Taiwan Beech Trail
Location:Cueifong Scenic Road 16.8K
Total length: 3.8km
Elevation:1,800m
Taiwan Beech Trail is situated at the side of Cueifong Villa, the total length is 3.8 km and it takes 3 hours for round trip. Along the last section of this trail, there are 900 hectares of pure Taiwan Beech forest. In spring, Taiwan Beech produces buds; in summer, the whole tree is painted in green; in autumn, its leaves turn into yellow and in winter, all leaves fall from tree.
Taiwan Beech is a relic of Ice Age, mostly distributed at elevations 1,600 -1,800 m. It height can reach more than 20 m and often lives on the ridge. However, thanks to its low maturing rate and its seed not easy to bud, Taiwan Beech becomes a rare plant in Taiwan. The first 2.5 km of this trail was built on the old forest railway which moves along the mountain slopes. It is very easy to hike on this part of trail. On route, you can observe the animal habitat, slate cliff, green bryophyte, Taiwan Cypress, Japanese cedar, Taiwan Cherry etc. It also has milestone, loggers hut and railroad switch well preserved as vestiges of the heyday of forestry. After milestone 3 k, the trail enters a comparatively rough section. The extent of rise and fall of trail increases and the last part of it, from 3.2 k to the ending point, entirely walks on the mountain ridge. On the north side of ridge is the windward slope at which is the largest pure forest of Taiwan Beech. In autumn, on this trail, both in the air and on the ground are full of the dazzling yellow leaves of Taiwan Beech. How could you miss such a grandeur precious gift from Mother Nature?
- Fans Group for Taipingshan