An unexpected bald cypress secret spot that looks like a Japanese garden when lit up at night

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Bald cypresses across Taiwan are turning red, filling the landscape with a northern vibe and a romantic atmosphere. However, the bald cypress forest in Mingchi Forest Recreation Area in Yilan exudes a strong Japanese garden aesthetic. Mingchi is a well-known bald cypress attraction, but the nighttime scenery of the bald cypress forest is rarely known. Visitors can head to Mingchi Lake via Mingchi Mountain Lodge, enjoying the beautiful nighttime views along the way. When the lights illuminate the bald cypress forest at night, the scenery resembles a famous flower-viewing spot in Japan.

Both Mingchi Forest Recreation Area and Qilan Forest Recreation Area are located within Lihli Makau Eco Park, combining Japanese-style elements, a rich natural ecological environment, ginkgo forests distributed around the small wooden cabins, and classical Chinese landscape gardens hidden among layers of trees. Additionally, there is a bamboo grove path by Mingchi Lake, filled with greenery that soothes and relaxes both body and mind.

Lihli Makau Eco Park boasts natural landscapes that could compete for world ecological heritage status. One of the park's three major features, Qilan Sacred Tree Grove, is Asia’s largest gathering of cypress sacred trees. The Council for Cultural Affairs is also actively seeking to list it as the only biological heritage among world heritage sites, offering a truly grand view.

[Info]

Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area
Location: No. 1, Mingchi Mountain Lodge, 8th Lin, Yingshi Village, Datong Township, Yilan County
For non-staying visitors:
1. Adult ticket: NT$120, applicable to the general public.
2. Group ticket: NT$100, applicable to groups of 20 or more.
3. Student ticket: NT$100
4. Government/education/military personnel: NT$60 (NT$90 on holidays)
5. Concessionary ticket: NT$60, applicable to children between 115-150 cm or aged 6-12, individuals holding Yilan County ID, individuals aged 65 or above, and individuals holding volunteer service credentials.
6. Physically/mentally disabled, toddlers, and veterans: NT$10, applicable to toddlers under 115 cm or under 6 years old, the individual and one accompanying person holding a disability certificate, and the individual holding a veteran ID.
※ Proof documents must be presented when purchasing any of the above concessionary tickets.
 
By car:
1. National Freeway No. 2: Exit at Taoyuan Daxi Interchange, then take the Northern Cross-Island Highway to arrive.
2. National Freeway No. 3: Transfer to National Freeway No. 3 at the Hsinchu System Interchange, exit at Tucheng Interchange, continue on Provincial Highway 7B, then transfer to Provincial Highway 7 to arrive.
3. National Freeway No. 5: From National Freeway No. 1 (Zhongshan Highway), transfer to National Freeway No. 5 (Beiyi Expressway) at the Xizhi System Interchange, pass through the Xueshan Tunnel, exit at Toucheng Interchange, take the Coastal Highway (Provincial Highway 2) to Zhuangwei, then transfer to Provincial Highway 7, pass through Yilan City and Yuanshan to Datong Township, and then connect to the Northern Cross-Island Highway to arrive.
4. National Freeway No. 5: From National Freeway No. 3 (Freeway No. 2), transfer to National Freeway No. 5 (Beiyi Expressway) at the Nangang System Interchange, pass through the Xueshan Tunnel, exit at Toucheng Interchange, take the Coastal Highway (Provincial Highway 2) to Zhuangwei, then transfer to Provincial Highway 7, pass through Yilan City and Yuanshan to Datong Township, and then connect to the Northern Cross-Island Highway to arrive.
 
※ Guests staying at Mingchi Mountain Lodge can reserve a direct shuttle service from Taipei to Qilan and Mingchi (additional fee applies).
Stops along the way: Taipei Metro Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Exit 4, Yilan Railway Station front station, Qilan Mountain Lodge, Mingchi Mountain Lodge.
 

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