By / MOOK Travel Life Network Editorial Team
With the arrival of Liqiu (Start of Autumn), the sweltering heat gradually eases with each bout of post-autumn rain, and vast maple groves don their red hues, heralding the season’s arrival. As deep autumn sets in, maples across Taiwan shed their verdant attire, greeting travelers from near and far in fiery new coats.
Aowanda boasts the largest expanse of maple forests and is known as the homeland of maple leaves. (Photo credit / Aowanda Forest Recreation Area)
Many people have already started planning their maple-viewing trips this year, among which,Aowanda is one of the most popular destinations for leaf-peepers. Its claim to fame as “Taiwan’s largest natural pure sweet gum forest” and its reputation as the “homeland of maple leaves”make it a must-visit. Just cross the suspension bridge from the forest park to enter an approximately 8-hectare maple forest area, while the 2,425-meter-long Maple Forest Trail attracts many visitors. Maple foliage at Aowanda has already begun turning, and if you want to witness the nation’s largest pure sweet gum forest, Aowanda will surely deliver a visual feast.
Aowanda’s vast maple woods and lush green lawns are incredibly relaxing. (Photo credit / backpackers)
Located southeast of Wushe in Ren’ai Township, Nantou, Aowanda borders Majun Mountain to the east, WanDa to the west, Mahupu Fuji Mountain to the north, and the WanDa River to the south, covering an area of 2,787 hectares. The entire region features alpine river valley terrain at elevations of 1,200–2,600 meters, with towering woods and refreshing grassy landscapes that feel like a hidden paradise.From December to January of the following year is the golden period for maple foliage, when the vast sweet gum forests in the valley shed their leaves in a spectacular display.
In late autumn, Aowanda’s expansive maple forests turn a brilliant red, creating an enchanting scene. (Photo credit / Aowanda Forest Recreation Area)
When the crisp chill of late autumn sets in, it’s the perfect time to visit Aowanda for its maple leaves. Famous for its mountain springs and crimson foliage, Aowanda is home to over 10 varieties of foliage-changing plants, including sweet gum, mountain maple, wild cherry, and cork oak, adding rich visual delights to the forest. Several streams wind through the park, and as you follow the paths between the North and South WanDa Rivers, you’ll encounter stunning mountain stream scenery. The red maple forests and the soothing sounds of babbling brooks create a truly serene experience.
[Info]
Aowanda Forest Recreation Area
Maple Viewing Season:October, November, December, January
Address:No. 153, Da’an Road, Ai’ai Village, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County
Tel:(049)2974511
Opening Hours:Office Hours: 08:00–17:00
Transportation Info::
By car: National Freeway 3 → National Freeway 6 → Puli Interchange (end point) → Provincial Highway 14 → Wushe → County Road 83 → Aowanda Forest Recreation Area
By bus: Puli → Aowanda → Aowanda Forest Recreation Area
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