Yuanlin Baiguo Mountain is a hilly scenic area east of Yuanlin City in Changhua County, part of the Bagua Mountain system and the Sanshan National Scenic Area. The site was originally the location of a Shinto shrine during the Japanese colonial era, later repurposed as township office land, and was subsequently expanded into a scenic area through a public land-development program; it takes its name ("Hundred Fruits Mountain") from its extensive orchards. Lychee, longan, and starfruit trees are planted throughout, with lychees ripening from June to July and longans from late July through September, drawing large crowds of fruit-picking visitors each year. Trails such as the Eighteen Guanyin Old Trail within the area reach about 335 meters in elevation, running roughly 1.5 kilometers one way with a 103-meter elevation gain. Thanks to abundant fruit from the surrounding townships and a well-developed candied-fruit industry, Yuanlin has earned the nickname "Kingdom of Candied Fruit."
Baiguo Mountain was originally the site of a Shinto shrine during the Japanese colonial era, later repurposed as township office land before being expanded into a scenic area through a public land-development program; it now falls under the Sanshan National Scenic Area. Within the area, lychees ripen roughly from June to July and longans from late July through September (peaking mid-August); one of its trails, the Eighteen Guanyin Old Trail, reaches about 335 meters in elevation over a 1.5-kilometer one-way route with a 103-meter elevation gain. Yuanlin's well-developed candied-fruit processing industry has earned it the nickname "Kingdom of Candied Fruit."
What to see at Yuanlin Baiguo Mountain
Baiguo Mountain belongs to the northern section of the Bagua Mountain range and is a low hill immediately east of Yuanlin City. Because its slopes face west with ample sunlight, lychee and longan trees were introduced here as far back as the Japanese colonial period, creating a layered orchard landscape across the hillside. The trail network connects multiple viewpoints. From the highest point, you can look out over the Changhua Plain and Yuanlin City, and on a clear day see toward the Taiwan Strait.
During summer fruit seasons — lychees from June to July and longans from July to August — some orchards open for pick-your-own experiences where visitors can interact with farmers and purchase fresh fruit in season. Sections of the trail have wooden platform decks and pavilions; most of the route involves gentle gradients, and a loop can be completed in about 1 to 2 hours. In autumn and winter the crowds thin, and the mountain is well suited for quiet hiking.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there & timing
- From Yuanlin Train Station, walk or take a taxi about 15 to 20 minutes to the trailhead. There is no direct bus. Driving or riding a scooter is recommended.
- Trails are open year-round. Pick-your-own orchards are only open in summer; check with the local agriculture bureau or individual orchards before visiting.
- Parking fills up after 10 a.m. on weekends. Weekday or early morning visits are suggested.
Nearby connections
- Yuanlin City has the Yuanlin Performance Hall and a traditional market, which can be combined for a half-day itinerary.
- Dacun Township's grape orchards are nearby. Both offer agricultural experiences and can be combined into a day trip through Changhua's southern farming villages.
Source: Yuanlin City Office, Changhua County Agriculture Bureau announcements. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the name "Baiguo Mountain" come from?
The site was originally a Shinto shrine during the Japanese era, later township office land, then expanded into a scenic area through public development, and was named "Hundred Fruits Mountain" for its extensive orchards.
When is the best season to pick fruit at Baiguo Mountain?
Lychees ripen roughly from June to July and longans from late July through September, making these the best fruit-picking seasons at Baiguo Mountain.
Why is Yuanlin known as the "Kingdom of Candied Fruit"?
Yuanlin sources abundant fruit from surrounding townships and has a well-developed candied-fruit processing tradition known as "Yuanlin salty-sweet snacks," earning it the nickname "Kingdom of Candied Fruit."
Sources
- 百果山遊憩區－參山國家風景區管理處 — 官方地址、蜜餞王國稱號
- S步道｜彰化｜十八觀音古道｜百果山經典步道｜員林鎮－健行筆記 — 十八觀音古道海拔335公尺、長度1.5公里、高度落差103公尺
- 果實成熟採收期(7月-9月)－龍眼主題館｜農業知識入口網（農業部） — 龍眼產季7月下旬至9月官方資訊