Zhiben National Forest Recreation Area
Taiwan · 臺東縣 · 卑南鄉 · Nature & Scenery
Image source: Taiwan_Opendata; license credits as shown.
Overview
Zhiben National Forest Recreation Area sits at an elevation of 110 to 650 meters and has a warm, humid climate year-round. The park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, with signature sights including the century-old giant banyan, the century-old sour vine, and the Huajian Zhiben Herb Garden. It is also an excellent destination for ecotourism, forest therapy, family activities, and nighttime wildlife observation. In recent years, the park has upgraded its trail system and wood-based educational experience facilities, while also launching the Zhiben Fragrance product series, bringing the memory of the forest into everyday life. Opening a window opens a beautiful forest experience. In 2024, the park also began renovating its shop space, adding a 6-meter-wide panoramic viewing window so visitors can gaze out over the entire forest and take in the mountain scenery and waterfalls from inside the store. It also introduced Eastern Taiwan's first brand concept store for the Mountain Forest Made series, combining it with the Hobi Apartment Zhiben Branch, centered on nature conservation and sustainable development to create an innovative forest recreation and retail model that connects visitors with the forest ecosystem and delivers diverse service value. The shop interior uses domestic timber for detailed finishing and features a curated selection of local foods from Taitung mountain villages, handicrafts, forest-themed books, Taitung botanical fragrance landscapes, and outdoor lifestyle goods, allowing visitors to feel as though they have stepped into the Zhiben forest and experience the beauty of Taiwan's forests.
Getting There
[By car] Route 1: Provincial Highway 9 or 11 -> Zhiben -> Longquan Road (County Road 194) -> follow the signs for Zhiben National Forest Recreation Area to reach the destination (at the end of the road). [By car] Rental vehicle: Take the Taiwan Railways South Link Line (http://twtraffic.tra.gov.tw/twrail/TW_Quicksearch.aspx) to Zhiben Station, then rent a scooter and head toward Zhiben Hot Spring to Zhiben National Forest Recreation Area (about 15 minutes by scooter). [Public transportation] Bus — Eastern Taiwan Bus: 1. From Taitung City or Zhiben Station, take Eastern Taiwan Bus (mountain line http://ett333023.com.tw/page3_14.htm) service 8129 to Neiwenshuan Station, then walk about 300 meters toward Zhiben National Forest Recreation Area to arrive (weekdays and holidays: 15 one-way services, 30 round trips). Eastern Taiwan Bus inquiry phone: 089-328269. 2. 'Meet Wensen Good' one-day tour tickets, route maps, timetables, and discount merchant information: http://ett333023.com.tw/i-chihpen/index.html [Public transportation] Airplane: (1) Fly from Taipei Songshan Airport to Taitung Fengnian Airport. (2) Take the Eastern Taiwan Bus shuttle to Taitung Transfer Station. (3) Then take bus 8129 from Taitung to Zhiben Forest Recreation Area (15 one-way trips and 30 round trips daily). [Public transportation] Train: Taipei -> Taitung / Kaohsiung -> Taitung, get off at Zhiben or Taitung Station. Then transfer to Eastern Taiwan Bus route 8129 / taxi / rental car. [Public transportation] YouBike: 1. Zhiben Station (in front of the station) - about 40 minutes by bike (8.7 km) - Zhiben National Forest Recreation Area (inside the parking lot) (regular bikes or e-bikes available for rent). 2. The park parking lot has 24 parking spaces. For detailed station information and real-time bike/space availability, please check the YouBike website or app.
Highlights
• The only **national forest recreation area** in Taitung County, sitting at an elevation of about 110 to 650 meters with a warm, humid climate year-round, making it suitable for visits in any season and especially ideal for ecotourism and forest therapy. • Surrounded by mountains on three sides and located near the Zhiben River and Zhiben Hot Spring area, it combines forest bathing, hiking trails, and hot spring relaxation, making it a popular choice for Taitung short trips and family outings. • Famous for its **secondary evergreen broadleaf forest** and rich flora and fauna, it is especially strong in bird and insect diversity and is a well-known birdwatching and nature observation site on the outskirts of Taitung City. • Signature attractions include the **century-old giant banyan**, **century-old sour vine**, and **Huajian Zhiben Herb Garden**. The trail system is well developed and suitable for travelers of different ages and fitness levels. • The park has launched forest fragrance products such as **Zhiben Fragrance**, allowing visitors to bring the scent and memory of the mountains and forest home into daily life. • In 2024, the shop area was newly renovated with a large viewing window measuring about 6 meters wide, allowing guests to look out over the entire forest from indoors and enjoy mountain and waterfall views. • It created Eastern Taiwan's first **Mountain Forest Made** brand concept store, combined with the **Hobi Apartment Zhiben Branch**, centering on nature conservation and sustainable development while showcasing an innovative forest recreation and retail model.
What to See
• Century-old giant banyan: One of the park's most iconic old trees, with a massive form and tangled aerial roots, making it a must-see spot for photos and for experiencing the vitality of the forest. • Century-old sour vine: An old vine growing around giant trees in the forest, showcasing a tropical forest climbing landscape. It is ideal for observing woody vines and taking photos. • Huajian Zhiben Herb Garden: A garden featuring a variety of medicinal plants and herbs, paired with interpretive signs and scenic walking paths. Visitors can learn about plants while strolling and enjoy a relaxed fragrance-filled garden experience. • Forest trails and trail system: The park has multiple trails of varying difficulty, including the Forest Bathing Trail, Banyan Shade Trail, Qilixiang Trail, and Haohan Slope. Dense shade and informative signs line the routes, making them suitable for hiking, slow walks, and in-depth nature experiences. • Forest-view suspension bridge and waterfall scenery: The suspension bridge crossing the valley and the surrounding water views offer broad views of the gorge and waterfalls, making this a popular photo and sightseeing area. • Hot spring foot bath pools and water massage walkway: Cold and hot foot bath pools and a stone-paved foot massage trail are set up using Zhiben's hot spring resources, offering relaxation after walking and especially popular with families and older visitors. • Medicinal plant garden / nature education area: The park includes medicinal-plant displays and interpretation facilities, along with nature education features, making it a good place for school field trips and family eco-learning. • Nighttime observation experience: The park is suitable for observing nocturnal insects, frogs, and small mammals, and visitors can learn about the forest's nighttime ecology through activities or guided tours. • Newly renovated shop and 6-meter viewing window: The indoor space, built with domestic timber and warm wood-toned design, uses a large-span viewing window to look directly over the mountains, forest, and waterfalls. It is a popular place to rest, shop, and take photos. • 'Mountain Forest Made' x 'Hobi Apartment Zhiben Branch' concept store: Combining local mountain-village foods, specialty crafts, forest-themed books, botanical fragrances, and outdoor lifestyle goods, it presents local culture and forest aesthetics and serves as a window into Taitung's mountain-forest lifestyle.
Address
No. 290, Longquan Road, Wenquan Village, Beinan Township, Taitung County 954 Tel: (089)510961
Travel Tips
• Recommended season: The park is suitable year-round thanks to its warm, humid climate. Spring and summer are at their greenest and best for flower and butterfly viewing, while autumn and winter are more comfortable and can be paired with a Zhiben Hot Spring trip. • Recommended visit duration: Plan about 2 to 4 hours in general. You can adjust depending on your trail choice and hiking intensity. If you also want to visit the hot spring area or rest at the shop, a half-day to full-day itinerary is possible. • Clothing and gear: - Wear breathable, sweat-wicking clothing and bring light rain gear, as short afternoon showers are possible in the mountains. - Choose non-slip hiking shoes or sneakers with good traction, since some trails have steep sections or many stairs. - Bring drinking water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a sun hat to handle the warm, humid climate and stronger sunlight. • Itinerary suggestions: - Early morning or late afternoon is cooler and less crowded, making it ideal for a slow forest bath and photography. - Start with easier shaded trails and the herb garden, then choose longer or stair-heavy routes if your energy allows. - After hiking, relax at the foot bath pools and water massage trail, then head to the Zhiben Hot Spring area for soaking and dining. • Family- and senior-friendly tips: - Prioritize shorter, gentler trails and shaded walking routes, and pay attention to the stamina and hydration needs of older travelers. - For nighttime observation, join a well-organized activity or guided tour, and bring a flashlight and a light jacket. • Ecology and safety notes: - Keep a safe distance from wild animals such as macaques and muntjacs; do not feed or approach them to avoid injury or disturbance to the ecosystem. - Be careful on stairs and steep slopes, as surfaces may be slippery after rain. Follow signs and avoid restricted areas. - Take your trash with you or dispose of it in designated recycling areas, and respect the natural environment and conservation efforts. • Transportation and connections: - Located on the outskirts of Taitung City, the park can be visited by train via Zhiben Station, public transportation, or self-drive, and can be combined with Zhiben Hot Spring, Taitung City, and other attractions for a one-day or two-day itinerary. • Other reminders: - Mobile signal may be unstable in some mountain areas, so it is recommended to download offline maps in advance or follow the park's signs. - If you plan to join a guided tour, forest therapy activity, or nighttime observation event, please reserve in advance or check the relevant information.
Nearby Dining
The park focuses mainly on ecological and forest experiences, so dining options are limited. Visitors are advised to prepare drinking water and light snacks before entering the park and enjoy them at the picnic areas or rest spots. The nearby Zhiben Hot Spring area is the main place for supplies and dining, with many hot spring hotels, casual restaurants, specialty eateries, and snack shops, making it a convenient place to eat before or after your visit. The newly renovated shop and the 'Mountain Forest Made' brand concept store offer selected local foods from Taitung mountain villages and light meal items. Visitors can sample local flavors while also purchasing souvenirs and botanical fragrance products, extending the taste and memory of Zhiben's forest.
FAQ
Q: How much time should I allow for a visit to Zhiben National Forest Recreation Area? A: It is generally recommended to allow about 2 to 4 hours, depending on your trail route and fitness level. If you want to walk slowly on the trails, rest at the foot bath pools, and browse the shop and concept store, you can plan a half-day to full-day trip together with the Zhiben Hot Spring area. Q: Is it suitable for children or older adults? A: Yes. The park has a variety of trail levels, including shaded scenic walking paths and gentler routes, making it suitable for family outings and walks with older adults. It is best to choose shorter, gentler trails and leave time for breaks, hydration, and mosquito protection. Q: Do I need to prepare any special equipment? A: It is recommended to wear breathable, comfortable clothing and non-slip sneakers or hiking shoes, and to bring drinking water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a light raincoat or umbrella for sudden mountain showers. If you plan to do nighttime observation, bring a flashlight and a thin jacket. Q: What special natural scenery and wildlife can I see in the park? A: The park is mainly composed of secondary evergreen broadleaf forest and features the century-old giant banyan, century-old sour vine, Huajian Zhiben Herb Garden, suspension bridge, and waterfall scenery. It also has rich bird, insect, and forest animal resources, making it an excellent place for birdwatching, butterfly watching, and nature observation.
