Six ultra-scenic and healing forest spots that are perfect for unwinding

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported

Taiwan not only boasts the unique landscape of being surrounded by sea on all sides, but the rich mountain ranges in its central region also hide forest paradises that seem straight out of a fairy tale. In the eastern mountainous areas of Taoyuan, there is the largest forest recreation area in northern Taiwan, as well as majestic sacred tree groves, which not only feature well-planned hiking trails but also offer a variety of landscapes and forest scenery along the way. Below is a list of six forest-themed spots in Taoyuan. The next time you visit, consider embarking on a carefree journey.

1. Dongyanshan Forest Recreation Area
Dongyanshan Forest Recreation Area is located at the end of the Snow Mountain Range. When viewed from afar, the shape of the mountain resembles a lying maiden gazing eastward with wide eyes—hence the name. Covering nearly 1,000 hectares, the recreation area features a spectacular sea of Japanese cedar trees spanning over 300 hectares. From the mountaintop, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including sights of Taoyuan, Sanxia, and the Tamsui River, making it a great spot to admire Taoyuan’s night scenery.

2. Auer Forest Classroom
The “Auer Forest Classroom” is located within Hu Tou Shan Park, known as the “Back Garden of Taoyuan.” Built without damaging the park’s landscape or trees, it features wooden elevated walkways nestled among the woods. Leveraging the climbing nature of banyan trees, the design allows trees and treehouses to coexist, creating three vibrant “living” treehouses adorned with owls of various sizes, and named the “Auer Forest Classroom.”

It includes a hexagonal “Tree Reading Classroom” designed for close-up observation of tree growth; an owl-shaped “Coo Coo House” offers a peek into bird ecology; and a boat-shaped “Green Ark” serves as a favorite performance stage for children who never tire of playing there.

3. Lala Mountain Sacred Tree Group
The red cypress sacred tree group of Lala Mountain enjoys a reputation on par with those of Alishan, which has made Lala Mountain widely known and attracted visitors from all over. In addition to towering red cypress and Hinoki sacred trees, the area also features deciduous trees such as Acer serrulatum and beech, whose leaves change color in the cool autumn, creating a poetic landscape.