XITOU NATURE EDUCATION AREA
With wild forest covering more than half of the country, Taiwan is one of the world’s best destinations for bird watching, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Xitou Nature Education Area, part of National Taiwan University’s experimental forest in Central Taiwan, is an accessible forest recreation area with many species of trees to enjoy, over 70 species of birds and over a dozen forest walkways.
Xitou Nature Education Area’s mission is to cultivate seedlings for reforestation initiatives around the island. Here visitors can learn about the original ecology of Taiwan’s forests while walking through cultivated cedars, spruces, and a pure ginkgo forest. Bird lovers or those looking for a challenging uphill hike can choose between the Forest Shower Trail, Hiking Trail and Bird Watching Trail.
During the spring and summer seasons, visit the University Pond to observe Taiwanese tree frogs in their native habitat—a little known fact about Taiwan is that it ranks among the top countries in the world for frog population density! Here, nature is well-preserved, even the arched bridge is made from natural bamboo.
In Xitou, as in most of the mountain areas of Taiwan, life passes slowly—take a seat and enjoy nature’s symphony. In the Chinese language, the word “rest” (休) is made up of two characters, “person” (人) and “wood” (木). The Xitou Nature Education Area makes forest recreation fun and accessible for all with all ages. For those new to Taiwan, one day might be too little time for a first trip to Taiwan’s forested mountain areas. Consider staying at the forested campground adjacent to the Bamboo Arboretum. Alternatively, a 10-minute walk will take you to the fantastical Monster Village which offers themed accommodations and attractions for children. At night, this area comes to life as the forest and streets are illuminated by the glow of hundreds of red lanterns, adding to the “strange” carnival atmosphere.
Interested in experiencing more of Taiwan’s majestic old-growth forests? Visit Alishan National Forest in Nantou to visit more of Taiwan’s ancient trees, some of which are over two thousand years old!
