Xiangyang Lookout

*This review is about the Xiangyang Forest Recreation Area and not only about the Xiangyang Observation Deck. What is strange is that there is no Google page in the Xiangyang Forest Recreation Area* The Xiangyang Forest Recreation Area, located on the east section of Nanheng Highway, is perhaps the "most difficult to reach" forest recreation area in Taiwan. The difficulty or cost of transportation may be attributable to: (1) Eastern Taiwan and Huadong are originally a relatively distant place. Xiangyang is not only located in Taitung, but also has a mountain road of more than 50 highways from Taitung Chishang, and the mountain road of this Nanheng Highway is curved and narrow; (2) The road conditions in the east section of Nanheng Highway are often poor. Encountered two construction control points, each control point is closed for nearly an hour and then opened for 10-20 minutes, which greatly increases the difficulty of going up and down the mountain. Just imagine, if you unfortunately miss the short period of open traffic, you must stop at the control point. It’s really troublesome to wait for an hour, go up the mountain and go down again. However, the Xiangyang Forest Recreation Area is so difficult to reach, is it worth a visit? I personally think it's definitely worth it! Xiangyang is a small forest recreation area (probably the smallest I've ever been to), but it is small and beautiful. The entire forest recreation area has only four trails that connect back and forth, but no matter which one of the four trails walks, it is a great forest bath. , I especially love the Songjing Trail and the Songtao Trail leading to Jiaming Lake. Walking on these two trails is surrounded by lush coniferous forests. My feet are on the ground that feels soft like a carpet because of the paving layer of pine needles. From time to time, you can also find a wealth of ecology, which is really enjoyable. The pine view trail in the Xiangyang Forest Recreation Area seems to be better than most trails in Alishan! Another obvious feature of the Xiangyang Forest Recreation Area is the abundant usnea and moss that can be seen everywhere, which may be caused by the frequent clouds and fog. Clouds and mists and Usnea, this is the most vivid impression given to me by the Xiangyang Forest Recreation Area as a whole. In addition, there are several impressive maple plants near the visitor center and entrance of the recreation area. In the appropriate season and climate, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the red maple. Have a chance to visit

The Xiangyang Forest Recreation Area is currently closed, but it can still be entered. You can walk on the trails, but pets are not allowed to enter. There are no garbage cans and toilets inside. It is recommended to go in after using it outside. Walking from the entrance of Xiangyang Forest Recreation Area to the viewing platform, the service staff suggested to go back and forth for two hours, but we walked slowly with the old and the young for about two and a half hours. In fact, the view of the viewing platform is not as vast as I imagined, but it is still beautiful. The ever-changing climate on the mountain will see different scenes in an instant. The route we took is Xiangyang Trail, Song Trail, and Songtao Trail. Most of the roads along the road are ramps, which are quite easy to walk.