Hehuan Mountain

　　Hehuan Mountain lies on the border between Nantou and Hualien and is a paradise for skiing. It serves as the watershed for the Dajia River, Zhuoshui River, and Liwu River. Whenever a cold front hits, Hehuan Mountain always displays its enchanting snowy scenery, stirring the desire of the people in subtropical Nantou County to get close to the glistening white snow. Snow-covered Hehuan Mountain is like the bustling streets of Taipei—crowded with people from all directions, roads blocked and traffic jammed—but travelers still flock here non-stop, simply unable to resist that world of silver-white wonder.

　　The main peak of Hehuan Mountain stands at an elevation of 3,416 meters, tall and graceful, offering breathtaking beauty all year round. In spring and summer, it’s perfect for flower viewing and escaping the heat, while autumn and winter are ideal for hiking and playing in the snow—every moment is a picturesque scene. The Songxue Lodge is open year-round and is the most beautiful building on the entire mountain. The Hehuan Mountain Lodge, operated by the National Youth Corps Administration, opens during the snow season. Additionally, the famous Keguan Pass and Wuling within the mountain area are excellent spots to visit.

　　For snow viewing, it’s best to bring hiking boots, breathable cold-weather clothing, a hot water bottle, sunglasses, and moisturizing lotion. Be prepared to hike through mud for two or three kilometers, and beware of traffic jams during the snow season. Highland vegetables (such as Chinese cabbage and napa cabbage) are often sold in the mountains, known for their crisp and delicious taste.

　　Accommodation and itinerary planning: Currently, there are only two places on Hehuan Mountain that offer food and lodging—one is the Songxue Lodge, operated by the Forestry Bureau, located near Wuling, and the other is the privately run Luoying Mountain Lodge. It’s best to plan for at least a two-day, two-night trip.

　　Recommended Itinerary 1: Stay overnight at Qingjing Farm on the first day—drive to Shimen Mountain (about two hours)—watch the sunrise at Shimen Mountain—hike to Hehuan East Peak to watch the sunset—stay overnight at Songxue Lodge or Luoying Mountain Lodge.

　　On the second day, depart from Songxue Lodge—drive to the North Peak trailhead (about twenty minutes)—hike up to the top of North Peak (about two hours)—return to the trailhead (about forty minutes)—Dahyu Ridge (about twenty minutes)—drive to Tianxiang takes about three hours, or about one hour to Lishan. If departing from Luoying Mountain Lodge to the North Peak trailhead, the drive takes only about five minutes.

　　Recommended Itinerary 2: On the first day, drive from Dahyu Ridge to Luoying Mountain Lodge (about twenty minutes) and stay overnight at Luoying Mountain Lodge. Luoying Mountain Lodge—hike to the Hehuan North Peak trailhead (about twenty minutes)—ascend to the peak (about two hours)—return to the trailhead (about forty minutes)—hike back to Luoying Mountain Lodge (about ten minutes).

　　On the second day, depart from Luoying Mountain Lodge—drive to Shimen Mountain (about thirty minutes) to watch the sunrise—drive to Songxue Lodge (five minutes)—hike up to Hehuan East Peak (one hour)—descend back to Songxue Lodge (twenty minutes)—stay overnight at Qingjing Farm.