Xitou Nature Education Area

Xitou Nature Education Area

Originally named Xitou Forest Recreation Area, Xitou Nature Education Area is located in Lugu Township, Nantou County, just 24 meters from Zhushan. It is one of the seven forest management districts under the Experimental Forest of the College of Agriculture at National Taiwan University. The area is densely planted with species such as cedar, cypress, red cypress, ginkgo, and moso bamboo. Towering ancient trees and a network of forest trails make it a great spot not only for leisure and forest bathing but also for systematic plant observation and birdwatching at attractions such as the exhibition hall, bamboo specimen garden, University Pond, Sacred Tree, and moso bamboo forest.

Xitou Nature Education Area can be described as a living natural classroom, home to around 300 families of woody plants and 1,300 species of herbaceous plants. In addition to identifying plants using the information on signage, visitors can explore the rich collection of plant specimens displayed on the second floor of the Xitou Forest Management Office’s exhibition hall, complemented by slides, charts, and text descriptions for easy understanding. Moreover, the area hosts about 70 species of birds, so bringing a Taiwan bird guidebook and an 8x telescope is recommended to observe some of the most representative high-altitude bird species in Taiwan.

With its beautiful forest scenery and tranquil atmosphere, Xitou Nature Education Area is teeming with diverse wildlife. Especially when mountain mist and fog drift through the woods, it offers not only the feeling of being in a painting but also a profound spiritual cleansing.

Xitou Nature Education Area

Must-visit reason: The best place to learn about nature in Nantou County