Xitou Recreational Area (溪頭自然教育園區)

By taking an hour and a half bus ride into the mountains, we enjoyed a day in the woods. Xitou Forest is beautiful with multiple paved paths, hiking trails, and a monster village. It was so much cooler (23 degrees C instead of 34 degrees C in Changua). We had a great time hiking, breathing in the clean air, forest bathing, and enjoying the fog. The hike up to the observatory was great training, but unfortunately the fog eliminated the view. We were told you could see Sun Moon Lake from here.

We took the train to Xinwuri Station in Taichung. At the station, we went to exit 5 where the Tourist Pass for Xitou which included round trip bus fare and park entrance for 400 NTD (~$14 USD) is sold. The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus/ Nantou Bus Company which runs the Xitou Route was very organized and gave each person a number as their place in line, so we didn't have to worry about boarding. August is a very popular time to go as it is much cooler in the mountains. We waited about an hour for our number to be called. 

Upon arriving at Xitou, we picked up a line number for our return bus. I strongly recommend doing this as the buses do fill up. We chose the last departing bus of the day so that would could make the most of our time here. Because we came during the busy season (July and August), we had to pay an additional 100 NTD (~$3.30 USD) at the entrance. There, we picked up a park map (English copies available) that listed the different sites, hiking routes, and suggested itineraries. We opted to do our own route.

Rainbow Bridge

Other blogs I read talked about how busy Xitou can get on the weekends. I expected it to be packed and for every trail to feel like ants marching on a log, but luckily, that wasn't our experience.  

We took the paved path past the Forest Ecology Center and Picnic Area and then started hiking on the Giant Tree Trail. This trail went past the Bamboo Cottage before arriving at the Giant Tree which had sadly fallen. From here, we traversed part of the Rainbow Bridge Trail and continued on the Giant Tree Logging Road (paved) before cutting off to do a short stint on the Bird Watching Trail (including a suspension bridge). This connected to the Hiking Trail which is a beautiful stair climber. 

Stairs from the Observatory

Hiking Trail

We were the only people we encountered ascending the Hiking Trail, but we encountered about twenty encouraging hikers descending who offered us greetings and cheers of "Jai you!" (Go!/ You can do it!). As we continued upward, the fog settled, so by the time we reached the Astronomical Observatory, there wasn't much of a view, but it still provided a great snack stop. 

At the Observatory

We contemplated continuing up to Phoenix Mountain, but due to time constraints, the heavy fog, and wet stone steps, we opted to descend on the Phoenix Logging Road. This route passed the Giant Rock which fell off the boulder face during the 1999 earthquake. 

To finish our time in the park, we walked to the Sky Walk and passed the playground and meadow before making our way to the exit. 

After exiting, we stopped by the Monster Village which is a cute little town with splendid  street food options and life shows.