By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
The Nantou landmark and attraction — the Xitou Sacred Tree, which was over 2,800 years old, suddenly collapsed at noon on September 11, 2016. Due to the suddenness of the incident, it injured three tourists who did not have time to escape; one was seriously injured, two sustained minor injuries, and even squirrels that failed to escape were crushed to death on the spot.
The Nantou landmark and attraction — the Xitou Sacred Tree has collapsed unexpectedly. (Image source / Xitou Nature Education Area)
This red cypress sacred tree in Xitou, wrapped around a massive boulder, has stood firmly despite being hollowed out and decayed for a long time, exuding vitality. It attracts many visitors. Facing this historic tree, contemplating the brevity of human life, one can’t help but feel greater reverence and inspiration. For many domestic and international visitors to Xitou, the sacred tree is definitely a must-see attraction, with about 70% of visitors planning to view the red cypress.
The sacred tree is maintained by the Xitou Nature Education Area (affiliated with the Taiwan University Experimental Forest Management Office). Xitou receives between 1.7 to 2 million visitors annually, so the collapse of the sacred tree is a major local event. Currently, it is being preserved in situ, and plans are underway to move the fallen tree to an appropriate location for display, allowing visitors to also see the appearance of the tree after it fell. Recent heavy rains have loosened the mountain soil, and the decay of the tree’s roots may also have contributed to the collapse, though further investigation by Nantou County officials is needed.
[Info]
Xitou Sacred Tree
Tree species: Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis formosensis)
Tree height: 35 meters
Tree width: 4.6 meters
Circumference: 13.6 meters
Weight: approximately 40 tons
People it can embrace: around 10 adults
Age: Generally said to be 2,800 years old, but experts on-site estimate it to be around 1,800 years old.
Xitou Nature Education Area
No. 9, Senlin Lane, Lugu Township, Nantou County (Taiwan University Experimental Forest, Xitou Forest District)
Phone: (049)261-2111