3 Hidden Maple Viewing Gardens in Central Taiwan: An Autumn Exclusive Dream of Crimson Leaves

▲ The autumn wind paints the maple leaves red, and carries visitors into a dreamlike autumn world. (Photo / Photographer “Flying High in the Sky” provided, same below.)

Reporter Chen Hanyin / Comprehensive report

As temperatures drop in autumn and the once-green mountains gradually don shades of red, it’s the ideal time for a poetic and picturesque maple viewing journey. Beyond Japan’s famously beautiful fall foliage, Taiwan too has many outstanding maple spots. Come discover the dreamy autumn maple-watching destinations in Central Taiwan together.

Nantou · Shanlinxi Medicinal Botanical Garden

Address: No. 6, Xishan Rd., Daran Village, Zhushan Township, Nantou County
Admission: General NT$200 on weekdays / NT$250 on weekends; Concession NT$150 on weekdays / NT$200 on weekends. (Applicable to military, police, disabled, junior high school students and below, seniors aged 65 and over.)

▲ Taking a photo in front of the torii gate feels like being in Japan.

When it comes to maple viewing, aside from the well-known Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area, Shanlinxi is another must-visit destination that won’t disappoint. In addition to the hundreds of medicinal herbs planted in the garden, the sweeping red foliage of the maple trees is simply breathtaking. Taking a photo in front of the torii gate feels like you've flown to Japan, and every angle is filled with romantic autumn vibes.

▲ The maple leaves near the wishing pond are especially beautiful.

Taichung · Fushoushan Farm

Address: No. 29, Fushou Rd., Lishan Village, Heping District, Taichung City
Fees: General admission NT$50 per person on weekdays / NT$70 on weekends; Half-price NT$35 per person *for elementary school grade 1 and above (including grade 1), 115 cm - under 150 cm, under age 12, seniors 65+, and low-income households)

▲ The maple leaves at Fushoushan Farm look like a painting when viewed from above.

Fushoushan Farm is one of the popular maple-viewing spots in Central Taiwan. The distinct layers of colorful maple leaves, in shades of red and yellow, weave together the most enchanting autumn symphony. Viewed from above, it looks as if a playful child spilled paint, draping the treetops with exclusive autumn hues.

▲ Sunlight makes the red leaves even more vibrant.

Taichung · Maple Valley 1956 Secret Garden

Address: No. 91, Zhongzheng Rd., Heping District, Taichung City

▲ Vast expanses of maple leaves lie right before your eyes.

Maple Valley 1956 Secret Garden (formerly known as the Four Seasons Flower Viewing Area) is located within the Shan Shan National Scenic Area and is named after its altitude of 1,956 meters. Situated just 50 meters in front of Lishan Hotel and beneath Provincial Highway 8 (Zhongzheng Rd.), the garden is planted with a variety of flowers, plants, and trees. Not only does it boast widespread crimson red maples in autumn, but in spring you can also enjoy the red buds of trees like the red nanmu and littleleaf maple, making it a secret maple-viewing paradise exclusive to travelers.

▲ The secret garden in front of Lishan Hotel.