2019 Spring Festival "Forest Breathing" Trip: Family Hiking Fun Across North, Central, and South Taiwan

Tripbaa — Your Asia Travel Expert

Before you know it, 2019 is almost here, which means the Spring Festival is just around the corner too. In traditional customs, the Spring Festival is a time for family reunions and also a great opportunity to go out for some fresh air and a refreshing walk. This year, instead of just staying at home playing mahjong, take your parents or kids out to the countryside for a walk, change up your environment, take a "forest breath," and enjoy the beauty of nature.

If you don’t want to drive too far or get stuck in highway traffic jams, consider a visit to Yangmingshan in Taipei City. Each season in Yangmingshan brings different blooming flowers, and visiting during the Spring Festival is the perfect time to admire the beautiful pink blossoms of the Yaezakura and mountain cherry trees. As you walk along the trails, remember to take a deep forest breath and embrace the fresh atmosphere of the new year. However, do note that there are usually traffic controls during the Spring Festival. If you plan to drive yourself, be sure to check the traffic control announcements beforehand.

Spring Festival forest breathing spot – Yangmingshan. (Photo / Pixabay)

Smangus in Hsinchu is the deepest Atayal tribal village in Taiwan, which is why it was once known as the “Dark Tribe.” But after the discovery of Smangus’s sacred tree grove, it has become an incredibly important and precious tourist destination. Along the way, you can see towering trees, flowers blooming in different seasons, and mountain villages hidden within the clouds. Take a deep forest breath, feel the phytoncides of nature, purify your body and mind — it’s the perfect way to welcome the new year.

Spring Festival forest breathing spot – Hsinchu Smangus forest. (Photo / Tripbaa — Your Asia Travel Expert)

Spring Festival forest breathing spot – Hsinchu Smangus tribe. (Photo / Tripbaa — Your Asia Travel Expert)

Xueshan National Park in Hsinchu offers different scenery and flower seasons all year round. From the Spring Festival to March, the weeping plum blossoms at Xueshan Farm will bloom together, creating the most snow-white and dreamy season of the year. Of course, when you visit Xueshan National Park, you absolutely must not miss the Eight Scenic Spots of Xueshan — clouds, sea of clouds, sunset glow, sunrise, forests, giant trees, starry skies, and the Sacred Ridge. This Spring Festival, why not take a trip to Xueshan National Park, breathe in the forest while walking through the mountains, and collect all these breathtaking views?

Taiwan plum blossom spots recommendation – Xueshan National Park in Hsinchu. (Photo / Tripbaa — Your Asia Travel Expert)

The editor suggests planning a two-day trip, staying overnight in Xueshan National Park. During the day, you can stroll along the Cloud Mist Trail, enjoy the sea of clouds, take a forest breath to relax your long-tense body and mind, and when you’re tired from walking, enjoy a cup of coffee while leisurely watching the sea of clouds and mist drift by — live like a carefree traveler.

Spring Festival forest breathing spot – Xueshan National Park in Hsinchu. (Photo / Tripbaa — Your Asia Travel Expert)

Taiping Mountain in Yilan has always been a very popular Yilan attraction. After the Taiping Mountain Benshi Train resumed operation in mid-2018, the popularity of Taiping Mountain in Yilan has soared even more. Among them, the Jianqing Ancient Trail in Taiping Mountain is even hailed as “the most beautiful small path in the world.” With its moss-covered railway tracks full of historical and cultural charm, paired with the misty beauty of the Jianqing Ancient Trail, it offers a serene experience that helps you forget your worries.

However, do note that during the Spring Festival, Yilan Taiping Mountain National Forest Recreation Area will be closed on New Year’s Eve, and visitor numbers will be controlled from the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year. If you plan to go, be sure to do your homework in advance.

Spring Festival forest breathing spot – Yilan Taiping Mountain Jianqing Ancient Trail. (Photo / Tripbaa — Expert Guided)

Spring Festival forest breathing spot #5: Taichung Fush

Fushoushan Farm is nestled among the peaks of the Central Mountain Range and the Snow Mountain Range, at an altitude of 2,100 to 2,614 meters. With distinct seasons, it boasts cosmos flowers in summer, vibrant maple leaves in autumn, and even a chance to see snowfall at Tianchi Lake, situated at an elevation of 2,580 meters, during winter. Thanks to its unique climate and environment, the farm produces high-altitude vegetables and fruits, as well as the renowned Lishan tea, which are extremely popular among visitors—making them must-buy souvenirs.

While taking a forest walk and breathing in the fresh air, don’t miss the opportunity to admire Fushoushan’s sunrise and sunset. These postcard-perfect sceneries will surely fill your Lunar New Year spring trip with new hope and inspiration.

Don’t feel like doing much during the holidays but still want to get out for some fresh air? How about heading to Guguan in Taichung for some hot spring soaking and to breathe in the crisp mountain air? Sitting at an altitude of 800 meters, Guguan was discovered by the Atayal people in 1907 and later developed by the Japanese, who built public bathhouses. To this day, it retains many natural mountain springs, with temperatures reaching up to 60°C. It’s said to benefit the skin, digestion, and joints. Spending your Lunar New Year holiday here, soaking in the springs, daydreaming a little, and enjoying the forest air makes for a great spring outing route.

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Sun Moon Lake is an internationally renowned attraction. Whether you take the cable car or cycle around the lake, you can enjoy its beauty from various perspectives. Although it gets more crowded during the Lunar New Year spring travel period, there are also more activities to enjoy. The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area hosts events such as Lunar New Year blessings, lucky draws, water dances, and nighttime light shows every year during the holiday. Whether you’re looking to pray for good luck in the new year or admire limited-time scenic views, you can experience it all on this Lunar New Year spring trip.

Wujie Tribe in Nantou is home to the Bunun people. In the early morning, the tribe is often shrouded in mist, and the ever-changing sea of clouds from high vantage points has earned Wujie the nickname “Home of Clouds.” Additionally, many adventurers trek here to find the hidden One-Line Sky Canyon, tucked between streams and forests. This cliff canyon, carved by a tributary of the Zhuoshui River, stands about 30 meters high and is just 3 meters wide at its narrowest point—a true masterpiece of nature.

Between winter and spring, as the weather gradually warms up in February and March, you can also witness the “seasonal spectacle” of the aquatic fern Azolla, which naturally blankets riverbeds and water bodies in vibrant red.

When it comes to Lunar New Year spring outing spots in southern Taiwan, Alishan in Chiayi is definitely the top choice. Alishan is not only famous for its sea of clouds, sunrise, and small trains, but also for its rich indigenous tribal culture—including archery experiences, campfire parties, and tribal cuisine—all perfect family-friendly activities for a Lunar New Year trip. And of course, don’t forget to visit the Sacred Tree Grove. Take a deep forest breath and leave all the worries of the old year behind.

The Alangyi Trail is a hidden ancient path nestled between mountains and the sea, stretching 12 kilometers in total. It starts from Shu Hai Village in Mudan Township, Pingtung County, and ends at Nan Tian Village in Daren Township, Taitung County. It is also the only untouched coastal area in Taiwan without any highways, which attracts many adventurers. While the overall difficulty isn’t too high, there is a short steep section that even those who don’t usually exercise can take on as a fun challenge—making this Spring Festival trip a fresh start for the year!

The nearby Rinari Tribe near the Alangyi Ancient Trail is also well worth a visit. The tribe's most distinctive feature is its all-wooden architecture, with each household decorated in different elements of traditional indigenous culture, along with four uniquely styled churches. Here, don’t miss the delicious red quinoa specialty meals or the millet wine DIY experience for a traditional yet unique Spring Festival nature adventure!

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[Authorized reprint by Tripbaa] Original article source: [2019 Spring Festival Nature Walk Adventure: A Hiking Getaway with Family During the Holidays]