Taichung | Taiwan Endemic Bird Observation × 1960s Forestry Culture | 2-Day Tour

The Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area is located in the deep mountains of Taichung, Taiwan, about a two-hour drive from the city. The park boasts a rich biodiversity, encompassing four distinct forest zones: subtropical, warm, temperate, and boreal. Each zone has its own unique ecological landscape, providing an excellent habitat for wildlife. It's one of the best birdwatching areas in central Taiwan, with the opportunity to simultaneously observe Emperor Pheasants, Blue-bellied Peng, and Taiwan Mountain Partridge. At night, the Daxueshan forests are home to a vibrant nocturnal ecosystem, including muntjacs, Taiwan wild goats (long-haired goats), and white-faced flying squirrels.

This area was once a significant Daxueshan forest in central Taiwan. After logging ceased, the Forestry Bureau actively engaged in cultural transformation and preservation efforts. In the 1960s, the largest lumber mill in East Asia was transformed into the Dongshi Forestry Cultural Park, preserving valuable historical sites of the forestry industry and its ecological resources.

Accommodation | Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area

＃Hotel: Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area "Log Cabin" or similar. Please book based on actual availability.

＃Room Type: The website price is for a double room.

＃Number of Occupants: 2 adults (If two guests cannot be accommodated, the travel agency will arrange for combined rooms).

＃Triple/Quadruple Rooms will incur an additional fee (combined rooms are not available).

- Price | Two-Day Tour: Taiwan's Endemic Bird Observation and 1960s Forestry Culture

＃Infants under 2 years old: Insurance and administrative fees only.
＃Children 2-6 years old: Do not occupy a bed, but include meals, parking, activities, and insurance.
＃Children 7 years and older: The same adult rate applies.

- Attractions -

▲ Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area
The Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area boasts abundant forest resources, boasting pristine forests rich in phytoncides. The forest types vary from low to high, showcasing subtropical, warm, temperate, and cold zones. This area represents the epitome of Taiwan's natural forests. The park's trails offer easy access to famous attractions such as the Snow Mountain Sacred Tree and the Little Sacred Tree, where you might encounter birds like the Emperor Pheasant, the Blue-bellied Pheasant, the Taiwan Mountain Partridge, and the Wine-Red Rosefinch.

▲ Snow Mountain Sacred Tree
The Snow Mountain Sacred Tree Trail passes through a mixed forest of coniferous and broadleaf trees, including Taiwan hemlock, Taiwan Armand pine, and Taiwan azalea. The towering, lush, and lush Snow Mountain Sacred Tree emerges into view. Gazing up at this approximately 1,400-year-old red cypress, one feels a sense of insignificance and awe.

▲ Forest Bathing Trail
Comprising red cypress, Taiwan cypress, Taiwan hemlock, and broadleaf trees, the natural forest boasts lush, pristine scenery. The trails, mostly consisting of wooden planks, wooden steps, and dirt paths, are gentle and easy to navigate. The forest's vegetation structure is intact, and the birdlife is diverse, including thrushes, tits, and gray-throated jays. The middle and later sections of the trail offer one of the few areas in the area where you can consistently observe species such as the Taiwan Whistling Thrush, the Small Scissortail, and the Lead-colored Waterthrush.

▲ Dongshi Forestry Culture Park
Daxueshan was once a major logging site in central Taiwan, the first in Taiwan to utilize mechanical logging equipment. After logging ceased, the site, East Asia's largest timber mill, was transformed into the present-day Dongshi Forestry Culture Park. The park preserves valuable historical relics of the forest industry and ecological resources. Through its commitment to ecological conservation, it has become a unique wood carving ecological aesthetic park.

Dongshi District
Dongshi District is the largest Hakka settlement in central Taiwan. The majority of residents here are Hakka, and the area retains a rich heritage of Hakka customs, making it a charming and authentic town.