Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area

　　Mingchi, also called Chidian, is an alpine artificial lake at an altitude of approximately 1,150 meters. It is surrounded by dense virgin forests and veiled in mist all year round, presenting a hazy and enchanting landscape, earning it the nickname "Pearl of the North Cross." Mingchi is the highest divide between the -xi and Lanyang rivers and also the highest point along the Northern Cross-Island Highway.

　　The Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area features facilities such as lakeside walking trails and pavilions. The lakeside gardens are a highlight of the area, divided into sections including Ciyuan (Mercy Garden), Jingshiyuan (Tranquil Stone Garden), and Cangyuan (Hidden Garden).

　　Ciyuan – This was the site of former President Chiang Ching-kuo’s Mingchi guesthouse. A new garden has been reconstructed here in his memory, with Cixiao Pavilion situated at the highest point offering the best panoramic view of Mingchi.

　　Jingshiyuan – Following the design concept of Ciyuan, this garden incorporates the structure of Song and Yuan dynasty landscape paintings, presenting a naturalistic-style garden within a garden. The different sections are separated by black-tiled white walls, making it quite unique.

　　Fern Garden – This is an area of planted coniferous and willow trees. In 1964, the Forest Conservation Office named it in commemoration of the birthday of Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

　　Forest Fairy Tale Maze – Designed based on the grid-like arrangement of the man-made forest, this maze incorporates elements of the fairy tale "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," adding a fun touch.

　　Outer Area of Mingchi – Dead red cypress trees are placed in the lake, echoing the white wood forests on the mountainsides nearby. Coupled with Bitou Peak to the northwest, the scene resembles an inkstone (Mingchi) with a brush (the dead trees), creating a striking sight.