Lalashan National Forest Recreation Area
Taiwan · Taoyuan City · Fuxing District · Nature & Scenery
Image source: Taiwan_Opendata; license credits as shown.
Overview
Lalashan National Forest Recreation Area is located around Shangbaling in the northern section of the Cross-Island Highway in Fuxing District, Taoyuan City. The Atayal Shangbaling community’s name, “Balung,” means “cypress” or “a large fallen tree,” while “Lala” is a transliteration of the Atayal word “R’ra,” which can mean “beautiful,” “admirable,” or “to gaze upon / keep watch.” One interpretation is that this was a place where local people watched for game and defended against enemies; another is that people came here and were filled with admiration and delight. Both meanings reflect the area’s rich cypress and ecological resources. Cypress forests in the world are found only in North America, Japan, and Taiwan’s cloud belt, making Lalashan’s cypress forest especially precious. The area lies in a mist forest zone and is classified as a primary mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest. Its well-preserved natural environment over thousands of years has produced a rare grove of giant cypress trees. It is also an important habitat for wildlife such as the Taiwan blue magpie, yellow-throated fulvetta, and Taiwan serow, making it one of the most representative forest ecosystems in the mid-elevation mountains of northern Taiwan, with rich natural and cultural features.
Getting There
By car: Route 1: Taoyuan → Daxi → Provincial Highway 7 → Fuxing → County Road 116 → Lalashan Forest Recreation Area. By car: Route 2: Luodong → Provincial Highway 7 → Mingchi → County Road 116 → Lalashan Forest Recreation Area. Public transportation: Taoyuan Bus Route 5090, Taoyuan Bus Route 5091, and Zhongli Bus Route 5301 provide passenger service. The starting points of the three routes are Taoyuan and Zhongli Station, and all routes end at Linbankou, the terminus of Taoyuan City Fuxing District Road 116. Paid shuttle service: For a paid shuttle bus, please contact the Lalashan fleet, which has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the branch office. Contact numbers: 0989-021005, 0981-130771.
Highlights
Lalashan National Forest Recreation Area is located around Shangbaling in the northern section of the Cross-Island Highway in Fuxing District, Taoyuan City. It is famous for its precious giant cypress trees, mist forest ecology, and original mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest. The area also preserves rich natural and cultural features and is closely connected to the culture of the Atayal Shangbaling community.
What to See
- Giant cypress grove: The park’s most iconic landscape, where visitors can admire precious giant red cypress and Taiwan cypress trees. - Mist forest scenery: A full example of an original mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest, with the atmosphere of a high-mountain forest wrapped in clouds and mist. - Wildlife habitat: A chance to learn about or observe representative species such as the Taiwan blue magpie, yellow-throated fulvetta, and Taiwan serow. - Atayal cultural landscape: Place names and local history of the Shangbaling community reflect the relationship between local indigenous people and the mountain forest environment.
Hours & Admission
Parking: Small car: NT$100 per vehicle. Please park in a parking space. Because the roads inside Lalashan Park are relatively narrow, category A and B buses and nanny vans are not allowed. Vehicle length is limited to 6 meters and width to 2 meters. Motorcycle: NT$20 per vehicle. Please park motorcycles in the motorcycle parking spaces.
Address
No. 205, Balin, Neighborhood 13, Hualing Village, Fuxing District, Taoyuan City 336 Phone: (03)3882038, (03)3912063, (03)3912142
Travel Tips
- It is recommended to visit during the daytime. The park is open daily from 06:00 to 17:00 and is closed only on New Year’s Eve. - Mountain weather changes quickly, so bring a warm jacket, rain gear, and shoes with good grip. - As a mid-elevation mist forest area, it is ideal for travelers who enjoy forest walks, ecological observation, and photographing giant trees. - If you want to explore more, combine Lalashan with nearby attractions along the Cross-Island Highway for a fuller itinerary. - In late autumn or when the mist is especially thick, the forest scenery becomes more layered and atmospheric, but visibility and road conditions require extra attention.
Nearby Dining
You can look for scenic restaurants, light meals, and local mountain cuisine in Shangbaling, Fuxing District, and along the Cross-Island Highway. If your itinerary is centered on sightseeing, you can also combine the trip with dining in the Daxi area.
FAQ
- Q: What is Lalashan National Forest Recreation Area most famous for? A: It is best known for its precious giant cypress grove and its original forest scenery in the mist forest zone. - Q: What kind of travelers is it suitable for? A: It is suitable for travelers who enjoy forest trails, natural ecology, giant-tree scenery, and mountain culture. - Q: When is the best time to go? A: Daytime visits are most convenient. If you want to experience the misty forest atmosphere, autumn and winter or other mistier periods usually show the mountain forest character more strongly. - Q: What should visitors pay attention to? A: The mountain area is cooler and weather changes often, so it is recommended to prepare warm clothing, rain gear, and shoes suitable for walking.