Aowanda Forest Recreation Area
奧萬大森林遊樂區
One of Taiwan's most famous maple-viewing destinations, with large stands of Formosan sweetgum and green maple that turn red in autumn and winter, plus suspension bridges, waterfalls and forest trails.
Aowanda Forest Recreation Area lies in Qin'ai Village, Ren'ai Township, at 1,100 to 2,600 meters, and is Taiwan's best-known maple-viewing spot. Near the entrance are large plantations of Formosan sweetgum and green maple. From mid-November to late December each year the leaves turn red and yellow, creating sweeping forests of color. In March, Yoshino cherry and mountain cherry trees bloom. Other highlights include the Aowanda Suspension Bridge spanning the Wanda South Stream, Aowanda Waterfall, a pine forest trail and the Tianti (Ladder to Heaven) observation area, which is good for stargazing. Admission is about NT$200. Getting there: from Wushe it's about 20 km along Provincial Route 83, and from Cingjing it's about an hour's drive on narrow, winding mountain roads. Public transport is limited, so most visitors drive or hire a car. Note: during the maple season weekends are very busy, and the park may impose visitor quotas. Visit on a weekday or arrive early. The trails have many ups and downs.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Bihu Lake (Wanda Reservoir)
- Lushan Hot Spring
- Wushe Incident Memorial Park
- Cingjing Little Swiss Garden
- Cingjing Skywalk
- Cingjing Farm
- Yuanfeng Stargazing Point
- Wuling Pass