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Maple leaves galore!Taiwan's top 8 most beautiful maple-viewing secret spots

Published: 2026-09-25 👁 101 views
Last updated 2026-09-25 — With the arrival of the first frontal system since autumn began this year, temperatures have gradually cooled and the autumn vibe has intensified, kicking off Taiwan’s fiery red maple foliage season. Maple forests across the island will quietly shed their green attire and don a coat of autumn crimson, welcoming the fall in the most elegant and romantic way...

Text / Compiled and reported by the editorial team of MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network
 
With the arrival of the first frontal system since autumn began this year, temperatures have gradually cooled and the autumn vibe has intensified, kicking off Taiwan’s fiery red maple foliage season. Maple forests across the island will quietly shed their green attire and don a coat of autumn crimson, welcoming the fall in the most elegant and romantic way. With some time still left, make sure to check out our special feature on Taiwan’s top 8 most beautiful maple-viewing secret spots and start planning your autumn foliage trip early—perfect for couples or family outings alike!

Fushoushan is a popular maple-viewing spot in recent years. (Image source / Fushoushan Farm Fan Page)

Education meets fun Maple Shimen - Shimen Reservoir
To help the public deepen their impression of the maple foliage at Shimen Reservoir, an annual “Shimen Reservoir Maple Viewing Month” event is held around the end of the year and early the following year. This allows visitors to learn about water resource knowledge while enjoying the red maples, combining fun and education so that both adults and children can spend a wonderful holiday at Shimen Reservoir. Visitors can also head to nearby restaurants around the reservoir to enjoy delicious live fish dishes, making a trip to Shimen Reservoir in Taoyuan both fun and tasty!

The 2014 Shimen Tourism Festival will take place from December 7th to 15th. (Image provided / Northern Region Water Resources Bureau)

【Info】
Shimen Reservoir
Maple Viewing Month: November to January
Address: No. 1, Huanhu Road, Fuxing Village, Daxi Town, (Shimen Reservoir Management Center)
Phone: (03)4712000
Transportation:
【By car】
Take National Freeway 3 and exit at Longtan Interchange. Follow County Highway 113 through Longtan and the Hakka Cultural Museum to reach Shimen Reservoir, a total distance of about 9.3 km.
【Public transport】
1. Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus (Cihu Line) and get off at Bading Station.
2. Take Taoyuan Bus routes 5050 or 5055 from Zhongli or Longtan and get off at Shimen Station.
 

Hometown of maple leaves - Aowanda
Aowanda is one of the most popular maple-viewing destinations. Known as “the nation’s largest pure natural sweet gum forest,” and boasting the lovely nickname “Hometown of Maple Leaves,” visitors can enter an approximately eight-hectare maple forest area after crossing a suspension bridge from the forest park. The 2,425-meter-long maple forest hiking trail becomes a golden spectacle every December to January, with vast swathes of red and yellow maple leaves scattered beautifully across the mountains and forests, creating an enchanting scene.

In late autumn, the maple forest in Aowanda turns a brilliant red, offering a captivating view. (Image source / Aowanda Forest Recreation Area)

Famous for its mountain springs and maple foliage, Aowanda features over 10 kinds of foliage-changing plants, including sweet gum, mountain maple, cherry oak, and cork oak, adding rich visual delights to the forest landscape. The park is full of mountain streams and wild creeks. The red maple forest paired with the soothing sound of flowing water creates a truly refreshing experience.

Aowanda boasts the largest expanse of maple forest and is known as the Hometown of Maple Leaves. (Image source / Aowanda Forest Recreation Area)

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