Shitoushan Scenic Area

Shitoushan Scenic Area

The Shitoushan Scenic Area originally referred to a traditional scenic zone in Taiwan, located around Shitoushan Mountain at the border between Sanwan Township and Nanzhuang Township in Miaoli County, near the boundary of Emei Township in Hsinchu County, and was known for its numerous Buddhist and Taoist temples. In March 2001, under the leadership of the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the scope of the Shitoushan Scenic Area was expanded to include many attractions in the aforementioned three townships as well as Beibu Township and Zhudong Town in Hsinchu County. It was then integrated with Lishan Scenic Area and Baguashan Scenic Area to form the San Shan National Scenic Area.

Covering a total area of approximately 24,221 hectares, the Shitoushan Scenic Area boasts rich tourism resources. In terms of cultural attractions, it mainly features temple clusters on Shitoushan and Wuzhi Mountains, Hakka culture, as well as the cultures of the Saisiyat and Atayal indigenous peoples. As for natural landscapes, the massive rock caves of Shitoushan, the unique mountain formations of Wuzhi Mountain, and the majestic stone cliffs of Donghe are all distinctive. Additionally, the gathering of egrets and ospreys by the Xih River of Emei Lake, the fish conservation trail along Penglai Creek, the diverse insect species, and the special forest types have all been hailed as nature’s best classrooms.

The Shitoushan Scenic Area is rich in cultural heritage and abundant in flora and fauna. Birds such as the Blue Kingfisher, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Formosan Fairy Pitta, Grey-cheeked Fulvetta, Taiwan Blue Magpie, and Crested Goshawk, along with plants commonly seen along forest trails like tung trees, ginger lilies, and blood vines, all warmly welcome every visitor to their “home.”

Shitoushan Scenic Area

Must-visit reason: One of Taiwan’s most picturesque scenic areas