Autumn Getaway to Taiping Mountain: A Lively and Romantic Stroll Amidst Poetic Lake Views

Text / Compiled and reported by the editorial team of MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network

Situated in Datong Township, Taiping Mountain National Forest Recreation Area has emerged as a much-loved travel spot in recent years. Spanning more than 12,000 hectares, the area includes the Nanhu Mountain Range, Sanxing Mountain Range, and offshoots of Dabajianshan. Famous for its rich supply of red cypress and hinoki, it was once ranked among Taiwan’s top three major logging areas alongside Alishan and Baxianshan. The forest here is lush and green, boasting a rich and intact ecosystem. Thanks to varying altitudes, visitors can enjoy the colorful transformations of nature across different seasons — a truly enchanting experience. Especially in autumn, the fiery red maples add a stunning splash of color to Taiping Mountain. The recreation area features well-developed facilities including Jiuzi Ze Hot Springs (formerly Renze Hot Springs), Forest Amusement Park, forest bathing trails, wildlife reserves, and Cui Feng Lake, making it perfect for a one- to two-day mini-trip.

A Lane of Crimson Leaves – The Central Stairway

The Central Stairway is a straight flight of stairs located right beside Taiping Villa. Lined with purple-leafed Acer trees, it is also known as the “Red Leaf Path” and is the most famous trail in Taiping Mountain. In early summer, it bursts into a sea of red, with crimson leaves lining both sides, warmly welcoming visitors. The beautiful purple-leafed maples take on an eye-catching purplish-red hue from their new leaves, allowing you to experience the poetic romance of fall foliage without waiting for autumn or winter.

A Literary Journey Through the Woods – Taiping Mountain Primitive Forest Park 'Taiping Poetry Path'

From the Central Stairway, embraced by crimson foliage, you can reach the Taiping Mountain Primitive Forest Park. Accompanied by the Taiping Poetry Path, this literary trail is Taiwan’s first in the northeast region. Created by cultural figures from the Lanyang area who contributed calligraphy and inscriptions, the “Taiping Poetry Path” is a serene, hidden gem nestled within the tranquil woods. It allows travelers to be guided by poetry while leisurely enjoying the mountain scenery. Along the way, you’ll find towering ancient trees with twisted roots, and further up, the Zhen’an Temple — originally a Japanese shrine and now dedicated to Zheng Chenggong — awaits your visit.