Explore the habitat of the salamander deep in the mountains — Guanwu Forest Recreation Area reopens

▲ Guanwu Forest Recreation Area in Shei-Pa National Park has reopened as of today. The photo shows a view of Shei-Pa National Park. (Photo / from the “Beauty of Shei-Pa” fan page by Dengfeng Zaoji, photographed by Zhang Diaohui)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Miss the breathtaking views of the Holy Ridge, sea of clouds, and giant trees in the “Guanwu Forest Recreation Area” of Shei-Pa National Park? After being severely damaged by Typhoon Soudelor last year and subsequently closed for repairs, Guanwu welcomes the summer vacation season by reopening parts of the area to visitors. You’ll also have the chance to venture deep into the habitat of the endangered salamander and get up close to its living environment.

With the scorching summer upon us, retreating into the mountains not only allows you to enjoy the cleansing forest air but also helps you escape the blazing sun. However, due to damage caused by Typhoon Soudelor last year, transportation routes were disrupted, forcing the park management to temporarily shut down the area for emergency repairs. After nearly a year of restoration, the Hsinchu Forest District Office under the Forestry Bureau has finally announced that parts of the park will reopen starting in July.

The reopened areas include the Guanwu Mountain Lodge Restaurant, the Zhenshan Hiking Trail, and the section of the Hinoki Giant Tree Trail between the 2.8 km and 4 km marks. Meanwhile, the popular Guanwu Waterfall Trail and the Bird-Watching Trail remain temporarily closed. The Guanwu Salamander Ecology Center within Shei-Pa National Park will also host a free ecological interpretation activity titled “The Salamander Takes Me on a Tour of Guanwu” during the summer vacation, taking visitors to explore the ecology of Guanwu and learn about the hometown of the salamander. For activity details, please visitthe official website of Shei-Pa National Parkfor more information.