Guanwu Forest Recreation Area

Guanwu sits at around two thousand metres on the northern edge of Shei-Pa National Park, in cloud forest of hemlock, cypress and maple, with trails running out to giant trees, a set of waterfalls and viewpoints looking across at the Holy Ridge and Dabajianshan. The access road requires a permit obtained in advance, which keeps numbers down. Cloud covers the area most afternoons and the light through it is the reason photographers come.

What you actually see

• The Holy Ridge view - Dabajianshan and the ridge across the valley on clear mornings.
• The giant trees - a trail through very large old cypress and hemlock.
• The waterfalls - a set of falls reached on a longer trail from the recreation area.
• The cloud forest - moss and mist through hemlock and maple.

When to go

March to November is the season, with maple colour in November. Cloud builds most afternoons, so mornings are best for views. Winter brings cold and occasional snow.

Honest expectations

A road permit must be applied for in advance and is checked. The drive in is long and the road is narrow. Cloud hides the views on many days.

Nearby

Smangus is north across the ranges, and Hsinchu is northwest.