Forest Recreation Area Series PART.

During the recent holiday, I visited Shizi Township in Pingtung and explored a hidden gem along the Southern Cross-Island Highway—the Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area. From the moment I entered the forest trail, I felt completely rejuvenated. The biggest charm of this place lies in the perfect combination of stream landscapes and forest bathing. Fenggang Stream and Neiwun Stream converge here, creating the magnificent Shuangliu Waterfall, which stands about 20 meters tall. The mist from the waterfall fills the air, and the abundance of negative ions makes you feel embraced by nature! Stepping into Shuangliu Forest feels like entering a harmonious world of mountains and water 💧 With multiple trails to choose from—Waterfall Trail, White Banyan Trail, Hat Mountain Summit, and more—you can pick routes ranging from 1 to 4 hours. Along the way, you’ll encounter negative ions, mist, suspension bridges, and observation decks, perfect for capturing stunning photos. Surrounded by butterflies and birds, the forest bath is incredibly relaxing. Convenient transportation makes it ideal for families, hikers, or anyone who loves an intense forest experience. 🌿 Recommended Trails｜4 Main Routes to Choose From 👉🏻 Waterfall Trail: A round trip of about 4 hours, easy and flat, passing through a valley suspension bridge and a photogenic pool. Suitable for families and beginner hikers. 👉🏻 White Banyan Trail: About 1–1.5 hours, featuring a forest of white banyan trees and the historic Paiwan Tribe’s turtle-shell house ruins, blending history and nature. 👉🏻 Hat Mountain Trail: Takes you to the summit at 650 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Taiwan Strait. 👉🏻 Along-the-Mountain Trail: Preserves the original forest landscape, perfect for those who enjoy quiet exploration. 🌳 Rich Ecology｜Broadleaf Forest + Butterflies and Birds The park began afforestation in 1965, planting species like Chinese tallow, sweetgum, and mahogany, creating a beautiful coexistence of natural and man-made forests. The forest is home to over 196 species of butterflies, as well as Taiwan blue magpies, laughing thrushes, and even crab-eating mongooses and marsh frogs, offering delightful encounters during your forest bath. 🚗 Transportation & Ticket Information 👉🏻 By car: Take National Highway 3 to Nanzhou Interchange → Route 17 → Route 1 → Provincial Highway 9. After passing Fenggang, turn right to reach the entrance. 👉🏻 Public transport: Take Taiwan Railways to Fangliao, then transfer to Kuo-Kuang Bus or Happiness Bus to Shuangliu Station. Walk about 350 meters to arrive. 👉🏻 Tickets: Weekday adult ticket NT$80, weekend NT$100. Parking fees: NT$50 for small vehicles, NT$100 for large vehicles. Joint tickets and electronic tickets are accepted.