[Yilan Travel] Mingchi Forest Recreation Area, a Summer Retreat Away from the Hustle and Bustle!

Tripbaa Funbaa!* Asia's Free Travel Expert

As the car drove into the mountain roads of Yilan County, I felt a sense of: Ah, finally away from the city. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve reached a certain age, but I’ve especially yearned for inner peace lately. The noisy city life always feels exhausting.

Yet, at that moment, I had no idea where the car was headed. But then again, who really cares? The scenery outside the window was so bright and beautiful—why worry about what comes next? The car wound along narrow roads, climbing higher and higher into the mountains. Looking out the window, there were towering trees and endless greenery!

This breezy season is still my favorite. My eyes still greedily try to take in every bit of the scenery on the way to the "Mingchi Forest Recreation Area." Our guide Zhiping’s driving remains as smooth as ever, slow and steady—I often joke that he has great patience. And it’s a good thing he drives so slowly, otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to take any clear photos from the car.

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By the time we arrived at the "Mingchi Forest Recreation Area," it was already noon. After parking the car, buying tickets, and grabbing a map of the park, we stepped into the area.Mingchi is a high-altitude lake, located at the highest point of the Northern Cross-Island Highway in Datong Township, Yilan County, at an altitude of about 1,200 meters. The verdant mountain forest surrounds the "Mingchi Forest Recreation Area," which lies quietly and mysteriously in the deep mountains, making you involuntarily take a deep breath.

It is said that the Yilan "Mingchi Forest Recreation Area" is often shrouded in clouds and mist year-round, with ever-changing scenery, making it a pleasant climate retreat for escaping the summer heat. Moreover, the "Mingchi Forest Recreation Area" features many man-made walking trails, allowing visitors to personally experience the joy of being immersed in nature.

How long has it been since I’ve been surrounded by woods? I can’t really say. I don’t consider myself someone who particularly loves nature, but in a fairy-tale-like place like the Yilan "Mingchi Forest Recreation Area," I was still completely captivated.

How lovely.

We walked around the enchanting Mingchi Lake while munching on our lunch, then enjoyed a cello performance at the pavilion by the lake. In that moment, I felt that we should keep walking together endlessly for as long as we live.

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■ Address: No. 1, Mingchi Villa, Yingshi Village, Datong Township, Yilan County
■ Inquiry Phone: 03-98941046
■ Opening Hours: AM 08:00 – PM 17:00
■ Ticket Information:
Adults: NT$120, Group Ticket: NT$100 (20 or more people), Students: NT$100, Military/Civil Servants/Teachers: NT$60 on weekdays
NT$90 on holidays (Saturdays, Sundays, summer vacation period, and Lunar New Year are considered holidays)
■ Discounted Tickets: NT$60, NT$10 for disabled individuals, young children, and veterans

[Authorized Repost from Tripbaa Funbaa!] Original Source: [Yilan’s Mingchi Forest Recreation Area – A Misty Summer Retreat]

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