The breathtaking mountain-lake scenery resembles a fairyland, with an abundance of negative ions that heal both body and mind.

By / Scenic Spots Magazine
 
In autumn and winter, if you want to experience the most immersive garden charm, head to Mingchi Forest Recreation Area in Yilan. Nestled among mountains, it features a crystal-clear lake at its center, surrounded by vast golden forests of deciduous trees. No matter how you capture it, the landscape looks like a postcard-worthy painting, as if you've stepped into a stunning European ecosystem.

Mingchi Forest Recreation Area is located at the border between Datong Township in Yilan County and Fuxing Township in Taoyuan County. Also known as "Chiduan," it is a high-altitude man-made lake.

Surrounded by pristine forests teeming with vibrant ecosystems, the area is often shrouded in mist year-round, offering a mystical and enchanting view. It is hailed as the “Pearl of Beishan” and serves as an excellent spot for forest bathing.

Originally a vast and deep marsh, environmental factors transformed it into an enclosed space characterized by low temperatures, high humidity, and constant fog, with sunlight rarely penetrating—like a dreamlike paradise.

The park includes recreational facilities such as a youth activity center, a nursery, and forest trails. With its rich forest landscapes, it is also home to a variety of wildlife frequently seen among the trees, including birds, butterflies, squirrels, mandarin ducks, and mallards.