Jioufen'ershan Earthquake Memorial Park | Nantou Attraction

In the early hours of September 21, 1999, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Taiwan. A massive landslide was triggered in the Jioufen'ershan area, and the debris blocked waterways to form a landslide-dammed lake, dramatically and instantly altering the terrain. Today, this landslide area has been developed into an Earthquake Memorial Geopark, preserving in situ the real traces of the earthquake's impact on the mountain environment as a site for geological research and educational visits for future generations.

Highlights of Jioufen'ershan Earthquake Memorial Park

The Jioufen'ershan landslide covered an area of over 700 hectares and reached depths of tens of meters in some places, making it one of the largest single landslide events of the 921 Earthquake. The landslide-dammed lake that formed after the earthquake gradually shrank as water found alternative channels, but the altered terrain remains clearly visible today. The park has an interpretive trail with geological information boards along the way covering the causes of the landslide, the formation of the lake, and the gradual recovery of vegetation. It is one of the rare sites in Taiwan where earthquake geological phenomena are presented through in-situ preservation.

Since the earthquake, pioneer plant species have gradually colonized the landslide area, and the traces of ecological succession can be observed along the trail. Some exposed rock face cross-sections and twisted geological strata provide clear evidence of the direct force the earthquake exerted on the geology. Compared to other 921 memorial sites, Jioufen'ershan uses the natural terrain itself as the primary exhibit, without excessive artificial facilities, presenting a more understated educational format suited to visitors with an interest in geography, geology, or 921 history.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

📖

Read the interpretive boards carefullyGeological phenomena are difficult to recognize without background knowledge. The interpretive boards along the trail are an important aid for understanding the mechanics of the landslide and the significance of the terrain — take time to read each one.

🌿

Observe vegetation successionNotice the differences in vegetation density at different locations across the landslide area. Areas closer to stable soil already have relatively dense vegetation, while newly exposed rock faces remain sparse — the progress of ecological recovery is visible.

☀️

Avoid visiting immediately after rainThe instability of slopes in the landslide area increases after rain; trails become muddy and some sections are slippery. Choose a clear day and wear suitable non-slip footwear.

📷

Overlook the full extent from the elevated viewpointThe trail features a viewing platform from which you can look down on the entire landslide area. From this vantage point you can truly feel the enormous scale of the landslide — it is a key perspective for grasping the magnitude of the event.

Practical Information

Getting There & Time Required

Located in Guoxing Township, best reached by private car; about 20 to 30 minutes from Puli. Public transportation is infrequent — driving or chartering a vehicle is recommended.
Visiting the trail takes about 1 to 1.5 hours; combined with time reading interpretive materials, allow about 2 hours. Plan it as one stop on a half-day itinerary.

Nearby Connections

Guoxing Township is known for its coffee industry; several local coffee farms in the area can be visited along the way.
Heading south leads to Puli town; heading northwest connects to the Taichung area. The geographic location makes it a convenient midpoint stop on cross-county itineraries.

Sources: Interpretive materials from the Jioufen'ershan Earthquake Memorial Park management authority, Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency related reports. Photos pending replacement with Dio's original shots.

🗺️ View on the map ← All Nantou attractions