Must-visit spots in autumn 2017！Your ultimate guide to fall foliage across Taiwan is right here

By Sharelife

Don’t let autumn pass you by feeling uninspired—slip into your new fall outfit and update your IG with the maple leaves！The best time for leaf-peeping is usually from November to January each year, but with the effects of global warming and fluctuating temperatures, predicting when the leaves will turn red has become tricky. Maple trees around Taiwan also vary in species, each with their own unique characteristics.

▲ A sky dyed red by maple leaves.

Hey！That maple leaf pressed between the pages of your book is probably due for a refresh. Taiwan boasts over 20 autumn foliage spots, categorized by region into six types: Taiwan red maple, green maple, sharp-leaved maple, Taiwan triangular maple, Taiwan palmate maple, and sweet gum. Each type of maple leaf has its own distinctive charm, adding more fun to leaf-viewing, while the "foliage scenes" also differ greatly from place to place.

Autumn foliage spots in Northern Taiwan

1. Taipei Aowanda Livelihood Resort
2. Yangmingshan National Park
3. Yuanyang Lake National Forest Recreation Area
4. Daguan Mountain Nature Reserve
5. Shimen Reservoir
6. Taoyuan Fairy Valley
7. Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area
8. Mount Manapan
9. Smangus

▲ Photo provided by Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park is home to about 600 maple trees. Due to the monsoon climate, the leaves gradually turn red starting in November. Most are located behind the Zhongshan Building along Yangde Boulevard. Turn left and look toward the direction of the national park, and you’ll be greeted by a sea of vibrant red.

Autumn foliage spots in Central Taiwan

1. Fushoushan Farm
2. Wuling Farm
3. Daxue Shan National Forest Recreation Area
4. Dongshi Forest Recreation Area
5. Xitou Nature Education Area
6. Shanlinxi Forest Ecological Resort
7. Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area

▲ Crimson maple leaves (Photo provided by Shanlinxi National Park)

Shanlinxi sits at an altitude of about 1,600 to 1,800 meters. The landscapes throughout the park are nothing short of breathtaking. Starting from Shanlinxi Hotel, you’ll find green maples, red cypresses, and Taiwan red cedars interspersed everywhere. As you begin to stroll through, you’ll truly understand what it means to feel refreshed and uplifted.

Autumn foliage spots in Southern Taiwan

1. Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
2. Guanzai Ridge Park
3. Beidawushan Mountain

This famous red leaf park is located within the Guanzai Ridge Scenic Area. With thousands of green maples in the park turning red in autumn, they remain vibrant until after New Year’s Day. The best time to admire the foliage is from November to December—be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Scenic Spots for Maple Viewing in Eastern Taiwan

1. Taiping Mountain National Forest Recreation Area
2. Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area

▲Maple leaves become even more vibrant when filtered through sunlight.

The maple scenery across Taiwan not only captivates with its widespread red leaves, but the interplay of red, yellow, orange, and green over time also evokes the rich fragrance of autumn. With overlapping hues filling the sky, the world becomes more colorful whether you look up or gaze into the distance. While enjoying this wave of fall foliage, don’t forget to keep an eye on the changing temperatures.

This article is published with authorization from “Sharelife分享生活”.Read the original here