Guanwu Forest Recreation Area

Guanwu Forest Recreation Area

Guanwu Forest Recreation Area spans both Wufeng Township in Hsinchu County and Tai’an Township in Miaoli County. It has been incorporated into the Shei-Pa National Park and serves as a key recreational spot in the park’s northwest section. Situated at an elevation of around 2,000 meters, the area is perpetually shrouded in clouds and mist, making it an ideal place to “view clouds and admire fog,” hence the name “Guanwu” (which means “View Fog”). The park consists of several interconnected hiking trails, featuring major attractions such as Baxian Waterfall, the Cedars Sea, the Hinoki Sacred Tree, Guanwu Waterfall, and Zhenshan Waterfall. It is also a necessary stop on the way to climb Mt. Dabajianshan, and is accessible via the Dalu Forest Road and the Nansing Highway (County Highway 122). It is the perfect destination for viewing sea of clouds, enjoying local ecology, and seeing ancient trees.

The park centers around Guanwu Lodge, with various trails such as the east and west sections of the Dalu Forest Road, the Guanwu Waterfall Trail, the Zhenshan Trail, the Leshan Forest Road, and the Hinoki Giant Trees Forest Road connecting different scenic spots. Guanwu Lodge offers excellent panoramic views where you can spot famous peaks including Mt. Dabajianshan, Mt. Xiaobajianshan, Mt. Pingfeng, and Mt. Syue.

The forest ecology within the park is rich and well-preserved. Although most of the area is covered by planted forests, the secondary vegetation beneath the canopy is incredibly diverse. Coupled with endemic native plants and specially cultivated ornamental species, Guanwu presents distinct beauty in every season. In spring, there are mountain cherries, tree peonies, and Rhododendron morii; in summer, there are balsams, yellow asters, and hydrangeas; and in autumn and winter, the golden Taiwan sweet gum and fiery red maples offer spectacular seasonal scenery.

Beyond beauty lies wonder. Along the Hinoki Giant Trees Forest Trail, you can find rare Crepidiastrum denticulatum and yellow impatiens—both species are scarce in Taiwan and have been listed as rare and endangered plants requiring protection. The Madala Valley along the Dalu Forest Road hosts Taiwan's largest natural reserve for Taiwan sweet gum, spanning 23.5 hectares. The sweet gum trees and the broad-tailed swallowtail butterfly, which feeds on them, are both rare and treasured national treasures.

The Dalu Forest Road is the main access route to Guanwu, offering picturesque scenery along the way. The Baxian Waterfall hangs dramatically from the mountainside at the 8-kilometer mark of the Dalu Forest Road, resembling a silken white curtain against a lush backdrop. From the 21-kilometer mark onward, the trail passes through a man-made cedar forest that has stood for nearly 30 years, presenting a majestic sight. When water vapor fills the air, a breathtaking sea of clouds spreads out beneath your feet, making every turn along the road an exciting surprise.

The Hinoki Sacred Tree is the most iconic attraction in Guanwu, located along the eastern ridge of Lukanchien Mountain at an altitude of 2,300 meters. There are five hinoki cypresses in total, all ancient and thriving, exuding vibrant life that inspires awe for nature’s remarkable vitality.

Guanwu Forest Recreation Area features two additional trail systems. One leads to the majestic Guanwu Waterfall, spanning approximately 1.5 kilometers. At the end of the trail is a rest pavilion offering a distant view of the waterfall, which stands about 30 meters high. The powerful flow of water has eroded the base into a deep pool. Due to loose rock formations nearby, visitors are prohibited from getting too close. The other trail takes you to the summit of Zhenshan Mountain at 2,489 meters, an excellent spot for watching sunrises and sea of clouds, with distant views of Mt. Dabajianshan and the Syue Mountain range. Along the way, you can also visit the Zhenshan Waterfall.

Transportation Guide: No direct buses are available. You can hire a car from Hsinchu City or Zhudong to reach the area. For details, contact Dayu (03) 532-1703 or Shihao Tourist Company (037) 478-233.

Notes: Guanwu is a mountainous area under regular access control. Visitors must bring their ID and register at the entrance.