Mawudu Exploration Forest is a roughly 450-hectare secondary forest ecological park in Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County, where waterfalls, ancient hackberry trees, and winding trails form a diverse natural landscape. Its landmark trees — the roughly 500-year-old 'Grandma Hackberry' and 300-year-old 'Grandpa Hackberry' — anchor the park, which was also the main filming location for the 2005 Taiwanese idol drama Green Forest, My Home and continues to draw both fans and nature lovers.
The park covers approximately 450 hectares. 'Grandma Hackberry' is estimated at about 500 years old and 'Grandpa Hackberry' at about 300 years old — among the oldest documented native Chinese hackberry trees in Taiwan. The park served as the main filming location for the 2005 idol drama Green Forest, My Home, and the fictional 'Green Light Elementary School' set built for the show remains fully preserved today.
What to see at Mawudu Exploration Forest
The park is located in Jinshan Village, Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County, on the western foothills of the Xueshan Range. Limited human disturbance has preserved a rich secondary forest. Mawudu Waterfall and Rainbow Bridge Waterfall are the park's signature water features — spectacular in the wet season, and with striking rock-face formations even when flow is reduced in the dry season. The Yuanqi Trail system is mostly flat and suitable for all ages, including families with children.
The ancient hackberry trees in the park are more than a century old, with massive and imposing forms that make them valuable for nature education. Along the trails you can observe ferns, mosses, and bird species. From spring to summer (roughly March–May), firefly season, night-viewing tours are popular; check with the park in advance to confirm whether guided activities are scheduled.
Tips for making the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and timing
- By car, exit at Guanxi Interchange on National Freeway 3 and drive about 15 minutes toward Jinshan. The park has a car park.
- An admission fee applies. Opening hours and ticket prices are subject to the latest official announcements; call ahead before you go.
- Trails may be temporarily closed after heavy rain or typhoons. Check the weather forecast and park notices before your visit.
Nearby connections
- Pair with a visit to Guanxi Old Street (Zhongshan Old Street) for grass jelly dishes; the drive is about 15 minutes.
- There are several farms and hot-spring facilities near Guanxi Township for a half-day or full-day itinerary.
Source: Text compiled from the Wikipedia article on Mawudu Exploration Forest and publicly available tourism information. Please refer to the latest official announcements for opening hours and ticket prices. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of place is Mawudu Exploration Forest?
It is a roughly 450-hectare secondary forest ecological park in Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County, with waterfalls, centuries-old hackberry trees, and forest trails — a popular nature-tourism destination.
What are 'Grandma Hackberry' and 'Grandpa Hackberry'?
They are two native Chinese hackberry trees in the park — 'Grandma' is estimated at about 500 years old and 'Grandpa' at about 300 years old — important specimens for nature education.
What is the park's connection to the drama Green Forest, My Home?
The park was the main filming location for the 2005 Taiwanese idol drama Green Forest, My Home; the show's 'Green Light Elementary School' set was built for filming and remains fully preserved for visitors today.
When is the best time to see fireflies?
Fireflies appear from spring to early summer (roughly March to May); night viewing requires joining a park-organized activity, so check with the park in advance whether it is open.
Sources
- 馬武督探索森林 - 交通部觀光署 — 園區面積、主要景點
- 新竹馬武督探索森林 - 旅行台灣趣 — 450公頃、綠光森林拍攝場景、楊梅老樹樹齡