Walk into European-style forest trails: Taiwan’s two major mahogany tunnels

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Mahogany comes in only a few varieties worldwide, and both Chiayi and Kaohsiung have their own mahogany avenues. Two rows of dense trees intertwine to form forest trails that, every spring during the leaf-falling season, are paved with a romantic carpet of leaves, creating a scene full of exotic flair. Mahogany trees are lush and green in spring and summer, and in late winter to early spring, their green leaves turn reddish-yellow.

1. Chiayi – Section 2, Shixian Road
On the median strip between Section 2 and Section 3 of Shixian Road in Chiayi City, over a thousand large-leaf mahogany trees are planted. Normally providing a lush, shaded canopy with a fantastical ambiance, in spring and summer, a profusion of fallen leaves carpets the sidewalk, evoking the serene beauty of autumn. Coupled with the hundreds of meters of depth along the road, it has become an alternative photography spot for enthusiasts.
 
Location: Median strip between Section 2 and Section 3 of Shixian Road, West District, Chiayi City

2. Kaohsiung – Xinwei Forest Park

Located within the Maolin Scenic Area, Xinwei Forest Park covers 30 hectares and is densely wooded, lush and green in spring and summer, with the most abundant species being mahogany, bamboo, and fir.

There is also a mahogany avenue approximately 2 kilometers long. In late winter to early spring, the green leaves of the mahogany trees turn reddish-yellow, and the fallen leaves blanket the trail. With rows of trees forming a natural corridor, it exudes an exotic vibe, making it a popular spot for couples to take wedding photos.