The Nan'an Visitor Center is the eastern gateway to Yushan National Park and the starting point for the Batongguan Historic Trail and the eastern Yushan mountain area. The visitor center provides ecological exhibits and mountain entry permit services. The surrounding upper Xiuguluan River valley has intact vegetation cover; the site lies within the traditional living territory of the Bunun people and serves as an important gateway to both deep-mountain ecology and indigenous culture in Hualien.
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.