Huisun Forest Recreation Area

Huisun Forest Recreation Area

Huisun Forest Recreation Area is located in the Wu River catchment area of Ren'ai Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. It is an experimental forest managed by National Chung Hsing University. The area is named in honor of former university president Tāng Huìsūn, who died in the line of duty while inspecting the forest. Covering a total area of 7,477 hectares, the forest features elevations ranging from 450 to 2,419 meters and encompasses various climatic zones including subtropical, warm temperate, and temperate climates.

During the Japanese colonial period, Huisun Forest was a government-owned forest in Nantou County. In 1916, it was transferred to the Forestry Practice Forest of Tohoku Imperial University’s College of Agriculture. In March 1918, it came under the jurisdiction of the Hokkaido Imperial University’s Faculty of Agriculture Practice Forest, with its office established in what is now Puli Town. After Taiwan’s retrocession in December 1945, it was taken over by the Forestry Bureau under the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. In September 1949, it was handed over to National Chung Hsing University and renamed Nenggao Forest Recreation Area. Nearby forests — Xinhua Forest, Dongshi Forest, and Wen Shan Forest — were also integrated, and a practice forest management office was set up in Puli Town at the original location. In 1963, the forest office was relocated to Guandao Stream in the third compartment of the forest, with the original site becoming a liaison office. On May 1, 1967, it was renamed Huisun Forest Recreation Area in memory of President Tāng Huìsūn of National Chung Hsing University, who died in the line of duty on November 20, 1966, while inspecting afforestation work and hiking in the forest.

Huisun Forest Recreation Area is not only an important experimental base for National Chung Hsing University but also one of Taiwan’s most renowned forest scenic areas. The area features five walking trails, including the Songfeng Mountain Trail and the Azalea Ridge Trail, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the fresh air of the dense woodland. Additionally, there is Huisun Hot Spring near the forest, where visitors can unwind after a day of exploration.

Huisun Forest Farm

Must-visit reason: One of Taiwan’s most famous forest recreation areas