By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
The Xitou Sacred Tree, a landmark and popular attraction in Nantou with an age of over 2,800 years, suddenly collapsed at noon on September 11, 2016. The incident happened so quickly that three tourists who couldn’t escape in time were injured—one seriously and two lightly. Even squirrels that didn’t have time to flee were crushed to death on the spot.
The Nantou landmark and attraction—the Xitou Sacred Tree—has collapsed unexpectedly. (Image source / Xitou Nature Education Area)
This red cypress sacred tree in Xitou is wrapped around a massive boulder. Though hollowed out and decaying inside, it stood firmly full of life. Many visitors come to see it. Facing this historic sacred tree and reflecting on their own fleeting lives, people can't help but feel more reverence and even inspiration. For many domestic and international tourists visiting Xitou, the sacred tree is definitely a must-see attraction—with about 70% of visitors planning to view the red cypress.
The sacred tree is managed and maintained by the Xitou Nature Education Area (affiliated with the Taiwan University Experimental Forest Management Office). Xitou receives 1.7 to 2 million visitors annually, making the collapse of the sacred tree a significant local event. Currently, the tree is being preserved in its original location, and plans are underway to relocate parts of the fallen tree to a suitable display site so that visitors can also see its post-collapse state. Recent heavy rains, loosened mountain soil, along with root decay may have contributed to the collapse. Further investigation by Nantou County officials is needed.
【Info】
Xitou Sacred Tree
Tree species: Taiwan red cypress
Height: 35 meters
Width: 4.6 meters
Circumference: 13.6 meters
Weight: Approximately 40 tons
People it can encircle: Around 10 adults
Age: Commonly said to be 2,800 years, but experts estimate it is around 1,800 years after on-site examination.
Xitou Nature Education Area
No. 9, Senlin Lane, Lugu Township, Nantou County (Taiwan University Experimental Forest Xitou Forest District)
Phone: (049)261-2111
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