Watch the sea of clouds and sunset glow pierce through the maple forests – Taichung’s Daxueshan is in the peak season for maple foliage.

▲ Daxueshan is now in full peak foliage. (Photo provided by the Dongshi Forest District Office)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

Where else in Taiwan can you enjoy the autumn leaves right now? One of the hidden gems for leaf-peepers – the Daxueshan Forest Recreation Area in Taichung – is now in the height of its foliage season. The best time to see it is before mid-December.

The Dongshi Forest District Office stated that the maple trees in Daxueshan Forest Recreation Area mainly consist of Taiwan red maple, green maple, sweet gum, and pointed-leaf maple. They have been gradually changing color since December, and currently, the transformation level varies by area, reaching about 30%. With this week’s cold front arriving, the foliage has become even more vibrant and colorful, transforming the originally emerald-green forest into one adorned with golden yellow and crimson hues, adding an extra touch of late autumn melancholy.

Currently, starting from the 20-kilometer mark on the Daxueshan Forest Road, layers of crimson foliage dot the landscape. At the 35-kilometer toll station, Xiaolai Mountain Trail, the 43-kilometer visitor center, and the 49-kilometer Little Snow Mountain area, the striking red maple scenery is especially delightful to the eye. Additionally, it’s now the season for sea of clouds at Daxueshan. The drifting sea of clouds among the mountain ridges, surging and shifting by the moment, contrast beautifully with the crimson maple leaves and the evening glow. This poetic and picturesque romantic view awaits travelers to witness with their own eyes.

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