Forget-Me-Not Valley is back – Dannaigou in Alishan regains its former glory

▲ The natural beauty of Dannaigou. (Photo / fromthe Shanmei Community Development Association’s Facebook fan page)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Dannaigou in Alishan, long known as “Forget-Me-Not Valley,” was devastated by Typhoon Morakot in 2009, leaving the area in ruins. Now marking its third anniversary of reopening, community residents and the development association say that the natural landscape and facilities have largely been restored. Dannaigou has risen from the ashes, and visitors are welcome to come and enjoy the splendor of Greater Alishan.

▲ The Dannaigou suspension bridge also serves as the entrance to the Limei Trail. (Photo / from the Shanmei Community Development Association’s Facebook fan page)

Dannaigou is located upstream of the Zengwen River, stretching 18 kilometers in total. In the Tsou language, its name means “a place to forget sorrow” – hence “Forget-Me-Not Valley.” After Typhoon Morakot, Dannaigou embarked on a long road to recovery, reopening after 567 days. By 2013, it had welcomed over 200,000 visitors, gradually returning to pre-disaster levels.

Dannaigou boasts rich ecology, with emerald green mountain mists stretching along its length and tranquil walking trails. The stream winds through the valley, often graced by the sight of birds and butterflies. The area’s most famous resident is the Formosan landlocked salmon, commonly known as the “bitter fish,” which is found in great numbers. The “Dannaigou Nature Ecological Park” is Taiwan’s first ecopark initiated and developed by local communities, and traditional Tsou song and dance performances are frequently held in the park.

▲ Traditional Tsou song and dance performances are frequently held in the park. (Photo / from the Shanmei Community Development Association’s Facebook fan page)

Local villagers say that Shanmei Village remains as beautiful as ever. Post-disaster reconstruction included the Dannaigou Suspension Bridge, Limei Trail, Fumei Suspension Bridge, and Shanmei Bridge. These physical structures, combined with the natural beauty of the mountains and valleys, have brought back the essence of the former “Forget-Me-Not Valley.” Visitors are invited to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and come here to find joy and forget their worries.

【Dannaigou Eco Area】
Address: No. 51, Lane 3, Shanmei Village, Alishan Township, Chiayi County (Shanmei Community Development Association)
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Transportation:
1. South Second Freeway: Exit at Zhongpu Interchange → Take Provincial Highway 18 (Alishan Highway) up the mountain → Turn toward Shanmei Village at Longmei, approximately one hour to reach.
2. Sun Yat-sen Freeway: Exit at Chiayi Interchange → Take County Highway 159 to Chiayi City → Continue on Provincial Highway 18 (Shixian Road, Wufeng South Road) to the Alishan Highway and head up the mountain → Turn right at Longmei (around the 36 km mark) toward Shanmei Village, approximately one hour to reach.
Source: Chiayi County Government Tourism Website