Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area｜Taiwan's Alpine Secret Snow Village, A Year-Round Hiking Paradise

📍 Location At the border of Ren'ai Township, Nantou County, and Xiulin Township, Hualien County, located at 32.855 km on Provincial Highway 14A. ⸻ 🚗 Transportation • By car: Starting from Taichung, take National Highway 6 and exit at Wushe Interchange. Connect to Provincial Highway 14, pass through Cingjing Farm, and continue straight on Provincial Highway 14A to reach the Hehuanshan Visitor Center. • Public transportation: Take the Nantou Bus to Cingjing Farm, then transfer to a shuttle bus or taxi to Hehuanshan. ⸻ 📝 Personal Experience Established in 1963, Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area is Taiwan's first national forest recreation area, often referred to as "Snow Village." The park is located in the northern section of the Central Mountain Range, with an altitude exceeding 3,000 meters. It features seven peaks: Hehuan Main Peak, East Peak, North Peak, West Peak, Shimen Mountain, Hehuan Jian Mountain, and Shimen North Peak, five of which are listed among Taiwan's Top 100 Peaks. During winter, Hehuanshan is often covered in snow, making it one of the few places in Taiwan to enjoy snowy landscapes, attracting many visitors to experience the winter scenery. In spring, Yushan Rhododendrons bloom, adorning the mountain tops with picturesque beauty. The park includes the Hehuanshan Visitor Center, which provides travel information and guided services. Nearby, Songxue Lodge offers accommodation and dining options, making it convenient for visitors to explore the alpine scenery. Hehuanshan features diverse hiking trails suitable for hikers of all levels. The Shimen Mountain Trail, being shorter, is ideal for beginners, while Hehuan East Peak and North Peak are more challenging for experienced hikers. Additionally, Hehuanshan is an excellent stargazing destination. In 2019, it was certified as an "International Dark Sky Park" by the International Dark-Sky Association, becoming Taiwan's first area to receive this honor. Overall, Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area combines magnificent alpine landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant hiking resources, making it a year-round travel destination.