The Ultimate Healing Forests: Six Must-Visit Spots for Total Relaxation

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Taiwan not only boasts the unique landscape of being surrounded by sea on all sides, but also has a wealth of mountain ranges in its central region that hide forest sanctuaries akin to fairylands. In the mountainous areas of eastern Taoyuan, there is the largest forest recreation area in northern Taiwan, as well as majestic sacred tree groves, which not only have well-planned hiking trails, but also offer various landscapes and forest scenery along the way. Below is a list of six forest-themed attractions in Taoyuan. Next time you visit, why not take a healing journey through the woods?

1. Dongyanshan Forest Recreation Area
Dongyanshan Forest Recreation Area is located at the tail end of the Snow Mountain Range. When viewed from afar, the shape of the mountain resembles a reclining maiden gazing eastward with wide eyes—hence its name. The entire recreation area spans nearly 1,000 hectares and features a spectacular sea of Japanese cypress trees covering more than 300 hectares. From the mountaintop, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, as well as sights of Taoyuan, Sanxia, and the Tamsui River, making it also a great spot for night views of Taoyuan.

2. Auer Forest Academy
“Auer Forest Academy” is located within Hu Tou Shan Park, known as the “Back Garden of Taoyuan.” Built without disrupting the park’s landscapes or trees, wooden elevated walkways are constructed among the woods. Leveraging the climbing nature of banyan trees, the trees and treehouses coexist to create three vibrant “living” treehouses, adorned with owls of all sizes, hence named the “Auer Forest Academy.”

It includes a hexagonal “Tree Reading Classroom” designed for close observation of tree growth ecology; the owl-shaped “Coo Coo House” offers a glimpse into bird life; and the boat-shaped “Green Ark” serves as the perfect performance stage for kids, keeping them entertained for hours.

3. Lala Mountain Sacred Tree Grove
The red cypress sacred tree grove of Lala Mountain is as renowned as that of Alishan, which has brought fame to Lala Mountain and attracted visitors from all over. In addition to towering red cypresses and Hinoki sacred trees that reach into the clouds, the area also features color-changing foliage trees such as green maples and beeches. When autumn arrives and the leaves turn red, the scenery becomes even more poetic.