Nan'an Visitor Center is a visitor service station in the East District of Yushan National Park, located in Zhuoqing Village, Zhuoxi Township, Hualien County. It serves as the registration point for entering the Batongguan Historic Trail and the eastern Yushan mountain area. The center provides ecological exhibits and mountain-entry permit services; the surrounding upper Xiuguluan River valley retains intact forest cover, and the site lies within the traditional living territory of the Bunun people — an important gateway to Hualien's deep-mountain ecology and indigenous culture.
The Nan'an Visitor Center exhibition hall is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed on Lunar New Year's Eve and the second Tuesday of each month (postponed one day if that falls on a holiday). The Batongguan trail system actually comprises two historic routes built in different eras — the Qing-dynasty Batongguan Historic Trail and the Japanese-era Batongguan Cross-Ridge Road — which coexist as evidence of Taiwan's successive periods of governance. (Source: Yushan National Park Headquarters official website)
Highlights of the Nan'an Visitor Center
The Nan'an Visitor Center is located in Nan'an Village, Zhuoxi Township, and is administratively part of Hualien County. It is one of four entry points to Yushan National Park. The Batongguan Cross-Ridge Historic Trail connected to this entrance was originally a traditional Bunun hunting path, then expanded into a cross-ridge road during the Taisho period of Japanese colonial rule. It is one of the most historically significant traverse trails in Taiwan, approximately 100 kilometers long, linking the eastern and western sides of Yushan. The visitor center displays Bunun ecological wisdom and the national park's flora and fauna resources.
The area surrounding Nan'an is the upper watershed of the Xiuguluan River, with intact primary forest cover and high biodiversity. General visitors can experience the mountain forest atmosphere on short trails near the visitor center. Entering deeper into the Batongguan Historic Trail requires mountain entry and national park permits, which must be applied for in advance through Yushan National Park Headquarters. The Bunun people are the traditional indigenous group of this area; visitors should respect their culture and living territory.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Time
- From Yuli Town, head west along Provincial Highway 30 into Zhuoxi Township, then follow signs to Nan'an Village. Driving time is approximately 30 to 40 minutes; no public transportation runs directly here.
- The visitor center is generally open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; confirm the latest official announcements before setting out.
- Entering the deep mountain sections of the Batongguan Trail requires advance mountain and park permits — do not attempt this spontaneously. Mountain weather is changeable; bring appropriate gear.
Nearby Connections
- The Gufeng (Gufeng) indigenous village in Zhuoxi Township and the Nan'an Visitor Center are within the same township and can be combined for a mountain ecology and indigenous culture themed itinerary.
- Yuli Town, approximately 30 kilometers away, can serve as the supply and accommodation base before and after the trip.
Sources: Yushan National Park Headquarters official website, Ministry of Interior mountain entry permit system. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Nan'an Visitor Center?
The exhibition hall is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed on Lunar New Year's Eve and the second Tuesday of each month.
What permits are needed to enter the Batongguan Historic Trail?
Visitors must register in advance at Nan'an Visitor Center or apply online for mountain entry and national park permits before entering the Walami Trail or the deeper sections of the Batongguan Trail.
How do you get to Nan'an Visitor Center?
From the junction of Highway 9 and Highway 30 in Yuli, follow Highway 30 toward Zhuoqing Village for about 9 kilometers; there is no direct public transportation, so driving is recommended.
Sources
- 服務項目 - 南安遊客中心 - 內政部國家公園署玉山國家公園管理處 — 開放時間、休館日
- 八通關古道 - 內政部國家公園署玉山國家公園管理處 — 清代與日治兩階段古道並存之說明