Lin Tian Shan Forest Farm

Lin Tian Shan Forest Farm

Lin Tian Shan Forest Farm is situated on the eastern side of the Central Mountain Range, with its administrative region spanning Wanrong Township and Xiulin Township in Hualien County, primarily within Wanrong Township. To the north, it borders the Muguashan Forest Management Area; to the west, it connects with the Zhuoshui River Forest Management Area and Danda Forest Management Area; to the south, it neighbors the Luandashan Forest Management Area; and to the east, it meets the boundary of Fenglin Town in Hualien County. The forest farm spans 27 kilometers from north to south and about 26 kilometers from east to west. The entire area consists of state-owned forest land. This forest farm was the first logging area established after the three major government-operated forest farms during the Japanese colonial period and is also the earliest forested area exploited in eastern Taiwan. The current site of the forest farm has become a well-known tourist attraction in the region.

The Lin Tian Shan Forest Farm preserves a large number of Japanese-style buildings. Whether office spaces or residences, most were constructed from hinoki wood with traditional fish-scale black tile roofing. To mitigate humidity and improve ventilation, the structures were built on elevated stilts. These Japanese-style architectural complexes form the largest collection of hinoki wood residences in Taiwan. Although a major fire in 2001 damaged many of the buildings, they have since garnered widespread attention. The government has designated the area as a forestry-themed park, reopening the hinoki-built Zhongshan Hall and Forestry Exhibition Hall, and restoring parts of the forest railway to offer visitors a glimpse into the once-flourishing Lin Tian Shan Forest Farm.

Why Go: One of the most renowned scenic forest farms in eastern Taiwan

Photography: Yue Yifan