Zhanghu Scenic Area

Zhanghu Scenic Area

Zhanghu Scenic Area is located in the eastern mountainous region of Gukeng Township, bordered by Dajianshan Mountain to the south and surrounded by high peaks; to the north lies the Qingshui Stream, with its crystal-clear waters flowing endlessly, offering breathtaking scenery.

The scenic area centers around Shiqiao Mountain Villa, and the 16 sights refer to Shanhaiguan, Snake Palace, Millennium Sacred Tree, Long Bridge Exploration, Qingshui Valley, Immortal Gathering Rock, Dijiu Waterfall, Changqing Waterfall, Lingquan Soaring Dragon, Sanchuan Quiet Stream, Immortal Bathing Pool, Tiangcheng Waterfall, Dragon-Phoenix Waterfall, Lianbao Stone, Baodao Pool, and Zhanghu Mountain.

Waterfalls are the most numerous attractions in Zhanghu, with four major ones: Dijiu, Changqing, Tiangcheng, and Dragon-Phoenix. Dijiu Waterfall is 40 meters high, abundant in water flow, and shrouded in mist; Changqing Waterfall is located north of Dijiu Waterfall, 30 meters high, and not suitable for close viewing; Tiangcheng Waterfall is 35 meters high, cascading through verdant mountains and valleys, cool and serene, with a large pool at its base known as the Immortal Bathing Pool, partially hidden within a rock cave, about 2 meters deep and crystal clear. The most spectacular is the Dragon-Phoenix Waterfall, 40 meters high, formed where the Fanzikou Stream takes a sharp 90-degree turn, creating a massive waterfall.

Shanhaiguan is situated at the lowest saddle between Dajianshan and Zhanghu Mountain. It is said to have been the site of a Qing Dynasty checkpoint, offering views of both mountain and sea. Snake Palace is located 1 kilometer south of Shanhaiguan, a large cave with a diameter of 150 centimeters and a depth of over 10 meters. The cave has an eerie atmosphere, and only remnants of the Snake Palace remain. The Zhanghu Banyan Sacred Tree is located beside the old Caoling Highway from Shiqiao Mountain Villa toward Qingshui Stream, over a thousand years old, 28 meters tall, with lush foliage, standing firmly in place. Qingshui Valley refers to a section of the Qingshui Stream that makes a sharp 90-degree bend, featuring a wide riverbed scattered with oddly shaped rocks. Lingquan Soaring Dragon is a cluster of moss-covered, bizarrely shaped rocks, named for their resemblance to a soaring dragon.

In addition to enjoying the mountains and waters, Zhanghu Village is rich in local specialties such as bamboo shoots, dried bamboo shoots, bamboo timber, fir wood, bitter tea, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and daylilies—affordable and of high quality. Visitors can pick up some to take home and enjoy.

Transportation Guide: Take the Taiwan Western Bus bound for Guoliao or Qingshui Stream from Douliu, and get off at Shiqiao Mountain Villa.

Supply Stop: Shiqiao Mountain Villa offers food and accommodation.