Xitou Nature Education Area | Nantou Attraction

Xitou Nature Education Area is operated by National Taiwan University's Experimental Forest, at an elevation of about 1,150 meters with a total area of 2,500 hectares. The area is dominated by conifer forests of Taiwan cedar, Japanese cedar, and red cypress, providing a cool escape in summer and making it an important respite destination for residents of southern counties. The Sky Bridge, a high-altitude suspension bridge added in recent years, has become a buzz-worthy attraction, drawing younger visitors seeking the experience.

Highlights of Xitou Nature Education Area

The core trails center on University Pond (a mirror-surface reservoir), a grove of moso bamboo, and a Taiwan cedar plantation, with interpretive signage along each route explaining species characteristics, forest management, and ecosystem functions. The Ancient Tree is the most iconic individual specimen in the area — estimated to be over a thousand years old with a trunk so thick it takes several people to encircle it — and is an important ecological resource that the Experimental Forest has long preserved. The Sky Bridge is a 272-meter suspension bridge about 22 meters above ground that spans a valley, offering views across the forest canopy. It requires a separate ticket and often has queues on weekends.

The area is positioned as a "nature education" site and offers ecological education and interpretive services, with guided interpretation programs led by rangers during certain time slots. The surrounding area has clusters of guesthouses and hotels; staying overnight allows you to experience the quiet forest atmosphere in the early morning and at night — the misty Taiwan cedar forest in the predawn hours is a stillness impossible to feel during the busy daytime. Summer (June to August) is peak season with large weekend crowds; autumn and winter see fewer visitors, the forest remains lush green, and temperatures are more pleasant.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

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Go to the Sky Bridge early to avoid queuesThe Sky Bridge attracts large crowds on weekends — go as soon as the park opens, or choose a weekday. The number of people on the bridge at any one time is limited, and queuing is necessary during peak season.

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Slow down to appreciate the Taiwan cedar groveThe Taiwan cedar plantation section has ruler-straight trunks and uniform forest composition. Slow your pace and look up to appreciate the soaring vertical sensation the conifer forest creates — rushing through means missing it.

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University Pond at the morning mist hourIn the early morning, the mist on the surface of University Pond combined with its reflections creates a particularly beautiful composition between 7 and 8 a.m. Staying overnight is the most practical way to catch this moment.

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Make full use of the interpretive signage systemThe tree species information boards along each trail are substantive; combined with observation of the actual trees, even without a ranger-led tour you can build a solid basic understanding of conifer species.

Practical Information

Getting There & Time Required

By car from Zhushan via Highway 151 or from Caotun, the drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Nantou Bus operates service but with limited departures on weekends — check the latest timetable.
A relaxed visit covering the main trails takes about 2 to 3 hours; including the Sky Bridge and Ancient Tree route, plan for 4 to 5 hours or stay overnight.

Nearby Connections

Lugu Township is famous for Dongding Oolong tea; heading toward Lugu town center, several tea farms offer tours and tastings that can be combined with an Xitou visit.
Heading north to Zhushan connects to Zinan Temple, forming a southwest Nantou half-day to full-day itinerary.

Sources: National Taiwan University Experimental Forest Xitou Nature Education Area official website. Photos pending replacement with Dio's original shots.

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