The once "Little Shanghai" of LinTian Mountain is loved by tour groups, but travel expert warns: Don’t head upstream

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Taipei

An 80-year-old woman on a tour to the LinTian Mountain Forestry Cultural Park in Fenglin Township, Hualien went missing for nearly five days before being found safe, but the eerie stories she repeatedly described sent chills down people’s spines, also thrusting the name “LinTian Mountain” into the media spotlight. With its historical background, ancient timber transport railway, and old dormitory buildings, the LinTian Mountain Forestry Cultural Park has always been a popular destination for tour groups and religious tours to Hualien. Eastern Taiwan travel expert Wu Tung-chun said: “The route the elderly woman took was quite dangerous, and we hope visitors avoid going there if possible.”


▲ The preserved buildings and old-time atmosphere of the LinTian Mountain Forestry Cultural Park, which was once even called "Little Shanghai." (Photo / Wu Tung-chun)



 
 
The area, once dubbed “Little Shanghai,” was once the fourth-largest forest in Taiwan, second only to the Baxianshan, Alishan, and Taipingshan forests. Logging operations began here in 1918 under Japanese management, leading to the construction of railways for transporting timber as well as facilities such as schools, Zhongshan Hall, dormitories, a welfare store, and a grocery store for employees and their families — essentially forming a small self-contained city. At its peak, up to 500 households lived here, with a population exceeding 2,000.

▲ The park preserves the old dormitories, grocery stores, transport trains, and railways, resembling a mountain town frozen in time. (Photo / Wu Tung-chun)

As times changed and government policies shifted, logging of natural forests was completely banned starting in 1991, causing demand for the LinTian Mountain Forest to plummet and employee numbers to decline year after year. The former prosperity never returned, leaving behind cultural architecture richly imbued with historical traces. This quaint mountain town remains remarkably well-preserved and intact.
 



It is understood that the missing woman walked upstream along the river alone after using the restroom, venturing off the designated tour path and deep into the mountains. Wu Tung-chun, who has personally walked the route, said that LinTian Mountain is a common destination for pilgrimage groups. Though there used to be a railway on the mountain, current road conditions are poor, with some areas requiring stream crossing, so he advises visitors to stay within the main areas of the park for safety reasons.
▲ The upper reaches of LinTian Mountain have rough terrain, and Wu Tung-chun recommends visitors prioritize safety and remain within the park. (Photo / Wu Tung-chun)

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