Embark on an island-wide journey following the movie "Places We Couldn't Reach" – The hidden Meihua (Plum Blossom) Forest is in Nantou

Reported by Huang Shiyuan / Compiled by reporters, Photos provided by Transworld International Films

"Do you long for an unforgettable trip? Would you want to go to a 'place you couldn't reach'? Or would you rather just keep it tucked away in a corner of your heart? Perhaps the most beautiful scenery in this world lies within your heart." The movie "Places We Couldn't Reach" is based on director Li Ding’s personal island-wide journey. Through the film, the beautiful landscapes of Taiwan are once again brought to the public eye. It is another passionate and romantic Taiwanese road trip movie, following in the footsteps of "Island Etude" and "Old Men in New Cars."

Back then, Li Ding traveled across Taiwan, passing through five mountain ranges and six different cities. Starting from Highway 61 on the west coast, he journeyed through Alishan, arrived at the landslide-submerged Shenmu Village in Xinyi Township, crossed the century-old Qiansui Suspension Bridge known for love-suicide legends, explored the rumored hidden Meihua Forest, and soaked in the crystal-clear mineral waters of Dongpu Hot Springs. He then headed to Taroko Gorge in Hualien, and even crossed the sea from Taitung to Orchid Island, venturing into the island’s Prayer Cave and the surrounding ocean.

Scene after scene of Taiwan’s breathtaking scenery, as seen through the film and its stills, never fails to amaze.

The Alishan Forest Railway mini-train. This is one of the must-do experiences for foreign travelers visiting Taiwan. Originally used to transport timber in the early days, the small train was repurposed for tourism after forest conservation policies were introduced. Its most distinctive features are the "spiral ascent" and "zigzag switchbacks." (Read more: "Alishan Cherry Blossom Season: Steam Trains Return, Offering Poetic Views Amidst Blossoming Trees")

The Qiansui Suspension Bridge. Located at the junction of Meixin Lane and Wanghe Lane in Xinyi Township, Nantou County (at the intersection of the Wangmei Tribal Access Road and Xinhe Industrial Road), it was once an important passageway between the Jiumeiluna and Wangxiang tribes. The bridge is about 200 meters long and spans the Alishan Budong River.

Nantou County’s Xinyi Township is known as Taiwan’s Plum Township. The three major plum blossom regions—Niuchoukeng, Fengguidou, and Wusong—see large crowds of visitors every January. The scenes of blooming plum blossoms in the movie were filmed in the Niuchoukeng area. (Read more: "Hidden Gem Alert: Plum Blossoms Bloom Behind Liu Family’s Garden, Looking Like a Fresh Snowfall")

Orchid Island. There’s no need to elaborate on the beauty of Orchid Island – many have already experienced it firsthand. (Read more: "Finding Happiness on Orchid Island – The Smiles of Children Revived Us")

Taroko Gorge. Needless to say, its stunning natural landscapes have long been world-renowned. (Read more: "Foreign Travelers’ Top 20 Most Beautiful Spots in Taiwan – Taroko Ranks First")