Majestic canyons and crystal-clear streams – A must-visit hidden gem in a lifetime: the Hehuan Creek Trail

Text and photos by /1817Box

Hehuan Creek is the upper reaches of the Dajia River. In the past, a mountain road was built and water pipes were laid beneath the path to divert water for irrigation. This water diversion route has now become the Hehuan Creek Trail.

The 3.5-kilometer-long Hehuan Creek Trail remains quite pristine, with its gravel surface offering a feeling of blending into nature. The early section of the trail provides distant views of Yushan, the Xinzhongheng Highway, and the Hongxiang and Ruiyuan tribes. After the 1-kilometer mark, the trail enters the Hehuan Creek basin, where the landscape abruptly shifts into a canyon terrain. With towering mountains and deep valleys, surrounded by majestic fir trees, the area feels like stepping into an ink painting under the mist.

We parked our car in the open space outside the entrance to the Hehuan Creek Trail. When we arrived, there was only one other sedan parked there. After parking, we entered from the left path shown in the photo below.

From the trail, you can see the scenery of the villages below.

The day we visited was partly sunny and partly cloudy. When the sun came out, beams of sunlight poured through the trees – an absolutely beautiful scene with great vibes.

It felt like we were shooting an idol drama poster – the sunshine was cheering us on for our Hehuan Creek Trail adventure.

Continuing forward, up to this point, the trail remains fairly easy. When you reach the fork in the road shown above, take the right path.

Just when we were enjoying the easygoing path, we spotted a fallen tree up ahead.

The view of the villages below from the trail is truly stunning, giving off a fairytale-like, out-of-this-world vibe.

Despite the fallen tree blocking the way, we pressed on, making our way through the trunk.

There are occasional small landslides along the path, though the rocks on the trail seem to have been cleared.

When you reach the fork in the road shown above, please take the left path.

The reason this trail was originally created was to lay water pipes to channel water from the upper reaches of Hehuan Creek. Along the way, you’ll see many broken and unmaintained pipes, and some sections feel like it’s raining, with sprays of water falling from above or collecting into small pools.

The metal gate up ahead marks the entrance to the water source restricted area.

The mid-section of the Hehuan Creek Trail features breathtaking canyon views and expansive vistas.

The road in front of the catchment area is already flooded, so you need to walk slowly along the edge. Water gushes up from the ground like a spring.

The water from the catchment area overflows onto the trail.

You can only move forward by stepping on the rocks by the side of the path.

The water in the catchment area is incredibly clear.

The Hehuan Creek Trail is lined with majestic firs, creating a captivating landscape.

At around the 3.2-kilometer mark in the canyon section of the trail, you’ll find one of the filming locations from the movie *Seediq Bale*, where Japanese soldiers carrying the rising sun flag walked through the canyon.

This spectacular canyon on the Hehuan Creek Trail served as one of the filming locations for the movie *Seediq Bale*.

A small waterfall formed by the crystal-clear waters of Hehuan Creek can be found after the mid-section of the trail.

The canyon views visible from the Hehuan Creek Trail are truly magnificent.

The color of the water against the blue sky is absolutely gorgeous.

Taiwan, a mountainous island, has no shortage of hidden gems. But those that are highly recommended by travel experts, and are so unforgettable that visitors want to return again and again – those are truly special. Nestled deep in the mountains of Nantou, the “Hehuan Creek Trail” is a prime example.

Water cascading down the mountain wall.

Finally reaching the end of the Huanhuan Stream Trail, the stream water temperature never exceeds 8°C throughout the year, and the Huanhuan Stream is also fondly called the "Huanhuan Ice Spring."

We took out some desserts to replenish our energy—the high-altitude air pressure caused the packaging to expand.

Why is the water in Huanhuan Stream so clear and beautiful?

The ropes on the rocks are used by hikers to access Huanhuan West Peak; you must wade through the stream from here.

Such a beautiful place—no wonder it’s known as a must-visit hidden gem in a lifetime: the Huanhuan Stream Trail.

The sky turned overcast, and we began preparing to head back.

The Huanhuan Stream Trail, located at an altitude between 2,460 and 2,670 meters, is approximately 3.5 kilometers long in total, leading to the sediment dam at the bottom of Huanhuan Valley. The round trip takes about three hours. Please note the time management, as the trail has sections with rough terrain that require extra caution.

Transportation Guide to the Hua’gang Huanhuan Stream Trail
Continue along the Fushoushan Industrial Road from Fushoushan, follow the signs for Hua’gang, pass the Hua’gang High-Altitude Resort, continue for about 3 kilometers, turn left at the temple of the Earth God to go uphill, and the roundabout marks the trailhead.

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