Sunlight spills like layers of gauzy veils — every snapshot at “Qilan Sacred Tree Grove” looks like a painting.
Reported and photographed by reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Yilan
Majestic natural wonders exist right here in Taiwan. The Lili Magao Eco-Park officially reopened on the 15th with a completely revitalized look. Among its three major highlight attractions, the “Qilan Sacred Tree Grove” is the largest cypress sacred tree cluster in Asia. The Ministry of Culture has even advocated for it to be recognized as the world’s only biological heritage site among UNESCO World Heritage listings. Walking into the park from an altitude of 1,650 meters, you can gaze into the distance at sea of clouds or admire the sunlight filtering through the forest, as if countless sheer veils are hung between the trees — a breathtaking view you won’t forget.
▲ Qilan Sacred Tree Grove is one of the must-visit spots in the Lili Magao Eco-Park.
▲ Sunlight filtering through the woods creates a dreamy, hazy beauty.
▲ If you’re lucky, you might also catch a stunning sea of clouds in the afternoon.
Tour guide Chen Luhai explained that there are 61 ancient native red cypresses and Taiwan incense cedars in the Qilan Sacred Tree Grove, aged between 400 and 1,000 years. The oldest giant tree is around 2,500 years old. The park has named 51 of these cypress trees after notable historical figures from Chinese history based on their appearance and age — such as Confucius, Sima Qian, Genghis Khan, and Emperor Taizong of Tang. This allows visitors to stroll through the sacred grove while feeling as if they’re walking through a corridor of history, adding a unique layer of enjoyment.
▲ Tour guide Chen Luhai at Qilan Sacred Tree Grove.
Exploring the Sacred Tree Grove offers both long and short routes, spanning 2.3 km and 1.2 km respectively. On this visit, the reporter took the shorter route, which averages an altitude of about 1,400 to 1,600 meters. Along the way, you can admire “historic figure” trees including those named after Ouyang Xiu, Confucius, Sima Qian, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Cao Cao, and Genghis Khan.
▲ The over-1,000-year-old Ouyang Xiu sacred tree.
▲ The cane-holding Confucius sacred tree, which is also currently the oldest in the Qilan Sacred Tree Grove.
Chen Luhai said that the No. 4 Ouyang Xiu sacred tree is over 1,009 years old and stands about 44 meters tall. It would take at least six adults to encircle its trunk, but it’s not even the oldest in the grove. The No. 6 “Confucius” sacred tree, standing roughly 41 meters high, is over 2,500 years old. A decorative vine hangs from its large branch like an ancient scholar’s ceremonial adornment, adding a touch of character.
▲ What should you look out for when visiting this season?
Another joy of visiting the sacred tree grove is the occasional mountain mist that drifts up the slopes, slowly creeping upward and lending an air of mystery to the forest. When sunlight filters through, it’s as if layers of sheer veils are hung among the trees, enhancing the ethereal atmosphere — every shot looks like a painting.
On clear days, you can also see the sea of clouds from gaps in the trees. The thick cloud layer stretches between the woods and distant mountains, undulating along the trail. As your line of sight moves up and down, you might feel like you're walking amid the clouds or even above them. Even in the afternoon, you may get the chance to admire this surreal view.
▲ Emperor Taizong of Tang sacred tree and the Qilan sea of clouds.
While the Qilan Sacred Tree Grove boasts towering trees standing proudly in the forest, some have succumbed to typhoons or other factors, falling ill or collapsing. For example, the “Emperor Taizong” tree, despite efforts by domestic experts and Japanese tree doctors to save it — even receiving an IV drip in hopes of reviving it — ultimately could not be saved. Its remains still stand in the woods, though now bare of branches and leaves.
▲ The Genghis Khan sacred tree, felled by Typhoon Megi.
Typhoon Megi, which hit Taiwan in late September this year, caused extensive damage, and the Qilan Sacred Tree Grove was no exception. The “Genghis Khan” tree collapsed during the storm, its massive trunk lying flat across the trail. However, a small opening remains, allowing visitors to walk beneath it and take a close-up look.
Currently, the Qilan Sacred Tree Grove is a restricted area. To walk among the trees and enjoy a guided tour, advance reservations are required, and driving is not permitted. Visitors must take a shuttle bus from Qilan Villa or Mingchi Villa. Both guests staying overnight and day visitors can make reservations. For more details, please check the official website of the Lili Magao Eco-Park.
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