Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area
Taiwan · Yilan County · Datong Township · Nature & Scenery
Image source: Taiwan_Opendata; license credits as shown.
Overview
With the Bong Bong Train, hot springs, alpine lakes, giant-tree forests, and the Taiwan beech, Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area traces more than a century of history. Taipingshan was formerly called "Miannao," a Tayal word meaning "lush and verdant." In 1914, the Japanese first surveyed the area’s resources, and in 1915 they decided to develop it. A report in the Taiwan Daily News on July 28, 1936, stated: "The name Taipingshan was transliterated from the indigenous language by Mr. Nakazato, the chief engineer at the time before the office was moved. It also means that after Governor Sakuma’s five-year campaign ended, the world returned to peace." Therefore, "world peace" is the true origin of the Taipingshan place name, and the name was given by exploration pioneer Masao Nakazato. At an elevation of 2,000 meters, Taipingshan is a forestry legend second only to Alishan. The Japanese began logging here in 1915, and later the Nationalist government took over, turning it into Taiwan’s largest forest estate. It was transformed into a recreation area in 1983, leaving behind precious remnants such as the Jianshan Railway and the Bong Bong Train. Visitors can stroll through the primeval forest behind Zhen’an Temple and imagine the era when giant trees once covered the mountains. Driving along Cuifeng Scenic Road, where Taiwan macaques and mikado pheasants are often seen, leads to Cuifeng Lake, Taiwan’s largest alpine lake at 1,840 meters above sea level. Across the lake lies the habitat of the national treasure Taiwan beech, and in autumn you can follow the 4-kilometer trail to admire the brilliant golden forest. Nearby the toll station, Jiuzhize Hot Spring is a famous carbonated spring and one of the area’s signature attractions. Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area is an excellent first choice for travelers who love nature and are visiting Yilan.
Getting There
[By car] From Taipei (via Yilan Interchange): Taipei → National Freeway No. 5 → Yilan Interchange → Provincial Highway No. 7 → Provincial Highway No. 7A (3.7K) → Yizhuan 1 Line → Tuchang → Jiuzhize → Taipingshan.[By car] From Taipei (via Luodong Interchange): Taipei → National Freeway No. 5 → Luodong Interchange → Provincial Highway No. 7C → Provincial Highway No. 7 → Provincial Highway No. 7A (3.7K) → Yizhuan 1 Line → Tuchang → Jiuzhize → Taipingshan.[By car] From Taipei (via Provincial Highway No. 9, Beiyi Highway): Taipei → Provincial Highway No. 9 (Beiyi Highway) → Toucheng Township → Yilan City → Provincial Highway No. 7 → Provincial Highway No. 7A (3.7K) → Yizhuan 1 Line → Tuchang → Jiuzhize → Taipingshan.[By car] From Keelung: Keelung → Provincial Highway No. 2 (coastal highway) → Zhuangwei → Provincial Highway No. 7 → Provincial Highway No. 7A (3.7K) → Yizhuan 1 Line → Tuchang → Jiuzhize → Taipingshan.[By car] From Taoyuan: Taoyuan → Daxi → Provincial Highway No. 7 (North Cross-Island Highway) → Provincial Highway No. 7A (3.7K) → Yizhuan 1 Line → Tuchang → Jiuzhize → Taipingshan.[By car] From Hualien: Hualien → Provincial Highway No. 9 (Suhua Highway) → Provincial Highway No. 7C → Provincial Highway No. 7 → Provincial Highway No. 7A (3.7K) → Yizhuan 1 Line → Tuchang → Jiuzhize → Taipingshan.[Public transportation] Kuo-Kuang Bus operates daily (weekdays: 1750; weekends: 1750A). Travel time: about 2 hours 30 minutes. Phone: Yilan Station 03-9384171, Luodong Station 03-9567505. Website: http://www.kingbus.com.tw. Ticketing: counter tickets, online booking, and tickets at the three major convenience-store chains (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life). Tickets can be booked up to 15 days in advance, including return reservations. Outbound departure times: Yilan 07:40, Luodong 08:00 (Luodong departs 20 minutes after Yilan); arrival at Taipingshan 10:30. Return departures: Taipingshan 14:30; Jiuzhize 16:10; arrival at Luodong 17:30, Yilan 17:50.[Public transportation] Taiwan Tourist Shuttle: Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Yilan Taipingshan Nature Tour one-day trip; it can operate with as few as four passengers (English and Japanese guided service provided) https://www.taiwantourbus.com.tw/C/tour/tw/yilan-taipingshan-nature-tour[Public transportation] Join a package tour with a Taipingshan strategic alliance partner: The Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area ecotourism strategic alliance includes four partner travel agencies that can provide shuttle services and package itineraries. Information website: http://goo.gl/BP1YdE
Highlights
Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area is famous for the **Bong Bong Train, hot springs, alpine lakes, giant-tree forests,** and the **Taiwan beech**, combining forestry history with natural scenery.[official] This was once an important logging area, and it still preserves forestry relics such as the **Jianshan Railway**, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy forest bathing, hiking trails, and nostalgic railway landscapes. The park sits at a high elevation with lush woodland, and cloud seas, sunrises, and autumn foliage are often seen. Cuifeng Lake and Jiuzhize Hot Spring are the area’s most iconic natural highlights.
What to See
- **Taipingshan Bong Bong Train**: A signature railway experience in the park that lets visitors feel the atmosphere of a former logging transport line. - **Jianshan Nostalgic Trail / Jianshan Railway ruins**: Walk between the old railway and primeval forest to experience Taipingshan’s forestry history. - **Cuifeng Lake**: One of Taiwan’s largest alpine lakes, with open lakeside scenery that is ideal for viewing and leisurely walks.[official] - **Taiwan beech forest around Cuifeng Lake**: In autumn, follow the trail to admire golden beech forests.[official] - **Jiuzhize Hot Spring**: Known for its carbonated spring water, it is an important bathing and rest area in the park.[official] - **Primeval forest and giant-tree forest areas**: Forest trails behind Zhen’an Temple and elsewhere let visitors sense the former sea of towering trees.[official] - **Cloud seas, sunrises, and alpine scenery**: The high-altitude setting creates varied mountain and mist landscapes.
Hours & Admission
Parking: large vehicle NT$100; small vehicle NT$100; motorcycle NT$20.
Address
No. 58-1, Taiping Lane, Datong Township, Yilan County 267, Taiwan Phone: (03) 9770766, (03) 9809619, (03) 9809805
Travel Tips
- **Best season**: Spring and summer are suitable for escaping the heat and enjoying forest hikes, while autumn is best for viewing the changing colors of the beech and maple leaves.[official] - **What to bring**: A warm jacket, rain gear, comfortable walking shoes, and simple drinking water and snacks; mountain weather changes quickly, and the temperature difference between morning and evening is noticeable. - **Itinerary planning**: If time is limited, prioritize the Bong Bong Train, Jianshan Nostalgic Trail, Cuifeng Lake, and Jiuzhize Hot Spring; if time allows, plan for a one-day trip or an overnight stay. - **Transportation reminder**: The park is large and its attractions are spread out, so confirm opening hours and shuttle schedules before departure to avoid missing key facilities. - **Accommodation advice**: If you want to see the morning cloud sea or sunrise, consider staying overnight inside or near the park before continuing with trail and lake visits.
Nearby Dining
- The Jiuzhize Hot Spring area usually works well for a simple hot-spring stop combined with a light meal or snack break. - Taipingshan Lodge and the park service station area are often the main places for visitors to restock and eat. - If departing from Datong Township in Yilan, you can also combine local mountain cuisine on the way up or back down.
FAQ
- **What is Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area best known for?**: Its most representative attractions are the Bong Bong Train, Cuifeng Lake, Jiuzhize Hot Spring, the Jianshan Railway ruins, and primeval forest scenery.[official] - **How long should I plan for?**: If you only want to see the main sights, at least half a day to one day is recommended; if you want to include trails, hot springs, and lodging, a full day or an overnight trip is more suitable. - **Is it suitable for children or older visitors?**: Yes, but because the park is at high elevation and the attractions are spread out, it is best to focus on places with easier transport and gentler trails, while paying attention to weather conditions. - **What season is the most beautiful?**: Each season has its own scenery, but autumn is especially good for viewing the beech and maple color changes; the other seasons are highlighted by forests, cloud seas, and hot springs.[official]
