Smangus Travel Itinerary Recommendations | Flexible Tribal Accommodation and Camping Options | Peak Cherry Blossom and Autumn Foliage Season

Do you know where "God's Tribe" is? Hidden deep in the mountains of Hsinchu, the Smancus tribe boasts magnificent trails lined with sacred trees and a complete tribal culture, attracting pilgrims from home and abroad year-round. This guide focuses on how to arrange accommodation and transportation in Smancus, exploring the tribe and also including other interesting attractions along the way in Hsinchu. Find the perfect Smancus travel itinerary for you!

 

▽ Worry-free Accommodation in Smangus ▽

Classic Accommodation Recommendation：Smangus Two Days One Night Package Tour. Accommodation in Smangus is mainly arranged in tribal areas, allowing for a slower pace and stargazing at night. The following day, hike the Giant Tree Forest Sacred Tree Trail, with a drive along the way to visit must-see attractions in Hsinchu.

Recommended Hiking for Strenuous Walking:Smancus & Zhenxibao Two days and one night, a challenge to visit two major sacred tree groves, a true test of your hiking prowess! A rewarding forest bath.

Recommended Relaxing and Refreshing:Smancus Camping Two days and one night, no equipment required, follow the most knowledgeable guides and the most discerning chefs, enjoy a Smancus Camping trip under the stars.

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Get to Know Smangus

Smangus, known as the "Tribe of God," is an Atayal tribe located in the Jianshi Mountains of Hsinchu. In its early years, due to its remote location and inconvenient transportation, it became the last high-altitude tribe in Taiwan to receive electricity, earning it the nickname "Dark Tribe." However, during this period of isolation, Smangus preserved its pristine ecology and a grove of ancient red cypress trees, some over a thousand years old, which contributed to its later development and earned it the beautiful name "Tribe of God."

Smancus Transportation Information

Smancus Traffic Control: There are traffic control times for general vehicles (four wheels or more) and medium-sized buses going up and down the mountain. Please check with the Smancus tribe for detailed regulations. ※Large buses are not allowed. ★Recommended transportation: Smancus Day Trip Shuttle

Smancus Accommodation

The Smancus tribe operates on a cooperative system, with all tribe members working together to operate the tribe's catering and accommodation.

The village has log cabins, including suites and private rooms, with the Canaan View Log Cabins being the most recommended and popular. Due to high demand on holidays, reservations are only available in early February, May, August, and November. Weekday reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Smancus Tourism Recommendations －Smancus Tourism Season－
#Smancus Cherry Blossom Season: From approximately mid-February to the end of March each year, there are usually visitor limits during the Smancus Cherry Blossom Season, and a permit must be applied for in advance. The most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Smangus are the cherry blossom tunnel in the middle section of the Giant Tree Trail and the areas on both sides of the Smangus Tribal Archway. Every year, these spots attract a large number of tourists, so it's highly recommended to plan your Smangus trip at least two months in advance! #Smangus Peach Season: The peak season for golden peaches is around July and August each year. Golden peaches have a crisper texture and are currently only grown in Smangus and Zhenxibao tribes in Taiwan, making them a limited-time specialty that can only be purchased if you visit during the right season. #Smangus Maple Leaf Season: Around mid-to-late December each year, maple trees line the route through the tribes, adding a romantic touch to the village with their warm autumn colors. Spending New Year's Eve in Smangus is also a popular tourist season! －Smangus Attractions Introduction－ Popular #GiantTreeClusterSacredTreeTrack: A must-visit for first-time visitors to the Smangus tribe! The trail is gentle and easy to walk, with the first part leading into a bamboo forest tunnel where the shade is comfortable. The final section leads to a loop trail through a cluster of ancient red cypress trees, where visitors can look up and marvel at the magnificent sight of these millennia-old trees. The largest of these is named "Yaya the Great Tree," its trunk resembling outstretched arms, making it a memorable landmark for visitors to Smangus. The trail is 5.2 kilometers one way and takes approximately 4-5 hours round trip. It is recommended to bring hiking poles and light snacks for a picnic along the trail. In-depth #Slifu Falls: A must-visit in summer! During periods of heavy rainfall, it transforms into a hidden gem for viewing a breathtaking waterfall. The entire trail is approximately 1.2 kilometers long and takes about 1.5 hours round trip.

Deep #Koraw Ecological Park: A pristine forest park created using natural ecological methods, rich in ecology. Besides being a great place for nighttime observation, it also hides a secret trail for admiring the Aspidistra elatior (flowering period approximately March to April).

Shunyou #Xiuluan Gunkan Rock: A towering rock formation resembling a warship, rising above the turquoise stream, it has become a must-visit spot for photographers. Every autumn and winter, during its color-changing season, it becomes one of the hidden gems for viewing autumn foliage in Hsinchu. It's an unmissable attraction on the way to Smangus.

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About Zhenxibao

"Zhenxibao" means "the first place to be illuminated by the sun" in the Atayal language, implying that Zhenxibao receives abundant sunshine, which has nurtured the largest virgin cypress forest in Taiwan, creating the breathtaking Zhenxibao Sacred Tree Group. Each sacred tree is unique and stands out in Zhenxibao. The most well-known are the three sacred trees of Zhenxibao: "King," "Adam," and "Eve," named for their unique shapes.

Recommended Tourism in Zhenxibao Tribe

Popular #Zhenxibao Sacred Tree Trail

Compared to the Smangus Giant Tree Trail, the Zhenxibao Trail is a more primitive dirt trail. The trail is divided into sections A and B; the cypress trees in section B are easier to access. If you wish to complete both the Smangus and Zhenxibao Sacred Tree Trails in one trip, it is strongly recommended to train your stamina beforehand.

Side Trip #Jinping Elementary School - Murals

Follow the French artist "Mr. Seven" to visit the beautiful scenery of this remote village.

The mural symbolizes that we must not forget that we are children of Nara, and we must persevere. Shunyou # Shin Kong Elementary School & Forest Classroom