Breathe in the forest this Year of the Rooster: Spring Festival opening hours and transport info

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▲ Taiping Mountain National Forest Recreation Area.

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Known as the "Treasure Island," Taiwan boasts diverse natural ecosystems. For those wishing to explore the beauty of forests, the national forest recreation areas scattered across the island are a great choice. These areas are rich in ecological and cultural resources, offering activities such as flower viewing, birdwatching, hiking, and mountaineering, providing a variety of eco-tourism experiences.

During the Spring Festival, most forest recreation areas remain open except for closures on New Year’s Eve, providing the public with opportunities for spring outings. To avoid congestion on access roads, between the first and fifth days of the Lunar New Year,10 shuttle bus stops will be set up along the Section 88–95 km of Provincial Highway 18 (Alishan Highway) at Alishan National Forest Recreation Area,anda free shuttle bus service will be available at the Jiànqíng Parking Lot at Kilometer 24.4 on Yizhuan First Road in Taiping Mountain National Forest Recreation Area;additionally,Baxian Mountain National Forest Recreation Area plans to offer free shuttle bus services at the toll station parking lot and visitor center from the second to the fourth day of the Lunar New Year,so visitors are encouraged to make use of these complimentary shuttle services.

▲ Snow Mountain Sacred Tree Trail.

In addition to beautiful mountain and forest scenery, four locations near urban areas—the Lanyang, Dongshi, and Hualien Forest Cultural Parks, as well as the Chiayi Hinoki Forest Life Village—offer visitors a blend of forestry culture and natural landscapes. With abundant flora and fauna as well as historic buildings that evoke nostalgia, they are perfect for family visits to experience forest fresh air and the aesthetics of forestry culture.During the Spring Festival, the Lanyang Forest Cultural Park will host a “New Year, New Luck Spin-to-Win” game from 1:10 to 1:50 pm on the second to fifth days of the Lunar New Year, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely immersion in the charm of forestry culture.

Additionally, the Forestry Bureau has carefully selected 15 signature trails across Taiwan with clear signage, which are ideal for the public to plan safe and suitable routes based on their fitness levels and preferences for nearby exploration. Examples include Beidalanman Trail, Jiaoxi Horse Racing Ancient Trail, Cuifeng Lake Loop Trail, and Quantoumu Nature Trail in northern Taiwan; Dongmao Mountain Trail, Defulan Trail, Sheshui Forest Trail, and Aowanda Trail Cluster in central Taiwan; Jiadannan Cloud Peak Trail, Four Heavenly Kings Mountain Trail, Longlin Mountain Trail, Weiliao Mountain Trail, Kenting National Forest Recreation Area Trail Cluster in southern Taiwan; and Hualien Zuocang Trail and Taitung Dawu Ocean View Trail in eastern Taiwan—all perfect for family outings during the Spring Festival for hill climbing, hiking, or enjoying a forest bath.

The Forestry Bureau would also like to remind visitors thatthree national forest recreation areas—Neidong, Tengzhi, and Xiangyang—are currently closed due to storm damage.；On New Year’s Eve (January 27) during the Spring Festival holiday, all lowland forest parks, national forest recreation areas (except Alishan and Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Areas), and forest cultural parks will be closed for the day.Also,the Lanyang Forest Cultural Park will remain closed until New Year’s Day.Visitors are advised to pay close attention to opening information.