Mingchi Forest Recreation Area

　　Mingchi Forest Recreation Area is situated in Yingshi Village, Datong Township, Yilan County, Taiwan, close to the Northern Cross-Island Highway (Provincial Highway 7). It was formerly managed by the Forestry Conservation Division of the Veterans Affairs Council and is now operated by the Coconut Grove Enterprise. The recreation area sits at an elevation of approximately 1,150 to 1,700 meters and features facilities such as a nursery and forest trails. It boasts rich forest landscapes and is home to various animals including birds, butterflies, squirrels, mandarin ducks, and mallards, making it a key attraction along the Northern Cross-Island Highway.

　　Mingchi is a high-altitude alpine lake with abundant pristine ecology, cool climate, and breathtaking scenery, resembling a fairyland. It serves as a popular summer retreat in northern Taiwan. In early summer, the mountains echo with the chorus of cicadas, creating mesmerizing natural symphonies that captivate every visitor. Other attractions within Mingchi Forest Recreation Area include the nursery, forest bathing trails, Taolan Pavilion, Cixiao Pavilion, and recreational facilities, as well as rare attractions like the Fern Garden, Moss Garden, Quiet Stone Garden, and Fairy Tale Forest Maze, all adding to the area’s charm. To accommodate visitors, the area also offers accommodation and dining options, making it an ideal getaway for city dwellers seeking rest and relaxation.

　　Mingchih Forest Recreation Area Must-visit reason: One of the most beautiful forest recreation areas in Taiwan