Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From here another two to three hours along steep rocky ledges takes you to
Shaolai
Shan
(elevation 2307m). Another hour takes you back to the main road at the Km35
mark. It's possible to continue walking to
Anmashan
(Ānmǎshān) and down to the vil-
lage at the Km43 mark, but that would take another day.
No matter which route you take, be prepared. In 2010 a group of foreign hikers
wandered off the (clear) trail and spent a bitterly cold night in the mountains before being
rescued in the morning.
Syueshan Sacred Tree Trail
HIKING
(Xuěshān Shénmù Bùdào)
An easy and popular hike is this 2km trail that runs from the
parking lot at the Km49.5 mark to Tianchih, a pond filled with water year-round at
2600m, and onwards to the 1400-year-old Formosan red cypress. The walk takes around
two hours return.
Wildlife-Watching
Despite being a former logging area, much of the forest cover here was not cut, which is
one reason it is still so stocked with wildlife. Commonly seen are martins, weasels,
white-faced flying squirrels, barking deer and Formosan macaques.
Even the casual visitor will be rewarded with a little time spent birdwatching on
Forestry Road 200, long regarded as Taiwan's top birding location. At least 12 of the 17
endemic species to Taiwan can be spotted here. Some prime spots include the Km23
mark on Forestry Road 200 for the majestic Swinhoe's pheasant, and the Km47 mark for
the mikado pheasant.
It's easy to see flying squirrels at night in the trees from the parking lots outside the
cabins (after the Km43 mark), while barking deer and serow can be seen on the grassy
slopes behind the cabins. Bring a good torch.
Festivals & Events
Dasyueshan International Bird Race
EVENT
The Dasyueshan International Bird Race is held annually around April. Contact the
Chinese Wild Bird Federation (
www.bird.org.tw
) for details.
Sleeping & Eating
There are very pleasant wood
cabins
( 04-2587 7901; d Mon-Fri NT$2200, Sat & Sun
NT$3400)
at the village at the Km43 mark. You can book online (
http://tsfs.forest.gov.tw
;
