Text / Edited and reported by MOOK Travel Editor
New leisure trails have been added along Highway 18 to Alishan. Following the completion and opening of barrier-free facilities at Yuantan Nature Ecology Park, the Alishan Forest Recreation Area Administration completed in 2018 another recreational facility located in Gongxing Village, Fanlu Township, at the 49.5 km mark on Highway 18, 200 meters from the junction with County Road Ji131. This provides visitors with a brand-new hiking trail, scenic viewpoints for cloud waterfalls, and ecological observation activities, as well as attracting more tourists to the Gongxing and Longmei area.
A new attraction in Alishan (Photo / Alishan Forest Recreation Area Administration, the same below)
The new recreational site features comprehensive service facilities, including parking lots and an activity plaza near the entrance for convenient vehicle parking. The area has a hilly terrain with rich biodiversity, making it suitable for hiking and ecological observation. Two trails with distinct experiences have been set up: a firefly-watching trail and a hiking trail, each with its own unique charm.
Hiking and enjoying sea of clouds and waterfalls in Longmei, Gongxing Village
The firefly-watching trail has a gentle slope and is nestled among bamboo forests and woodlands. During the plum rain season, visitors can see fireflies twinkling in the bamboo groves at night. A small frog pond has also been specially set up around the forest plaza along the trail.
Firefly-watching trail among bamboo forests and woodlands
The hiking trail has a steeper slope, featuring wooden boardwalks, imitation wood paths, and connections to existing farm roads, leading to the highest viewpoint. Rest shelters have been placed at appropriate spots along the route for short breaks. From the highest point, the view is extremely expansive, with two viewing platforms that not only offer distant vistas of the Yushan mountain range but are also excellent spots to watch cloud waterfalls.
Hiking trail in Longmei, Gongxing Village
On clear days, you can even see the Zengwen Reservoir to the south. With the future completion of the Gongxing Longmei Ecological Park, this area will become a new recreational destination along Highway 18 to Alishan.
Expansive views from the viewing platforms
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