Shitoushan Scenic Area

　　The Shitoushan Scenic Area originally referred to the traditional scenic zone around Shitoushan, located at the border of Sanwan Township and Nanzhuang Township in Miaoli County, Taiwan, near the boundary of Emei Township in Hsinchu County. It was known for its numerous Buddhist and Taoist temples. In March 2001, under the leadership of the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the scope of the Shitoushan Scenic Area was expanded to include numerous attractions in the aforementioned three townships as well as Beibu Township and Zhudong Town in Hsinchu County. It was then integrated with Lishan Scenic Area and Baguashan Scenic Area to form the San Shan National Scenic Area.

　　The Shitoushan Scenic Area covers a total area of approximately 24,221 hectares and boasts abundant tourism resources. In terms of cultural attractions, it mainly features temple complexes on Shitoushan and Wuzhi Mountain, Hakka culture, and the indigenous cultures of the Saisiyat and Atayal peoples. For natural landscapes, the area is distinguished by Shitoushan's massive rocky cave formations, the unique mountain shapes of Wuzhi Mountain, and the majestic stone cliffs of Donghe. Additionally, the gathering of egrets and ospreys along the western shores of Emei Lake, the fish conservation trail at Penglai Creek, the wide variety of insects, and distinctive forest types have earned it recognition as one of nature’s best classrooms.

　　The Shitoushan Scenic Area is rich in cultural heritage and teeming with flora and fauna. Birds such as the kingfisher, plumbeous water redstart, fairy pitta, grey-cheeked fulvetta, Taiwan blue magpie, and crested goshawk, along with plants commonly seen along forest trails like tung trees, shell ginger, and blood vine, warmly welcome every visitor to their “home.”

　　Shitoushan Scenic Area Must-visit reason: One of Taiwan’s most beautiful scenic areas