Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area
Taiwan · 屏東縣 · 獅子鄉 · Nature & Scenery
Image source: Taiwan_Opendata; license credits as shown.
Overview
At Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area, you can admire the banyan trees that form a single tree into a forest, wander through beautiful man-made forests, climb Maotou Mountain for panoramic views, or follow the Fenggang River upstream to reach Shuangliu Waterfall, once voted Taiwan’s second-most beautiful waterfall. Rich negative ions and fresh air make this a place where visitors can experience a different side of the Hengchun Peninsula. The area is in Shizi Township, Pingtung County, less than a half-hour drive from Fenggang. The name “Shuangliu” comes from the confluence of the Dari River and Neiwen River, both tributaries of the upper Fenggang River. It was formerly a Paiwan settlement, and the remains of a distinctive structure called the Turtle Shell House can still be found along the White Banyan Trail. Because the Forestry Bureau planted extensive stands of tropical plantation species here in 1965, such as glossyleaf bamboos and acacias, it is an excellent place to appreciate the beauty of broadleaf man-made forests. A notable ecological feature is the Hengchun Peninsula’s representative plants found along the Maotou Mountain Trail, including Hengchun loquat, Port wood oil tree, and Selaginella ogasawarae. The forest is also home to birds such as the Taiwan blue magpie and Taiwan hwamei, along with more than 196 butterfly species. If you are lucky, you may even spot the protected birdwing butterfly.
Getting There
[By car] Route 1: Exit at Nanzhou Interchange on National Freeway No. 3 → Provincial Highway 17 → Fangliao → Fenggang → Provincial Highway 9 → turn right in front of FamilyMart to enter Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area. [By car] Route 2: Taitung → Provincial Highway 9 → Zhiben → Taimali → Tawu → turn left after passing FamilyMart to enter Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area. [Public transportation] Take the Kaohsiung–Pingtung–Shizi Township shuttle service (round trip): take Taiwan Railways to Fangliao Station, then board the Shizi Township Happiness Bus from Fangliao Station (reservation required: 0800-00-1129 ext. 16) and get off at the ticket counter of Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area. If the Happiness Bus route changes, please call Shizi Township Office Happiness Bus inquiry line: 0800-00-1129 ext. 16 or 43, where staff will assist you.
Highlights
- Located in Shizi Township, Pingtung County, not far from Fenggang, making it a good forest destination in the Hengchun Peninsula area. - Famous for river and waterfall scenery; following the Fenggang River upstream leads to Shuangliu Waterfall. - Visitors can enjoy banyan trees, the unique sight of a single tree forming a forest, and the beauty of extensive broadleaf plantation forests. - The Maotou Mountain Trail showcases representative plants of the Hengchun Peninsula, along with rich bird and butterfly life. - The park offers fresh air and abundant negative ions, making it ideal for forest bathing and hiking.
What to See
- **White Banyan Trail**: A place to observe white banyan trees and local historical remains, including the Turtle Shell House site left from the former Paiwan settlement. - **Shuangliu Waterfall**: A key attraction reached by following the stream; the waterfall is one of the park’s signature highlights. - **Maotou Mountain Trail**: Offers elevated views and opportunities to observe representative plants of the Hengchun Peninsula along the way. - **Man-made Forest Landscape**: Enjoy the scenery created by tropical plantation trees such as glossyleaf bamboos and acacias. - **Ecological Observation Area**: Home to Taiwan blue magpies, Taiwan hwameis, more than 196 butterfly species, and protected birdwing butterflies.
Hours & Admission
Parking: Large vehicles: NT$100. Small vehicles: NT$50.
Address
No. 23, Lane 2, Danlu, Danlu Village, Shizi Township, Pingtung County 943 Phone: (08)8701394
Travel Tips
- It is well suited for **hiking, forest bathing, waterfall viewing, and ecological observation**. If you plan to hike the Maotou Mountain Trail, allow plenty of time and stamina. - Most activities are trail-based, so it is recommended to wear **comfortable walking shoes** and bring enough water. - The mountain and stream environment can be damp, and trails may become slippery on rainy days or after rain, so take care to avoid slipping. - If your main interest is birds, butterflies, and understory ecology, choose a quieter time with softer light. - As this is a low-elevation forest along the South-Link Highway, weather changes and sunlight levels still deserve attention; bring sun protection and simple rain gear.
FAQ
- **What kind of travelers is this place suitable for?** It is suitable for travelers who enjoy forest trails, waterfall scenery, natural ecology, and light to moderate hiking. - **What are the main highlights?** The main highlights are Shuangliu Waterfall, the White Banyan Trail, the Maotou Mountain Trail, and the park’s broadleaf forests and rich ecology. - **What special species can be seen here?** Visitors may see plants such as Hengchun loquat, Port wood oil tree, and Selaginella ogasawarae, as well as Taiwan blue magpies, Taiwan hwameis, and many butterfly species. - **Do I need to set aside a lot of time?** If you only visit the main attractions, half a day to one day is enough; if you want to walk the trails slowly and observe ecology, allow more time.
