No less enchanting than the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the Taiji Meidi Ecological Engineering Site

By MOOK Scenic Spots / Christopher, compiled and reported

The bamboo grove path in Arashiyama, Japan, is a dreamlike and healing scene that many tourists flock to for a pilgrimage. But Taiwan also has many fairy-tale-like bamboo forest trails, one of the most beautiful being the Changyuanzhen Ancient Trail. Located in the Xiaobantian scenic area of Lugu, Nantou, it lies within the high-altitude terrain of the Alishan foothills. In earlier times, residents had difficulty accessing water until the Japanese colonial period, when the channel was manually dug and bridged through canals, constructing the Changyuanzhen Irrigation Channel and solving the water supply issue. The irrigation ditch boasts clear water and lush greenery. Though it gradually faded from memory with the advent of modern pipelines, it was restored to its natural mountainous state thanks to ecological engineering methods implemented by the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau.

Taiwan is rich in natural ecological resources, with world-class scenic beauty in abundance. Walking along the Changyuanzhen Ancient Trail feels like stepping into a scene from the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Along the trail, stairs lead to the “Mengzong Bamboo Forest Ancient Battlefield” of the Lin Shuangwen Rebellion, exuding a mysterious historical charm. Additionally, with international superstar Cate Blanchett featuring in an advertisement shot here, the Xiaobantian Scenic Area becomes even more worthy of a visit—perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the bath of phytoncides.