Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The incident was depicted in the epic film ofWarriors of the Rainbow: Seediq
Bale, directed by Taiwanese director Wei Te-sheng in 2011; today, traces of the
dreadful carnage can hardly be found in Wushe. At its Mona Rudao Memorial
(Mònà Lǔdào Jìniànbēi) you'll find Mona Rudao's tomb, as well as the collective
tomb of 30-odd Seediq victims of the bloodshed. The memorial, marked by a white
arch, is located up the main road of Hwy 14, on the left before you reach Wushe.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Hehuanshan (Hohuanshan) Forest Recreation Area
The last interesting stop on Hwy 14 before the descent into Taroko Gorge is Hehuan-
shan (Héhuān Shān Sēnlín Yóulè Qū; www.forest.gov.tw ) . At over 3000m, the recreation area
sits mostly above the treeline, and the bright, grassy green hills of the Mt Hehuan Range
roll on and on, often disappearing into a spectacular sea of clouds. Driving up from the
western plains of Taiwan, the change in a few hours from urban sprawl to emerald hills is
miraculous.
Hwy 14 passes right through the park, and at Wuling Pass (not to be confused with the
forest recreation area called Wuling) it reaches the highest elevation of any road in
Taiwan (and East Asia) at 3275m. It snows up here in winter, and when it does the road
becomes a skating rink, parking lot and playground for the Taiwanese. It's best to avoid
the area at this time as it gets crowded.
Summer is delightfully cool and highly scenic as different alpine flowers bloom from
May through to September. Autumn and spring are excellent times for hiking. In the au-
tumn the 'sea of clouds' formations are at their best.
Despite its chilly temperatures (12°C average), Hehuanshan has a remarkable amount
of plant and animal life to admire. Check out the website for details.
Activities
There are a number of short hikes starting close to the former Hehuan Cabin, which is
planned to be repurposed as an information centre and clinic. You are advised to still get
a proper map of the area, and be aware that fog or rain can come in suddenly in the
mountains, so always be prepared with warm clothing and rain protection. Be aware also
that if you have driven straight up from lower altitudes, your body may need some time
to get used to exercising at 3000m-plus elevation.
No permits are needed to tackle the following hikes.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search