By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
While bald cypress trees across Taiwan are turning red, filling the landscape with a northern charm that's incredibly romantic, the bald cypress forest in Mingchi Forest Recreation Area in Yilan exudes a strong Japanese garden aesthetic. Mingchi is a well-known bald cypress spot, but its night scenery is rarely known to visitors. Guests can head to Mingchi Lake via Mingchi Mountain Villa, enjoying the nighttime views along the way. When the trees are illuminated at night, the scenery resembles famous Japanese floral viewing spots.
Night View of Mingchi Lake (Photo / Lihli Maka Eco-Area, same below)
Both Mingchi Forest Recreation Area and Qilan Forest Recreation Area are located within the Lihli Maka Eco-Area, combining Japanese-style elements, rich natural ecology, ginkgo forests scattered around the cottages, and classical Chinese gardens hidden among the dense woods. Additionally, there’s a bamboo forest path by Mingchi Lake, filled with greenery that refreshes both body and mind.
Mingchi’s Bamboo Forest Beauty Rivals Kyoto’s
The Lihli Maka Eco-Area boasts natural landscapes that could compete as world ecological heritage. One of its three major highlights, the Qilan Sacred Tree Grove, is the largest gathering of cypress sacred trees in Asia. The Council for Cultural Affairs is actively seeking to have it listed as the only biological heritage among world heritage sites, offering a truly grand view.
Mingchi’s Snowscape Rivals Japan’s Winter Wonders
Nighttime Galaxy and Starry Sky
【Info】
Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area
Location: No. 1, Mingchi Mountain Villa, 8th Neighborhood, Yingshi Village, Datong Township, Yilan County
For Non-Overnight Visitors:
1. Adult Ticket: NT$120, for general visitors.
2. Group Ticket: NT$100, for groups of 20 or more.
3. Student Ticket: NT$100
4. Government & Military Personnel: NT$60 (NT$90 on holidays)
5. Concession Ticket: NT$60, for children between 115-150 cm or aged 6–12, Yilan County residents with valid ID, seniors over 65, and individuals with volunteer service credentials.
6. Disabled, Infants, and Veterans: NT$10, for children under 115 cm or under 6 years old, individuals with disability certificates and one accompanying person, and veterans with valid ID.
※ Relevant proof documents must be presented when purchasing the above concession tickets.
By Car:
1. National Freeway No. 2: Exit at Taoyuan Daxi Interchange, then follow the Northern Cross-Island Highway to reach the destination.
2. National Freeway No. 3: Transfer from the Xinzhu System Interchange to Freeway No. 3, exit at Tucheng Interchange, continue on Provincial Highway 7B, then switch to Provincial Highway 7 to arrive.
3. National Freeway No. 5: From National Freeway No. 1 (Zhongshan Expressway), transfer at Xizhi System Interchange to Freeway No. 5 (Beiyi Expressway), pass through the Xueshan Tunnel, exit at Toucheng Interchange, follow the Coastal Highway (Provincial Highway 2) to Zhuangwei, then switch to Provincial Highway 7, passing through Yilan City and Yuanshan to reach Datong Township and connect to the Northern Cross-Island Highway.
4. National Freeway No. 5: From National Freeway No. 3 (Freeway No. 2), transfer at Nangang System Interchange to Freeway No. 5 (Beiyi Expressway), pass through the Xueshan Tunnel, exit at Toucheng Interchange, follow the Coastal Highway (Provincial Highway 2) to Zhuangwei, then switch to Provincial Highway 7, passing through Yilan City and Yuanshan to reach Datong Township and connect to the Northern Cross-Island Highway.
※ Overnight guests at Mingchi Mountain Villa can reserve the “Direct Shuttle from Taipei to Qilan & Mingchi” service. (Additional fee applies)
Stops Along the Way: Taipei MRT National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Exit 4, Yilan Railway Station Front Entrance, Qilan Mountain Villa, Mingchi Mountain Villa.
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》https://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=17066