"Like Paradise" — The Forest Retreat Quietly Outshining Alishan With 1.57 Million Visitors

Taiwan's mountainous terrain and vast forest reserves have long made its national forest recreation areas a top destination for urban residents seeking respite from city life. According to the latest statistics from the Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation, the top three most-visited forest recreation areas from January through December 2025 are Xitou Nature Education Area, Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, and Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area.

Located in Lugu, Nantou County, at an elevation of approximately 1,150 meters, Xitou Nature Education Area is one of Taiwan's most iconic destinations for summer retreats and forest bathing. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the park is home to Taiwan's first aerial walkway, which allows visitors to observe the canopies of Japanese cedar and Formosan red cypress up close. It is also renowned for its towering cryptomeria forests and year-round misty atmosphere.

Google reviews from visitors are overwhelmingly positive, painting a picture of broad appeal. "Xitou has always been a popular choice for forest bathing — with numerous trails of approachable difficulty levels, proximity to urban areas, and direct Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service(Xitou Line), it's extremely convenient for those who want to connect with nature," one visitor wrote. "It attracts not just outdoor enthusiasts, but also senior citizens and families looking for a casual hike."

Others praised the park's scale and biodiversity. "The park is large enough to explore for a full day, with diverse flora and fauna — ideal for a family outing," another reviewer noted.

The setting itself draws repeated mention. "Walking into Xitou feels like stepping into an isolated green paradise," one visitor wrote. "Breathing in the crisp, phytoncide-rich air instantly refreshes both body and mind, and the temperature here is always a few degrees cooler than the lowlands — making it an exceptional summer escape."

For those willing to push further, the effort pays off. "Xitou is truly the kind of place that's exhausting but absolutely worth it," another reviewer wrote. "The uphill sections will leave you drenched in sweat with trembling legs, but every stretch of the trail rewards you with a different view — towering forests, fresh air, dense bamboo groves, and fleeting plays of light. By the time you reach the observation deck or the giant tree zone, the awe of being surrounded by nature makes all the fatigue disappear."

Situated in Chiayi County at an elevation of approximately 2,200 meters, Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is celebrated for its "Five Wonders" — sunrise, sea of clouds, sunset glow, ancient forests, and the high-mountain railway. With a cool climate year-round and rich forest cover, it remains a must-visit destination for travelers seeking spiritual renewal and an encounter with Taiwan's high-altitude wilderness.

Visitors on Google reviews have described the experience in vivid terms. "This place is not merely a scenic attraction — it is a sanctuary for communing with nature," one reviewer wrote. "Every step treads upon historical legacy and ecological treasure. Whether bathing in the cool, phytoncide-filled forest air or sensing the mountain's silence beneath a starlit sky, Alishan heals the body and mind through its timeless depth and ever-changing beauty."

Another reviewer offered a more comprehensive account. "Alishan National Scenic Area is Taiwan's most representative high-mountain tourist destination, renowned for its magnificent sea of clouds, sunrise views, ancient tree groves, and high-altitude forest railway," they wrote. "The scenery changes distinctly with the seasons — cherry blossoms in spring, cool temperatures in summer, red foliage in autumn, and drifting mist in winter."

The same reviewer continued: "It is a classic destination integrating natural ecology, cultural heritage, and mountain scenery. The park also houses a small museum, and it is one of the best-maintained trail systems and scenic areas I have visited." "This trip only covered a small portion of the park — it is a place well worth returning to."

Others were drawn to Alishan's quieter qualities. "The beauty of Alishan is not found in crowded attractions, but in every breath of fresh air and the serenity felt while gazing into the forest," one visitor wrote. "That natural stillness and vastness became the most cherished memory of the journey — one that lingers long after."

One visitor was particularly struck by the ancient trees. "The ancient tree groves inside the recreation area are truly breathtaking," they wrote. "It is heartening that Taiwan preserves such a precious natural treasure, offering visitors a place to unwind in a genuinely natural setting."

Located in Hengchun, Pingtung County, at an elevation of approximately 150 to 300 meters, Kenting National Forest Recreation Area is one of Taiwan's rare uplifted coral reef forests. Its distinctive tropical monsoon landscape offers visitors a window into tropical rainforest ecology and the geological evolution shaped by marine forces.

Google reviewers who have visited describe a diverse natural environment. "The park, situated in a tropical zone, contains many tropical plant species not found in central or northern Taiwan, as well as rare stalactite caves and geological formations — including stalactites, stalagmites, and pillars — typically associated with seismic zones," one visitor wrote. "The trail layout is well-planned and the walk is relatively comfortable."

Others highlighted the park's upkeep and accessibility. "The environment is visibly clean and well-maintained, the parking area is spacious, and park staff are friendly and enthusiastic in directing visitors along the viewing routes," another reviewer noted. "A leisurely circuit with photo stops takes about three hours. In the latter section, coral rock and banyan trees coexist to form a particularly striking landscape, with traces of wildlife found throughout."

The park's wildlife also left a strong impression. "Inside, visitors can encounter a surprisingly diverse range of wildlife, including sika deer, macaques, masked palm civets, and grey-faced buzzards," one visitor wrote. "Visitors can breathe in fresh air and leave behind the noise of the city — making it an ideal weekend destination for leisure hiking."

A final reviewer captured the full scope of the park's natural offerings. "Ancient forest trees and coral reef terrain shaped by tectonic movement have given rise to a rich array of fauna and insects," they wrote. "The park features awe-inspiring natural landforms alongside sika deer, monkeys, butterflies, and insects. The 360-degree panoramic view of ocean and hills from the observation pavilion offers more beauty than the eye can take in."

Data source:Tourism Administration Statistical Database, Ministry of Transportation

​Original Article in Chinese​

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