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Snow Mountain Autumn Journey: Explore 4 Hidden Maple Wonders

Published: 2026-09-24 👁 100 views

Last updated 2026-09-24 — As maple leaves gradually turn red across the regions, they also bring the message of autumn to Taiwan. At this time, Shei-Pa National Park is also shedding its emerald attire, greeting travelers from all over with a brand-new fiery red outfit. Visiting Shei-Pa in autumn for high-altitude exploration...

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported

As maple leaves gradually turn red across the regions, they also bring the message of autumn to Taiwan. At this time, Shei-Pa National Park is also shedding its emerald attire, greeting travelers from all over with a brand-new fiery red outfit. Visiting Shei-Pa in autumn for high-altitude exploration, you can venture deep into the forest of Smangus to admire the spectacular Grandpa God Tree Maple Liquidambar ecosystem, enter the Zhenxi Fort Giant Tree Group to chase the fall foliage, stroll through the misty forests of Guanwu to enjoy the magnificent mountain views and crimson leaves, or head to Wuling to see layers of red maples dotting the hillsides and observe the ecology of the Formosan landlocked salmon.

Shei-Pa in autumn dons a new look, welcoming travelers with dazzling crimson maples. (Photo provided by Chinese Green Life Leisure Development Association)

Smangus

The Smangus tribe follows a lifestyle of "cooperative symbiosis and communal land ownership," inheriting Atayal culture and protecting natural resources. It is a neighboring tribe around Shei-Pa National Park, located in the high mountains of Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County, at an altitude of 1,500 meters. A long time ago, a team led by Marcus settled near Dongtai Yehan Mountain on the northern ridge of Snow Mountain and established the tribe. Later generations named the tribe “Smangus” in his honor, which is the origin of the tribe's name.

The average temperature in Smangus is around 15 degrees. Throughout the year, mountain cherry blossoms, smiling flowers, Pleione, bamboo orchids, and Mrs. Simmons azaleas bloom in succession in the tribe. The autumn maples are equally breathtaking. You can also take a walk along the Giant Tree Group (Yaya Qparung) trail to admire the spectacular red cypress giants and experience the rich ecology of the mid-altitude forest.

Smangus in autumn adds a splash of colorful red leaves and romance. (Photo provided by Chinese Green Life Leisure Development Association)

Zhenxi Fort

“Zhenxi Fort” in the Atayal language means “the place where the morning sun shines first,” symbolizing year-round abundant sunshine and fertile soil. Zhenxi Fort is situated at an altitude of about 1,500–1,800 meters, with residents being all Atayal indigenous people. The area has a simple folk culture and a strong mission to protect and pass on its own heritage. It boasts a rich ecological environment, with about 50 ancient trees, including sacred trees such as red cypress, incense cedar, and Hinoki, growing in the region. The area experiences distinct seasons and ever-changing scenery.

During the autumn and winter maple leaf viewing season, Zhenxi Fort not only dazzles with its brilliant red maples but also offers sights along the way such as Neiwan, Yulao sea of clouds, Lidong Mountain, visits to ancient forts, and tours of Xinguang Tribe. Moreover, you can venture deeper into the undeveloped primeval forest: the Zhenxi Fort Giant Tree Group, where about 50 ancient trees, including sacred trees such as red cypress, incense cedar, and Hinoki, grow. The area has distinct seasons and ever-changing scenery.

Visiting Zhenxi Fort for maple leaves also allows you to witness the majestically standing sacred trees. (Photo provided by Chinese Green Life Leisure Development Association)

Guanwu

The scenery of the Guanwu Recreation Area lives up to its name, with clouds and mist lingering all year round. The area features multiple trails for sightseeing and hiking. Among them, the Cypress Mountain Giant Tree Group Trail is lined with large stands of Taiwan fir, and in the middle section, five-thousand-year-old red cypresses stand tall amidst the forest. In slightly sunny and humid areas along the trail, yellow flowers, purple flowers, and Impatiens spp. will bloom in succession, giving visitors the chance to see three types of balsams. Additionally, the newly opened “Guanwu Salamander Ecological Center” last year and the fiery red maple leaves both add an intellectual and emotional romantic beauty to Guanwu.

In Guanwu, you can not only admire the maple leaves but also visit the Guanwu Salamander Ecological Center. (Photo provided by Chinese Green Life Leisure Development Association)

Wuling

With picturesque scenery all year round, the flowing waters of Wuling turn golden yellow or crimson as the originally lush green forests gradually change attire with various red-leaf plants entering autumn and winter. Autumn is also the breeding season for the Formosan landlocked salmon, when they leave the deep pools to pair up and spawn in shallow waters. From the Wuling Suspension Bridge or the Fish Viewing Platform, you have a great vantage point to observe the ecology of this national treasure fish. The “Formosan Landlocked Salmon Ecological Center” is an exhibition center that allows the public to closely observe the ecological behavior of the Formosan landlocked salmon. If you're lucky, you may also spot mandarin ducks in the Yushe Stream and Qijiawan Stream.

● Read more:

Tokyo Maple Leaf Season Begins in November: Must-Visit Famous Spots for Red Leaves

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Maple red in Qijiawan Stream. (Photo provided by Shei-Pa National Park; photographer: Lin Jinsu)

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