - Tourist Service Center (on the right side of Hualien Front Station). Tickets can be purchased on the bus. Take bus 303 toward Shoufeng via Liyu Lake and get off at the Liyutan Tannan Recreation Area stop (Liyu Lake). You will see a sign for Chinan National Forest Recreation Area by the roadside; follow the signs and walk about 600 meters to reach Chinan National Forest Recreation Area (Chinan Nature Education Center). Taiwan Tourist Shuttle contact number: 0800-827-656.
Highlights
Located on the shore of Liyu Lake in Hualien, this national forest recreation area combines **forestry history, cultural stories, and forest bathing**, making it an excellent place to learn about Hualien’s forestry development and enjoy nature. The park was formerly the Mugua Mountain Forest Farm and the Chinan transfer station at the starting point of the Halun mountain logging railway, and it has preserved valuable artifacts such as steam locomotives, logging machines, timber-hauling equipment, and old photographs, as if stepping into a forest farm time tunnel from the 1960s. The forest is dominated by broadleaf trees such as mulberry and camphor, with gentle trails suitable for easy family walks and forest bathing, and eastern Taiwan endemic birds are often observed here, making it a compact attraction with both ecological and cultural value. It is also close to Liyu Lake and the Liyu Mountain trail, so it can be combined into a half-day or full-day slow-travel route around the lakeside and hills of Hualien.
What to See
1. Forestry Exhibition Hall and old photographs The Forestry Exhibition Hall displays the development history of the former Mugua Mountain Forest Farm and the Halun Forest Railway through old photographs, artifacts, and explanations. It introduces the evolution of logging and timber-transport techniques from the Japanese period to the Republic of China period, making it especially suitable for travelers and school-age children who want to learn about Taiwan’s forestry history. 2. Steam timber-hauling locomotives and old trains Several steam timber-hauling locomotives and old train engines that once ran through the mountains and forests are exhibited outdoors in the park. Railway enthusiasts and photography lovers can observe the details up close, and it is also a popular backdrop for family photos and social media check-ins, helping visitors imagine the former glory of the forestry railway empire. 3. Logging machinery, cable baskets, and timber equipment displays Visitors can see gasoline-powered locomotives, steam and diesel logging machines, timber-transport equipment, timber cableways, and cable baskets. Through the physical machinery and interpretive signs, you can understand how timber was collected and transported from the mountains to the lowlands, making this an especially educational outdoor "living classroom." 4. Forest bathing trails and viewpoints The park offers several short trails with gentle routes and low difficulty. Along the way, you will walk among mulberry, camphor, and other trees, making it ideal for relaxed hiking and breathing in forest air. Some trails have viewing platforms that are easy to reach in a short walk and offer views over the park and surrounding mountains, making them a good choice for a 1–2 hour stroll. 5. Ecological observation and eastern Taiwan endemic birds Chinan has rich ecological resources and complete mid- to low-elevation forest types, with many bird species commonly seen here. In particular, the brown-eared bulbul, endemic to eastern Taiwan, is a representative species. Birdwatchers can bring binoculars and observe quietly; under the forest canopy, you can also look for ferns and diverse woody plants, making it a good place to understand the transition from forest farm to conservation. 6. Connection with Liyu Lake and the Liyu Mountain trail Chinan is located on the south side of Liyu Lake, and it is easy to combine it with the Liyu Lake lakeside trail, cycling route, and the Liyu Mountain trail by car or bicycle. Visitors with more energy can spend the morning on the Chinan forest bathing trail and climb Liyu Mountain in the afternoon for a panoramic view of the Rift Valley and Liyu Lake, creating a rich cultural and scenic mini-trip route.
Hours & Admission
Parking: Small vehicles: NT$50. Small car parking lot, capacity for 33 small vehicles, charged at NT$50 per entry. Large vehicles: NT$100. Large vehicle parking lot, capacity for 3 large vehicles, charged at NT$100 per entry. Motorcycles: NT$20.
Address
No. 65, Linyuan Road, Chinan Village, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County 974 Tel: (03)8641594
Travel Tips
1. Recommended stay length and itinerary planning Chinan National Forest Recreation Area is relatively small, and most trails are short. A visit of about 1–2 hours is enough, so it is well suited as one stop in a half-day or full-day itinerary around Liyu Lake. 2. Best season and time to visit Hualien has a rainy climate with strong sunshine typical of eastern Taiwan. Spring and autumn are more comfortable for extended outdoor walking. In summer, afternoon showers are common, so it is better to visit in the morning or near sunset and pay attention to weather changes in the mountains. The forest is especially beautiful after rain, but some sections may be slippery, so shoes with good traction are important. 3. Clothing and items to bring Wear light, breathable clothing and non-slip walking shoes or hiking shoes, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and rain gear. Mosquitoes are more common in summer, so bring insect repellent. If you plan to stay longer for ecological observation, it is recommended to bring binoculars and a small flashlight or headlamp for use when the forest understory is dim on cloudy days. 4. Transportation and mobility planning The park is on the south side of Liyu Lake, making it suitable for self-driving or scooter travel, and it can also be reached by combining a bus ride with a walk. It is recommended to check schedules and walking distances in advance and allow time for the return trip. You can combine Chinan with Liyu Lake and other attractions in Shoufeng Township into one route to reduce backtracking. 5. Guided tours and family learning suggestions If you are very interested in forestry history, it is worth checking in advance whether guided tours can be reserved. Professional explanations can help you better understand the story of the Mugua Mountain Forest Farm, the Halun Forest Railway, and the transition after the logging ban. For family trips, it is a good idea to read simple stories about Taiwan’s forestry or railways with children before arriving, then compare them on site with the old locomotive and machinery for a better learning experience. 6. Park etiquette and conservation awareness As a national forest recreation area, please follow on-site regulations, respect the displayed artifacts and historical machinery, and do not climb on or damage them. When using the trails, do not collect or take away plants, animals, or natural objects, and take your trash with you to help protect forestry cultural assets and the natural ecosystem.
Nearby Dining
The park itself focuses mainly on forestry culture exhibits and nature trails, so dining services are limited. Visitors are advised to eat in Hualien City, Shoufeng Township, or around Liyu Lake before entering the park, or bring simple dry food and drinking water, and pay attention to any park-related dining rules and notices. Most visitors combine Chinan with Liyu Lake and other attractions in Shoufeng Township, and enjoy local dishes and drinks at snack shops, set-meal restaurants, or cafes in nearby villages as a rest stop after walking in the forest.
FAQ
Q: Is Chinan National Forest Recreation Area suitable for families with children or older adults? A: Yes. Most trails in the park are short and gently sloped, with plenty of shade along the way, and there are many clearly visible displays of old locomotives, logging machinery, and old photographs. Children and older adults can easily learn about forestry history and the natural environment on foot. Comfortable walking shoes are still recommended, and routes should be chosen according to physical ability. Q: How long does a visit to Chinan National Forest Recreation Area usually take? A: If you only visit the Forestry Exhibition Hall, the outdoor machinery area, and one or two short trails, most visitors will stay about 1–2 hours. If you combine the visit with the Liyu Lake lakeside trail or the Liyu Mountain trail, then a half-day to full-day itinerary is more relaxed. Q: What are the must-see highlights at Chinan National Forest Recreation Area? A: Recommended highlights include the Mugua Mountain Forest Farm and Halun Forest Railway history exhibits in the Forestry Exhibition Hall, the outdoor steam timber-hauling locomotives and old train engines, various logging machines and cable-basket equipment displays, and the viewpoints and forest scenery along the short forest bathing trails. Visitors interested in ecology may also want to observe the park’s common birds and mid- to low-elevation plants. Q: Which attractions can be arranged together with Chinan National Forest Recreation Area? A: Chinan is next to Liyu Lake, so it is recommended to combine it with the Liyu Lake lakeside trail, cycling route, or the Liyu Mountain trail to create a route featuring lake views, mountain scenery, and forestry culture. It can also be paired with other coastal or longitudinal valley attractions near Shoufeng Township as a short suburban day trip from Hualien City.
