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【Xitou Forest Recreational Area】

Located in Lugu Township, Nantou County, the Xitou Forest Recreation Area is 24 kilometers from Zhushan. It is one of the seven forest districts managed by the Experimental Forest of the College of Bioresources and Agriculture, National Taiwan University. The area is densely populated with trees such as cedar, cypress, red cypress, ginkgo, and Moso bamboo. With towering old trees and a network of forest trails, it’s ideal not only for recreation and forest bathing, but also for educational visits. Attractions like the Exhibition Hall, Bamboo Specimen Garden, University Pond, Sacred Tree, and Moso Bamboo Grove make it a great place for plant observation and birdwatching.

Xitou is often referred to as a living natural classroom, home to about 300 species of woody plants, 1,300 species of herbaceous plants, and around 70 species of birds. In addition to its rich ecology, scenic spots such as the University Pond, Sacred Tree, Sky Walk, and Bamboo Huts are must-see highlights. Visitors can enjoy a forest bath while learning about nature’s wisdom—gently wandering through the woods with the mountain breeze and birdsong, experiencing a romantic journey that’s both enlightening and emotional.

Blogger’s travel recommendation:
http://viablog.okmall.tw/blogview.php?blogid=1033
Official website:
https://www.exfo.ntu.edu.tw/xitou/

【Ginkgo Forest ‧ Dalun Mountain Tea Plantation】
The Ginkgo Forest at Dalun Mountain Tourist Tea Plantation is the economic lifeline of Lugu Township and home to its most prominent industry—Oolong tea, which is renowned both domestically and internationally. Lugu has become synonymous with Oolong tea, and among its tea-producing areas, Dalun Mountain is the largest.

► Ideal Terrain of Dalun Mountain

Dalun Mountain Tourist Tea Plantation is located at an altitude of 1,250–1,500 meters and covers over 100 hectares of Oolong tea plantations. It borders Xitou to the east and SunLinkSea to the south, overlooks five central Taiwan counties to the west, and faces Mt. Fenghuang to the north. With cool temperatures and a landscape shrouded in mist year-round, the area’s unique and ever-changing weather has become a key feature of its scenic beauty.

Originally covered by Moso bamboo forests, Dalun Mountain suffered a major outbreak of bamboo blight in 1990, causing large-scale withering and economic loss. As a result, local forest farmers began converting the land to tea plantations. However, this violated soil and water conservation laws. Under the strong advocacy of Mr. Zheng Kong-Xiu, the Secretary General of the Lugu Forest Conservation Association, and in coordination with the government's mixed afforestation policy, ginkgo trees were introduced. Today, over 80 hectares of ginkgo trees have been planted, making it the largest ginkgo forest in Southeast Asia.

► What is Ginkgo?
Ginkgo, often referred to as a "living fossil," is one of the oldest tree species on Earth. Also known as the "grandfather-grandson tree," the name implies that a grandfather plants the tree, and only the grandson can enjoy its harvest. The leaves change color with the seasons, creating breathtaking scenery, making it one of Lugu Township’s most popular tourist attractions.

Blogger’s Recommended Itinerary:
https://ipapago.tw/blog/post/dalunshan-teagarden