Spotlighting Taiwan’s 5 “Totoro Tunnels”! Jump into the animation and follow Totoro’s footsteps

▲ Taichung Houli “Totoro Tunnel” (Photo/Netizenyen.57_Provided. No unauthorized reproductions, please, to avoid copyright infringement.)

By Peng Huaiyu / Compiled report

With their round bodies and bouncy, sprite-like appearances, the characters from the *Totoro* animation have left a deep impression on those born in the 1980s and 1990s. Following the huge popularity of the Taichung Totoro Tunnel, there are actually many other spots around Taiwan with similarly magical scenery,We’ve rounded up 5 unique “Totoro Tunnels” across the island that feel like portals to unknown realms—as if you’ve stepped right into the animation in search of Totoro.Visitors are reminded to be respectful, avoid loud noises, help preserve the trees, and keep the areas clean.

▲ Taichung Houli “Totoro Tunnel” (Photo/Netizenhsin_ying_chouProvided. No unauthorized reproductions, please, to avoid copyright infringement.)

1. Taichung Houli
Located at the border between Houli and Waipu in Taichung, this expansive forest of soapberry trees stretches endlessly in rows, with yellow-green hues blanketing the sky. At the end of the tree line, the woods form an arc, resembling the scene where the Totoro bus departs as the trees part magically. Netizens call it the “Totoro Tunnel,” and every casual snapshot here feels full of charm.

When visiting for fun or photos, remember not to damage the trees, take your trash with you, and avoid illegal parking that disrupts traffic.

Location: Wuyi Lane, Siyue Road, Houli District, Taichung City

▲ Standing in the “green tunnel,” it’s like a scene straight out of the Totoro movie (Photo/Netizenhsine1124Provided. No unauthorized reproductions, please, to avoid copyright infringement.)

2. HsinFeng Hongmaogang Mangrove
Taiwan’s only northern mangrove forest, where Kandelia obovata and Avicennia marina grow together, spans 8.5 hectares. The most stunning sight is undoubtedly the lush green tunnel, where towering Kandelia trees line both sides of the boardwalk—like a mysterious scene right out of the Totoro film.

To protect the mangrove landscape, visitors are urged to be considerate, take all trash with them, avoid entering the wetlands for photos or any actions that could harm the scenery, so more people can enjoy its beauty.

Location: No. 93, Xinshi Road, Zhongxing Village, HsinFeng Township, Hsinchu County

▲ Chiayi Shixian Road during the golden rain tree bloom, resembling a golden Totoro tunnel (Photo/NetizenLin PeiyuanProvided. No unauthorized reproductions, please, to avoid copyright infringement.)

3. Chiayi Shixian Road
The seasonally blooming golden rain tree (also called golden shower tree) is currently in full flourish along Shixian Road in Chiayi City. At a glance, dozens of trees shift from green to golden yellow, with tall, dense trunks forming a golden tunnel. Taking photos under this canopy feels like Totoro might pop out at any moment—especially when sunlight filters through the branches, creating a breathtakingly dreamy scene.

Location: Shixian Road, Chiayi City

▲ A hidden gem in Pingtung is dubbed the southern version of the Totoro tunnel by netizens (Photo/NetizenSmiling EyesAuthorized for use. No unauthorized reproductions, please, to avoid copyright infringement.)

4. Pingtung Xinpi Township
According to netizens, the Eco-Forest Avenue along County Road 185 in Xinpi Township, Pingtung, features tree-lined woodland stretching across 4.33 hectares. The wooded path near the nearby tin-roofed houses is known as the “southern version of the Totoro Tunnel.” Towering trees on both sides rise unevenly into the sky, forming a natural canopy that creates an endless visual stretch, as if leading to a fantastical cartoon landscape.

Location: Xinpi Township, Pingtung County (Use GPS to navigate to “Xinghua Farm” to find it)

▲ A scene similar to the Totoro Tunnel can also be found on the campus of National Dong Hwa University (Photo / Netizen)picturelainey29Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

5. Hualien National Dong Hwa University
Not only are there such spots elsewhere, but the picturesque National Dong Hwa University is also home to a similar scene. This Totoro Tunnel-like grove is located next to the Science and Technology Building No. 2.

Location: No. 1, Section 2, University Road, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County