Jhiben Forest Recreation Area

　　Jhiben Forest Recreation Area is situated in Wenquan Village, Beinan Township, Taitung County, with the Jhiben River running along the southern side of the park. The region boasts undulating verdant mountains and dense woodlands. It is world-renowned not only for its vast array of native ornamental flowers and trees but also for its exceptionally rich birdlife, making it the prime birdwatching spot in the suburbs of Taitung City.

　　Within Jhiben Forest Recreation Area, there are facilities such as Hero’s Slope, picnic tables and chairs, forest bathing trails, banyan-shaded pathways, and foot massage trails along flowing water, all designed for visitors to relax and enjoy the pleasures of nature. Among these leisure amenities, Hero’s Slope is the most famous. It earned its name due to its steep gradient—though only 320 meters long, it has a descent of 150 meters and consists of 792 steps, offering the perfect challenge for testing endurance and determination. At the top of the slope, visitors can follow the banyan-shaded trail for a hike, where they’ll encounter the impressive “Thousand-Pole Banyan,” a major highlight of the area. In addition, the forest park is home to native butterfly orchids unique to eastern Taiwan. As visitors stroll along the park’s trails, aside from enjoying a forest bath, they can also admire these elegant orchids.

　　Jhiben Forest Recreation Area Must-visit reason: Taitung’s most renowned birdwatching destination