Snow Mountain Shuei-Shan Recreation Area closed; expected to reopen in January 2014

▲ A landslide has occurred on the Simaixian Forest Road within Shei-Pa National Park, which is now closed. (Photo provided by Shei-Pa National Park)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The Shuei-Shan Recreation Area within Shei-Pa National Park has been closed due to severe damage caused by torrential rains from Typhoon Soulik. Multiple landslides occurred along the Simaixian Forest Road, the area’s main access route. After an on-site inspection, park authorities have decided to close the area for repair work, with plans to reopen in mid-January 2014.

The Simaixian Forest Road, located in Tai’an Township, Miaoli County, stretches approximately 47.8 kilometers. It was originally developed during the Japanese colonial period to facilitate the extraction of forest resources, and later expanded in the 1950s along indigenous hunting trails. The road runs from Zhongxing Police Station to the upper reaches of Beikeng Creek. Due to minimal development, the area enjoys fresh air, lush greenery, and breathtaking views of the majestic Xueshan Range (also known as the Sacred Ridge). It has been praised by many cyclists as the “most scenic forest road route.” However, the region’s fragile geology often leads to rockfalls and landslides during heavy rainfall.

Recently, staff from the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters conducted an on-site survey of the forest road and found extensive damage including collapses and debris-covered sections. As a result, the Shuei-Shan Recreation Area and the Erben Song Interpretation Station have been temporarily closed. The “Simaixian Forest Road Post-Typhoon Soulik Repair Project” has been initiated, with plans to complete repairs and reopen the area by January 2014.