What to do and see in Datong, Yilan: The Best Nature & Parks

Taipingshan area is a broad region that includes Tuchang, Hatonozawa, Jhongjian, Taipingshan, Maosing and Cueifong Lake. It is also regarded as one of Taiwan’s three major forestlands in addition to Alishan and Basianshan. The old lumber transportation railroad and lumber collecting machines have been left as relics of the past lumbering business. The Bong Bong train, hot spring, alpine lake, giant forest and Taiwan beech trees (Fagus, Fagus hayatae) reflect more than one hundred years of historical trails of the Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area.

The source of Jioujhihze hot spring water comes from the cracks of stone on the hillside. The temperature there is about 140°C and is ameliorated to 38-42°C at hot spring bathing area to feel comfortable for human body. The hot spring here has no odor and is clear. Its content is weak based Sodium bicarbonate spring which can make skin feel slippery. So, it has the nickname “Hot Spring for Beauties”. The facilities here include a SPA pool, naked bathing pools for men and women, and the outdoor family thermal bathing area. It is worth mentioning that the SPA pool was built from a huge rock brought down the stream by typhoon. And naked bathing pools and outdoor family thermal bathing area can make visitors enjoy the pleasure of hot spring bathing and forest bathing at the same time. Furthermore, there is a volcanic cone shaped egg-boiling trough with flowing hot spring water for visitors to DIY. The hot spring egg tastes especially good with a unique flavor you will never forget.

Taiwan Beech Trail Round trip time: 4hr Taiwan beech (Fagus, Fagus hayatae) are the botanical relics of the ice age in Taiwan so they are very precious and rare. When you walk along the 3.85 km trail, you can thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the animal and plant ecosystems in addition to the historical relics of the railways. No matter which season you visit, the sight is always appealing.