The Beidela'man Giant Tree Trail is a red cypress old-growth forest trail in Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County, at an elevation of 900 to 1,300 meters, with its trailhead on the Shuitian Forest Road (Provincial Highway 58). The trail runs about 2.6 kilometers with roughly 400 meters of elevation gain, passing through mid-to-low elevation broadleaf forest before entering an old-growth cypress stand where the four giant red cypress trees known as the 'Four Heavenly Kings' are the main attraction — looking up at them from close range is breathtaking.
According to the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, the trail is approximately 2.6 kilometers long, spans an elevation of about 900 to 1,300 meters with roughly 400 meters of elevation gain, and a full-day itinerary is recommended. The 'Four Heavenly Kings' are four red cypress giants along the trail; while they are commonly described as over a thousand years old, no official trunk-girth or precise age figures have been published.
What to see on the Beidela'man Giant Tree Trail
Taiwan's red cypress giants typically grow above 1,500 meters in elevation; the giant grove at Beidela'man appearing at 700 to 1,000 meters makes it a rare low-elevation old-growth cypress forest in Taiwan. The trail follows a tributary of Shuitian Creek upstream, first through secondary broadleaf forest whose character gradually shifts to a mixed mid-elevation plant community before reaching the old-growth zone where the giants stand.
The largest of the Four Heavenly Kings is estimated to be over a thousand years old — its girth requires multiple people with outstretched arms to encircle. Wooden viewing platforms near the giant trees provide photo spots and resting places at various angles. The trail has considerable elevation change, with the upper section significantly steeper; a reasonable level of fitness is needed. Each way takes about 2 to 2.5 hours; allow half a day for the round trip plus breaks.
Tips for getting the most out of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and timing
- The entire journey is by private car. The Shuitian Forest Road on Provincial Highway 58 is an agricultural access road with some narrow sections. Confirm the road is open after heavy rain or typhoons.
- The trailhead is open year-round with no admission fee. The Forestry Bureau management authority may temporarily close the trail depending on trail conditions — check the latest announcements before departing.
Nearby connections
- Indigenous villages near Xinle Village may have limited supplies before or after the hike. Jianshi Township's market is in Jianshi Village, some distance from the trailhead.
- Smangus is in the same township but in a different direction; do not attempt both on the same day.
Sources: The Wikipedia entry for Beidela'man Giant Tree Trail and trail information from the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the trail and how high is the elevation?
The trail runs about 2.6 kilometers with an elevation range of roughly 900 to 1,300 meters and about 400 meters of elevation gain; the Forestry Agency recommends allowing a full day.
What are the 'Four Heavenly Kings'?
They are four visually striking red cypress giants along the trail, popularly said to be over a thousand years old, though no official girth or age figures have been published.
What makes this trail distinctive?
Taiwan's red cypress giants typically grow above 1,500 meters, so the grove at Beidela'man, appearing at 900 to 1,300 meters, is a rare example of a low-elevation old-growth cypress forest.
Is the trail difficult, and what should hikers bring?
The upper section is steep with exposed roots and rocks. Wear non-slip hiking shoes and bring trekking poles, and take extra care as the trail becomes slippery after rain.
Sources
- 北得拉曼巨木步道 - 台灣山林悠遊網（林業及自然保育署） — 官方步道長度、海拔範圍、建議行程時間