Suspension bridges, valleys, and a sea of maple trees create a picturesque scene — hidden maple viewing spots in northern Taiwan

▲ The autumn maple leaves in Xiuluan Village, Jianshi, Hsinchu, pile up in layers, as if you're abroad (Photo provided by netizen Liu Jiahuang. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Although the season has entered winter, unstable weather has affected the timing for maple viewing. However, deep in the mountains of Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County, there are several maple-viewing secret spots passed down among photographers. The changing seasons have already quietly painted the tree tops with color, shifting from yellow to orange, dyeing the entire forest. The autumn maple leaves pile up layer upon layer across the mountains and valleys, adding endless freshness to the green hills.ETtoday EBC News Cloud has specially selected three maple viewing spots in Hsinchu. Come for a splendid adventure in the mountains this holiday season!

▲ The area around the Kongxi Suspension Bridge is already tinged with red maples (Photo provided by netizenangela820928). Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Kongxi Suspension Bridge in Xiuluan Village
Located in Xiuluan Village, Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County, the area around the Kongxi Suspension Bridge, the Battleship Rock Suspension Bridge, and Battleship Rock is one of the most famous sights in late autumn. This region boasts the highest concentration of maple trees in Taiwan, with sweeping views of crimson maples all around the mountains — a maple-viewing secret spot well-known among photographers. The colorful overlapping mountain scenery is so beautiful it feels like you’re in a northern country like Japan or Canada.

▲ The valley, suspension bridges, and maple leaves in Xiuluan Village blend into a postcard-like, poetic scene (Photo provided by netizenjenychen8888). Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

The surrounding area is home to hundreds of tall green maples and fragrant maples over 10 meters high. When autumn and winter arrive, the well-arranged maple leaves transform into a scene straight out of a painting. In Xiuluan, you can also see the “Quintuplets” and “Quadruplets” — trees formed by five or four trunks respectively. On a clear day, combined with the red foliage, they offer another angle for photographing the beauty of the red leaves.

▲ Shooting the “Quadruplets” from below offers a unique perspective (Photo provided by netizens131109). Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Looking down at the valley scenery from the Kongxi Suspension Bridge gives the illusion of being in a secret spot in northeastern Japan. Walking down to the valley and looking up at the bridge also presents a different kind of charm. The rocky riverside, suspension bridge, and maple leaves come together into a postcard-like, poetic scene — truly a paradise.

Aside from admiring the maples, just a few hundred meters upstream lies Xiuluan’s wild hot spring. The winding valley is dotted with huge rocks, and the stream water is crystal-clear blue. After a walk, you can soak your feet to relax and feel the magical pulse of nature.

One of the most famous maple-viewing spots in northern Taiwan, it’s definitely worth the long trek through the mountain paths.

▲ The water quality of Xiuluan’s wild hot spring is very clean (Photo provided by netizennelson_li711). Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

▲ The fast-flowing stream is great for soaking your feet (Photo provided by netizenktm_xx_). Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Location: Xiuluan Village, Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County
Transportation Info: Take National Freeway No. 3 to Zhulin Interchange, then connect to County Highway 120, turn onto Provincial Highway 3, continue on County Highway 120, and then turn onto Jhunan Township Road 60. Pass Tianpu to reach the Kongxi Suspension Bridge.

▲ Yu Lao Viewpoint (Photo provided by netizenandrewsudog). Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Yu Lao Viewpoint
At an elevation of 1,450 meters, located at the junction of the front and back mountains of Jianshi, it is a summer retreat in Hsinchu. To the east, you can overlook Yufeng Village, and to the west, you’ll see the vast Nalu River Valley. The Dabajian Mountain Range and the Maliguang River Gorge are all visible in their entirety. Next to the viewpoint is the Yu Lao Bicycle Station and a colorful police station. In the distance, layers of lush mountains unfold, and on clear days, you can even see the sights of Zhudong and Hengshan. Visiting in autumn and winter lets you enjoy the magnificent maple foliage.

▲ Yu Lao Viewpoint (Photo provided by netizensn245763). Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Address: No. 1, Lane 1, Yufeng Village, Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County

Xueshiluo Ancient Trail
The Xueshiluo Ancient Trail, stretching about 24 kilometers through the mountains, combines historical culture with breathtaking natural scenery. It is the first national trail planned by the government. In late autumn, the fiery red maple forests on the mountains attract endless praise from photographers. Along the way, you’ll pass through the bamboo groves of Liyuan and the sweet gum forests of Ma’an. Strolling amidst the forest allows you to breathe in the abundant phytoncides while enjoying visual delights that are truly unforgettable.

▲Xueshiluo Ancient Trail (Photo provided by netizen Liu Jiahuang. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid infringement.)

Location: Xueshiluo Ancient Trail, Wufeng Township, Hsinchu County
Note: Currently, the section of the trail between 1.2K and 23K is closed due to multiple landslides caused by continuous heavy rain and typhoons. Only the section from 0K to 1.2K is open. It is expected to reopen on February 1, 2017.