No need to fly abroad to admire autumn foliage—Taiwan’s top 10 stunning red leaf hidden gems

By / Scenic Spots Home compiled report
 
Besides well-known destinations like Japan and South Korea, Taiwan also boasts many lesser-known red leaf spots. The breathtaking sight of vast red leaves covering valleys rivals that of overseas locations. Here are ten of Taiwan’s most beautiful red leaf spots, helping travelers plan their autumn foliage holidays.

1.Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area

Nantou’s Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area has the country’s largest sweet gum forest and is known as the “hometown of maple leaves.” Generally, the best time to view the foliage in Aowanda is from mid-November to the end of December, but the exact peak period depends entirely on the weather.
 
Address: No. 153, Da’an Rd., Ai’ai Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County

2.Yangmingshan Aowanda

Located in Yangmingshan, Taipei Aowanda is a popular spot for viewing autumn leaves in Taipei. Every autumn and winter, the nearby mountain areas are covered in vibrant red foliage, creating a very romantic atmosphere. The park contains various types of plants including pine, cherry blossom, cypress, maple trees, and camellias, among which black pine and maple trees are the most abundant and representative.
 
Address: No. 13, Lane 10, Pingjing St., Shilin District, Taipei City

3.Alishan Forest Recreation Area
 
Besides watching the sunrise, sea of clouds, and sacred trees, the stunning red foliage in Alishan is another must-see scenic beauty. Around November each year, the maple leaves in Alishan begin to turn red. One of its hidden gems, the “Ogasawara Viewpoint,” offers a 360-degree panoramic view where you can gaze at the sunrise over the Yushan mountain range and the spectacular sea of clouds. In the evening, you can also enjoy the sunset, sea of clouds, and afterglow.
 
Address: No. 59, Alishan Township, Chiayi County

4.Shanlinxi Forest Ecological Resort

Taiwan’s first blush of red appears in the Shanlinxi Forest Park in Nantou, where vast expanses of fiery red maple leaves shine brilliantly under the sunlight, creating an enchanting and intoxicating scene. The foliage season in Shanlinxi extends until December.
 
Address: No. 6, Xishan Rd., Daran Li, Zhushan Township, Nantou County