By Liu Jiawen, compiled and reported
The “Lighting Up the Tree of Hope 2012” series of events at National Chung Hsing University’s Huisun Forest Farm will be held on December 24–25, featuring activities such as sapling giveaways, a forest market, performances by the Original Power Band, and song and dance parties. The highlight is the tree-lighting ceremony on December 25, where a Tree of Hope made up of seven Taiwan firs, adorned with tens of thousands of LED lights, will present a dazzling and enchanting Taiwan fir Christmas tree spectacle at night. The lights will remain on until the Lantern Festival in 2012.
The Taiwan firs of Huisun Forest Farm will be transformed into a Tree of Hope, with the lighting ceremony to be held on December 25. (Photo provided by the Experimental Forest Management Office, National Chung Hsing University)
The tree-lighting ceremony also includes blessings and a campfire party. Visitors can write their wishes on wish cards and hang them under the Tree of Hope to welcome the new year. The Taiwan fir is the tallest tree in Taiwan and the only gymnosperm in the world with “Taiwan” as its genus name. It is listed alongside China’s metasequoia and ginkgo, and America’s giant sequoia as one of the world’s most representative living fossils. Therefore, a Christmas tree decorated with Taiwan firs holds special meaning. Additionally, the Taiwan fir welcome avenue leading into the forest farm is planted with nearly a kilometer of poinsettias, immersing visitors in a strong Christmas atmosphere right from the entrance.
Huisun Forest Farm boasts a diverse range of plant species, making it ideal for an ecological experience trip. (Photography by Scenic Spots Home Liu Jiawen)
The camellia trail features over 50 different varieties of camellias. (Photography by Scenic Spots Home Liu Jiawen)
In addition to participating in the “Lighting Up the Tree of Hope 2012” event, Huisun Forest Farm also recommends that visitors plan a two-day, one-night ecological experience trip. Free volunteer-guided tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays. Groups need to call Huisun Forest Farm five days in advance to make a reservation. On weekdays, a guided tour fee of NT$600 applies, with the tour lasting 1–2 hours. The tour includes learning about the origin story of Taiwan firs, seeing native begonias, and visiting the camellia trail, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of plant ecology.
Huisun Forest Farm official website: huisun.nchu.edu.tw/home.php
The forest farm has various trails, including the forest bathing trail which offers stunning views of the valley below. (Photography by Scenic Spots Home Liu Jiawen)