Hidden Gem in Xitou: A “Glass Castle” Nestled in the Forest

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Many people are familiar with the beautiful flowers, plants, and mountain scenery of the Xitou Forest Nature Education Area, but few know that there is an European-style “glass castle” hidden within. Walking through the lush green forest, visitors are greeted by a glass castle that looks straight out of a fairy tale. The glass castle, which just opened in July, has quickly become a new popular photo spot in Xitou thanks to word of mouth among tourists.

▲ The “glass castle” leans against a vast fir forest, resembling a painting of an old European estate. (Photo / fromXitou Forest Castle Open-Air Concert Facebook Fan Page)

The two-story glass castle was set up by the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute Experimental Forest Management Office. The office stated that the idea for the castle came from the glass slipper in the Cinderella fairy tale. The foundation structure of the two-story castle uses Taiwan cypress grown in Xitou, and the window glass is made of tempered glass. The castle blends seamlessly with the mountain scenery, making it a true green building. Visitors looking out from the castle can see a 3,000-ping starry sky corridor built on the lawn and the beautiful mountain and forest views, which are truly uplifting.

The management office said that due to increasingly hot weather each year, they specifically built the glass castle in Xitou to provide tourists with a place to escape the heat. Since its opening, the castle has significantly improved the previous lack of shading facilities in the Liulongkeng Lawn Park area.

▲ An arched bridge made of moso bamboo spans the “University Pond” in the forest park. (Photo / from Xitou Forest Castle Open-Air Concert Facebook Fan Page)

Upon entering the two-story castle, visitors will find that the back only has stairs and walkways, and some have said it resembles a “scenic prop wall.” Even so, tourists still flock here to take photos and check in. Visitors say that after all, being in a glass castle still gives them the feeling of strolling through a European estate or castle.

[Xitou Nature Education Area]
Address: No. 9, Senlin Lane, Lugu Township, Nantou County (Xitou Forest Management Area, Taiwan Forestry Research Institute Experimental Forest)
Phone: (049) 261-2111