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Sip a cup of magnolia tea and savor the journey along the Lanyang Eco-Trail

Published: 2026-09-26 👁 108 views

Last updated 2026-09-26 — On the other side of the Xueshan Tunnel lies the Lanyang Plain, offering a breath of fresh air and a chance to reconnect with nature for those tired of the concrete jungle. As you step into the Jiuliao Creek and Songluo Forest Trails—both revitalized through stream restoration efforts—you’ll experience the cool, moist air...

Text and photos by MOOK Travel Life Chen Guanxin Images provided by Tsai Chia-yang

On the other side of the Xueshan Tunnel lies the Lanyang Plain, offering a breath of fresh air and a chance to reconnect with nature for those tired of the concrete jungle. As you step into the Jiuliao Creek and Songluo Forest Trails—both revitalized through stream restoration efforts—you’ll experience the cool, moist air and the carefree serenity of nature. Visit the only organic tea plantation in the magnolia tea region and enjoy a uniquely flavorful organic tea meal. At night, return to your homestay to indulge in “Taiwanese countryside kaiseki cuisine,” and in the stillness of the night, quietly appreciate the elegant art of a traditional “tea ceremony,” enjoying an organic eco-journey that nourishes both the soul and the palate.

Stroll through the pristine rainforest trail, away from the noise and bustle of the mountains beyond. (Photo by MOOK Travel Life Chen Guanxin)

Lanyang Eco-Trail Leisure Walk: Jiuliao Creek Trail and Songluo Trail

In the drizzling rain, the patter of raindrops and the babbling of the creek compose a natural symphony, set against the backdrop of dense, towering low-altitude broadleaf forests and lush ferns. Tree branches sway overhead, and clear stream water flows over smooth stones. Walking along the 1.8-kilometer Jiuliao Creek Trail, it’s hard to imagine such a quintessential subtropical forest landscape—so pristine and untouched—lies just about a 1.5-hour drive from Taipei City.

Near Pizih Village’s Jiuliao Creek, not far from Yilan County’s renowned magnolia tea region, the area was once a popular spot for tourists drawn by its pristine natural environment and abundant fish in the creek. Though visitors left with bountiful catches and fond memories, they also left behind large amounts of trash, devastating the creek’s ecosystem.

After local residents initiated a stream closure and fish protection effort, the Jiuliao Creek ecosystem gradually regained its vitality. (Photo by MOOK Travel Life Chen Guanxin)

Fortunately, since 2002, local tribal residents have long maintained a closed-stream, fish-protection policy. They replaced concrete embankments with naturally built stone structures using indigenous construction methods. They carefully paved the paths with gravel, and the local Atayal people involved in the design and construction preserved the trail’s natural appearance—even installing eco-friendly wooden boardwalks in narrow sections of the valley. They also erected eco-conscious wooden arch bridges named after Atayal legends, such as the Huoyun Bridge and Dunong Bridge, contributing to the preservation of their hometown’s ecosystem.

After its recovery, Jiuliao Creek’s crystal-clear waters now teem with fish such as the Formosan gobies and brown-spotted gobies. According to Tsai Chia-yang, vice president of the Changhua Environmental Protection Union, although the Jiuliao Creek Trail doesn’t boast particularly rare plants, insects, or animals, the species density along the trail is much higher than that of typical mountain forest trails. In summer, visitors can witness a flutter of butterflies, as well as more than ten bird species—including bamboo partridges, Chinese bulbuls, Taiwan bulbuls, and vinous-throated parrotbills—soaring through the forest. The rich variety of fern plants also offers delightful surprises at every step.

The wooden bridges built by the Atayal people not only provide passage but also have no impact on Jiuliao Creek’s ecosystem. Along the Jiuliao Creek Trail, you may spot birds like the bamboo partridge (bottom left) and the Chinese bulbul (bottom right), which are most commonly seen during their summer breeding season. (Photos by MOOK Travel Life Chen Guanxin; bird images provided by Tsai Chia-yang)

The Songluo National Trail, located in the mountainous area of Datong Township, Yilan County, at an altitude of about 300–400 meters and also near the magnolia tea region, is considered by Tsai Chia-yang to be even more pristine than the Jiuliao Creek Trail.

The Songluo Trail, with a total length of about 2 kilometers and a climate similar to that of the Jiuliao Creek Trail, was originally built along a hunting path used by the Atayal people, following the course of the Songluo Creek. The warm, humid climate fosters a rainforest-like ecological landscape, complemented by the meandering curves of the creek, shallow rapids, and pools formed by water erosion. In summer, it attracts visitors looking to cool off in the water, while in autumn and winter, the cool mountain scents draw many hiking enthusiasts.

One of Yilan’s six national trails, the Songluo National Trail, boasts a more pristine ecological forest than Jiuliao Creek. (Photo by MOOK Travel Life Chen Guanxin)

In the past, the Songluo Creek suffered from deforestation in the surrounding woods, and the delicious flesh of the Formosan landlocked salmon attracted foodies, leading to overfishing and nearly destroying the creek’s ecosystem. Also in 2002, the local Atayal indigenous community took the initiative to protect the creek and its fish, restricting fishing access. The materials used to build the mountain trails were switched from environmentally harmful artificial options to locally sourced, natural materials. Today, native fish species have returned to the Songluo Creek, and the surrounding ecosystem has gradually restored its original state.

A winter migratory bird, the grey heron, spotted along the Songluo Trail. (Photo by MOOK Travel Life Chen Guanxin)

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