Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area
Taiwan · Hualien County · 瑞穗鄉 · Nature & Scenery
Image source: Taiwan_Opendata; license credits as shown.
Overview
Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area is bisected by the Fuyuan Creek and features an extensive network of mountain trails. Its deepest highlights include Longyin Suspension Bridge, Fuyuan Suspension Bridge, and Longyin Waterfall, creating a quiet and scenic setting that combines birdwatching, butterfly viewing, forest bathing, and hot-spring soaking for a diverse visitor experience. About a little over an hour from Hualien City, this area known as the “Butterfly Valley” offers a rich mix of recreation and ecology. Nearby once stood the eastern endpoint of the Qing-dynasty Guanmen Ancient Trail, and the park now contains a large 40-year-old camphor tree plantation with a pleasant landscape. The original forest also preserves characteristic low-elevation species such as xiangcai and monkey-relief trees, while abundant epiphytic plants give the area an Avatar-like forest beauty. Located in the foothills of the Central Mountain Range, the park is rich in birdlife and is one of Hualien’s best-known birdwatching spots, including species such as the Taiwan minivet, Chinese barbet, yellow-bellied flycatcher, Taiwan blue magpie, ashy minivet, and the crested serpent eagle circling overhead at times. Spring and summer, especially from March to August, are the best seasons for butterfly watching, and the park’s diverse butterfly resources have earned it the nickname “Butterfly Valley.” Its moist, unpolluted environment also supports a wide variety of fireflies, with the black-winged firefly appearing from March to June and the Taiwan mountain firefly from October to December, making it a popular firefly-viewing destination in recent years.
Getting There
[Driving] Route 1: Hualien City (Provincial Highway 9) → Shoufeng → Guangfu → turn right at about Highway 9, kilometer 245.5, into Fuyuan Village → follow the signs; the trip is about 60 km. [Driving] Route 2: Taitung City (Provincial Highway 9) → Guanshan → Chishang → Yuli → Ruisui → turn left at about Highway 9, kilometer 249, into Fuyuan Village → follow the signs; the drive is about 114 km. [Public transportation] By bus: Take Hualien Bus on the Hualien–Ruisui–Yuli route, beginning at 5:10 a.m. with approximately one bus per hour, get off at Fuyuan Station, then walk about 3 km to reach the site. Hualien Bus: 03-8338146. Highway Bureau real-time public bus information: https://www.taiwanbus.tw/eBUSPage/Query/RouteQuery.aspx [Public transportation] Airport transfer by bus: Transfer from Hualien Airport to Hualien Bus and get off at Fuyuan Station, then walk about 3 km to reach the site. [Public transportation] By train: Take Taiwan Railways’ East Coast Line, get off at Fuyuan Railway Station, then walk about 3 km or take a taxi. [Public transportation] Shuttle service (for lodging guests only): “Tian Cheng Yi Travel – Butterfly Valley” provides scheduled shuttle service to and from Ruisui or the station. Please call 03-8812379. (For lodging guests only)
Highlights
Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area is famous as “Butterfly Valley,” combining butterfly watching, birdwatching, forest bathing, and hot-spring soaking, with suspension bridges, waterfalls, and mountain trails to explore. The park is crossed by Fuyuan Creek, and its forest landscape is defined by camphor plantations and low-elevation original broadleaf forest, making both the ecology and scenery especially rich.
What to See
- Fuyuan Creek: The stream running through the park, where visitors can follow the trail and enjoy the forested river gorge. - Mountain loop trails: An interconnected trail system for strolling between forest and mountain scenery. - Longyin Suspension Bridge: One of the signature attractions in the deeper part of the park. - Fuyuan Suspension Bridge: A scenic stop that can be included in a trail itinerary. - Longyin Waterfall: A waterfall in the park’s inner area and one of Fuyuan’s main natural highlights. - Butterfly ecology area: A great place to observe diverse butterfly species, which is why the area is called “Butterfly Valley.” - Birdwatching habitat: Look for species such as the Taiwan minivet, Chinese barbet, yellow-bellied flycatcher, Taiwan blue magpie, ashy minivet, and crested serpent eagle. - Camphor plantation and original forest: Admire large camphor groves, plus representative low-elevation trees such as xiangcai and monkey-relief trees, along with epiphytic plant scenery.
Hours & Admission
Parking: Large vehicles: free. Small cars: NT$100. Motorcycles: NT$50.
Address
No. 161, Guangdong Road, Fuyuan Village, Ruisui Township, Hualien County 978 Phone: (03)8812377, (03)8812378
Travel Tips
- The best time to visit for butterflies is spring and summer, especially from March to August. - For fireflies, watch for the black-winged firefly from March to June and the Taiwan mountain firefly from October to December. - The trails, suspension bridges, and river-gorge scenery make this a good half-day to full-day easy hiking trip. - Because this is a forested mountain environment, bring comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and water. - Official tourism information currently states that the park has been closed for renovation since February 5, Year 114 of the ROC calendar, so check the latest opening status before visiting.
FAQ
- Why is this place called “Butterfly Valley”? Because the park has abundant butterfly resources, and large numbers of butterflies can be seen during spring and summer, earning it this nickname. - What is the park’s most notable natural feature? The main highlights are the forest trails, suspension bridges, Longyin Waterfall, and opportunities for butterfly and birdwatching as well as forest ecology observation. - When is the best time to go? March to August is best for butterfly watching; for fireflies, choose March to June or October to December. - Is it suitable for families and general visitors? Yes. The park combines walking, scenery, and ecological observation, making it suitable for both leisure and educational visits.
