Danongdafu Flat Forest Park
Taiwan · Hualien County · 光復鄉 · Nature & Scenery
Image source: Taiwan_Opendata; license credits as shown.
Overview
Danongdafu Flat Forest Park is located in Guangfu Township, Hualien County, in the Hualien–Taitung Valley, with the Central Mountain Range on one side and the Coastal Mountain Range on the other. Traveling south through the valley, around the middle section after passing the chimney of Hualien Sugar Factory, you will come upon a vast, continuous forest. The land around the forest bears history written by many ethnic groups. Taiwan is a beautiful island covered with forests, but centuries of development pushed native forests out of the plains. Since the early 21st century, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has actively promoted flatland afforestation, and after years of growth, Hualien gained the nation’s first flat forest park: Danongdafu Flat Forest Park. Set between the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range, this 1,250-hectare park is equivalent to 48 Da’an Forest Parks and can truly be described as a super carbon sink and oxygen producer. Nearly 20 kinds of low-elevation tree species, numbering more than one million trees, have been planted here. They are beautiful, useful, and closely connected to human life. They nurture the land and supply the daily needs of people and other animals; their grace and colors form one of the most beautiful poems of the earth. The overall planning of Danongdafu Flat Forest Park combines surrounding agriculture, urban and rural culture, community building, and environmental education to create a design oriented toward ecology, energy saving, carbon reduction, and health. It aims to form a diverse, intellectually enriching travel destination, link up with other recreational spots in the valley, provide high-quality visitor services, and bring new momentum for the sustainable renewal of flat forest landscapes, local ecology, community life, public well-being, and environmental industries.
Getting There
By car, western route: take National Freeway 5 through the Hsuehshan Tunnel to Suao, then follow Provincial Highway 9 to Guangfu, Hualien; turn onto Danong Road at kilometer marker 240.8 to reach the park. By car, eastern route: travelers in eastern Taiwan can follow Provincial Highway 9 and turn onto Danong Road at kilometer marker 240.8 to reach the park. Public transportation by train: take the Taiwan Railways Eastern Main Line to nearby Dafu Station, about 2.5 km from the park, then walk in. Please note that this station is currently unstaffed and has limited train service. Another option is to take the train to Guangfu Station, then transfer to a taxi to reach the park.
Highlights
• Taiwan’s first and large-scale flat forest park, located in the center of the Hualien–Taitung Valley and embraced by the Central Mountain Range and Coastal Mountain Range, with wide views and an endless forest sea. • The park covers about 1,250 hectares, equal to dozens of urban forest parks, and is often described as a super “carbon sink and oxygen generator,” ideal for deep breathing, forest bathing, and relaxation. • Nearly 20 low-elevation tree species and more than one million trees have been planted here. The scenery changes with the seasons: flowers in spring, fireflies and birds in summer, and maple-red and golden foliage in autumn and winter. • Taiwan’s longest forest cycling trail runs through the park, with north and south loop bike routes designed for families and cyclists who want a low-carbon, slow-travel experience. • Guided by the core ideas of ecology, energy saving, carbon reduction, and health, the park combines nearby agriculture, local culture, and environmental education to create a diverse, intellectually engaging, and wellness-oriented recreation area. • The surrounding settlements include Han Chinese, Hokkien, Hakka, and Indigenous communities, with cultural layers shaped by the sugar industry, forestry, and Amis traditions, creating rich human stories and environmental values.
What to See
• Forest cycling trail and north/south loop bike routes: Gentle routes connect the entire flat forest park. As the park’s signature facility, visitors can choose either the north or south loop depending on fitness level, enjoying shade and rural scenery along the way. It is one of the best ways to experience low-carbon, slow travel. • Expansive flatland afforestation landscape: Rows of trees, broad lawns, and straight forest roads showcase more than a decade of afforestation achievements. The changing seasonal colors make it ideal for walking, photography, and forest bathing. • Visitor center area: As the main starting point for visitors, this area provides guide information and introduces the park’s ecology and afforestation story. It also connects to the north and south loop bike routes and walking paths. • Ecological observation areas and birdwatching spots: The park is home to many bird species, including the ring-necked pheasant, a Taiwan-endemic subspecies known as the “grassland pearl.” Early morning and evening are the best times for quiet birdwatching. • Firefly trails and dark-sky environment: During annual late-spring to early-summer firefly events, certain sections offer sightings of fireflies in groups. With guided interpretation, visitors can enjoy a romantic nighttime forest experience with strong ecological value. • Views of the Hualien–Taitung Valley mountains: Looking from the park toward the Central Mountain Range and Coastal Mountain Range, visitors can appreciate the openness of the valley and the layered mountain scenery, combined with farmland and afforestation landscapes for a distinctive sense of place.
Address
No. 32, Nongchang Road, Guangfu Township, Hualien County 976 Phone: (03) 8700870
Travel Tips
• Suggested visit length: If you only plan to walk and take simple photos, 2–3 hours is usually enough. For a slower bicycle tour, birdwatching, or an ecological guided visit, half a day to a full day is recommended. • Best seasons to visit: Spring: good for flower viewing and firefly activities, with comfortable weather and colorful scenery. Summer: lush shade and active birdlife, though midday can be hot, so morning and evening visits are better. Autumn and winter: cooler temperatures, some changing foliage, and golden forest scenery, ideal for longer cycling and walking. • Timing, sun protection, and rain gear: The flat forest receives strong sunlight, with a mix of shaded stretches and open lawns. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and lightweight rain gear, and remember to drink plenty of water. • Cycling and walking advice: The bike routes are long and gently graded, making them suitable for families, but cyclists should still control speed and yield to pedestrians. Helmets are recommended. For walking, choose shorter sections if needed and always assess your stamina and allow time for the return trip. • Ecological etiquette: Keep your voice down during firefly and birdwatching activities, and do not shine flashlights directly at wildlife. Avoid strong lights or flash photography so as not to disturb animals. Do not collect plants or insects or disturb habitats, and take all trash with you when you leave. • Transportation and nearby attractions: Take the Taiwan Railways to Hualien or Guangfu Station, then transfer by bus or taxi to the park, or drive along Provincial Highway 9 and follow the signs. The visit can be combined with Hualien Sugar Factory and other Hualien–Taitung Valley attractions, such as nearby rural villages, rice fields, and Indigenous cultural experiences, for a trip that includes mountain scenery, farmland, and forest. • Photography and equipment: Bring a wide-angle lens and a medium- to long-telephoto lens for forest roads, mountain views, and birds. For fireflies in spring, a tripod is useful, and your camera or phone should be set to a low-light mode. • Leave No Trace travel: The park follows a low-density development model, so please respect the rules, keep noise down, avoid littering, and bring your own water bottle and reusable tableware whenever possible to support low-carbon, environmentally friendly travel.
Nearby Dining
Around the park, Guangfu Township offers sugar factory ice cream, local snacks, and Indigenous-style restaurants. You can arrange a meal in Guangfu town or near the station before or after a half-day or full-day visit. It is a good idea to eat in a nearby settlement or bring light snacks and drinks before entering the park, so you do not run out of food or drink during a long cycling or walking visit.
FAQ
Q: Is Danongdafu Flat Forest Park suitable for families with children? A: The park is flat, with well-planned cycling paths and walking trails, making it suitable for strollers and family cycling. It is best to choose shorter routes, avoid the hottest midday hours, and bring sunscreen and water bottles while keeping an eye on children’s safety and stamina. Q: Do I need a reservation or ticket to enter the park? A: The park is an open flat-forest recreation area, and general daytime entry is usually free. If you join a specific activity, such as a firefly-guided tour, you may need to register in advance and pay a fee. Please check the official announcement for that year’s details. Q: When is the best time to see fireflies? A: The park usually holds its firefly season from late spring to early summer, with entry arranged in evening and night sessions. It is best to choose a dry night with little moonlight, wear long sleeves and long pants for mosquito protection, and follow the ecological observation rules given by the guides. Q: Is it still worth visiting if I do not ride a bicycle? A: Yes. Even without cycling, it is a great place for walking, photography, and forest bathing. You can choose shorter shaded trails around the visitor center, stroll slowly while enjoying the mountain views and forest, or plan quiet activities such as birdwatching and picnicking.
