By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team Compilation & Report
The Tengjhih Forest Recreation Area is located in Baoshan Village, Taoyuan District, Kaohsiung City. It was severely damaged by Typhoon Morakot in 2009, leading to internal destruction within the park. For seven years, it has remained closed to visitors. The Pingtung Forest District Office under the Forestry Bureau plans to commence a trial operation by the end of 2016.
The Tengjhih Forest Recreation Area is an ideal destination for insect-watching, birdwatching, and hiking. (Image Source / Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications)
During the Japanese colonial period, the Tengjhih National Forest Recreation Area served as a practice forest for Kyoto University in Japan. Later, it was taken over by the Forestry Bureau as state-owned forest land, where afforestation was carried out. The main tree species planted included Japanese cedar, spruce, Taiwan fir, and Taiwan red cypress. After decades of growth, the lush green forests sway like ocean waves in the breeze, earning it the nickname “Forest Waves.”
This recreation area sits at an altitude between 1,550 meters and 1,804 meters above sea level, with an average annual temperature of around 18°C to 21°C. The temperature variation between day and night is minimal, resulting in a cool and pleasant climate that makes it a popular summer retreat in southern Taiwan. The area features a harmonious blend of coniferous plantations and native broadleaf forests, offering tranquil and picturesque scenery. Hikers reaching the highest point at 1,804 meters — W?ǎ? Shao Lian Dang Jian, Di Da Shen Jian, Yi Ao Xian Niao Diao and other major scenic spots — can enjoy panoramic views and observe abundant wildlife. These are considered some of the best vantage points in the region, also known as the “Taiwan Alps.”
A beautiful sea of clouds can be seen at the Tengjhih National Forest Recreation Area. (Image Source / Forestry Bureau, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan)
After sustaining damage from Typhoon Morakot in 2009, the Forestry Bureau reconstructed bridges and roadbeds. However, Typhoon Soudelor later caused a 50-meter interruption on Forest Road 18K–19K. As typhoons frequently destroyed the forest roads, it was decided to temporarily halt further road or bridge repairs, and the recreation area has remained closed since. Although parts of the forest road in the Tengjhih Forest Recreation Area have been damaged, the forests and hiking trails within the area remain intact. In coordination with the Kaohsiung City Government’s Indigenous Peoples Commission for organizing light travel activities, a trial operation is planned for the end of this year to reopen the area for public visits. Visitor numbers will be limited to 300–500 people per day to protect the forest trails.
The vibrant green-and-brown mountain landscapes of the Tengjhih National Forest Recreation Area. (Image Source / Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications)
[Info]
Tengjhih National Forest Recreation Area
Location: Beside Provincial Highway 27, 9 km mark; 20 km mark on Nenglin Forest Road
Address: No. 78, Tengjhih Section, Baoshan Village, Taoyuan District, Kaohsiung City
Hundreds of butterflies flutter about at 28 hidden butterfly-watching spots
》http://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=13808