Taiwan Food Atlas

Xitou Nature Education Area

A thousand-hectare conifer forest under NTU's Experimental Forest, home to an ancient tree, a sky bridge, and natural education programs
📍 Nantou · Lugu Township · Xitou🎨 Cultural Park🔖 Taiwan cedar · Ancient tree · Sky Bridge

Xitou Nature Education Area is a 2,500-hectare conifer forest reserve managed by National Taiwan University's Experimental Forest at an elevation of about 1,150 meters, dominated by Taiwan cedar, Japanese cedar, and red cypress. Its lush forest canopy provides a cool summer escape for residents of southern Taiwan, and its University Pond and elevated Sky Corridor walkway are popular attractions.

Xitou Nature Education Area covers about 2,500 hectares at an elevation of about 1,150 meters and is managed by National Taiwan University's Experimental Forest (whose total holdings exceed 30,000 hectares). The park's roughly 2,800-year-old red cypress Ancient Tree fell on September 11, 2016; the fallen trunk has been left in place, with a viewing platform built in 2017. The park's well-known elevated walkway is officially called the Sky Corridor, about 220 meters long with a highest point roughly 22.6 meters above ground — a different structure from the Houtanjing Sky Bridge (204 meters), a separate attraction in Nantou City that is sometimes confused with it.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ancient tree at Xitou Nature Education Area still standing?

The roughly 2,800-year-old red cypress Ancient Tree fell on September 11, 2016; the fallen trunk remains on site, with a viewing platform built in 2017.

What is the name of Xitou's elevated walkway?

It is officially called the Sky Corridor, about 220 meters long with a highest point roughly 22.6 meters above ground — a different attraction from the Houtanjing Sky Bridge in Nantou City.

Which institution manages Xitou Nature Education Area?

It is managed by National Taiwan University's Experimental Forest, covering about 2,500 hectares at an elevation of about 1,150 meters.

Sources

🗺️ View on the map ← All Nantou attractions