[2025 Yilan Attraction] Travel Guide for Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area (Updated Jun)

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 #Mingchi Forest Recreation Area is located on Provincial Highway 7A on the North Cross-Island Highway. Mingchi Villa is just across the road. There is a Japanese-style house at the entrance and a whole row of bamboo forests next to the wall, which gives the feeling of a Japanese garden landscape. Walking forward to the platform, the scenery of lake and mountains in front of you is so ethereal and beautiful. Several black swans are gliding leisurely on the water in the lake, and water birds are flying over the lake to feed on the creatures in the lake. The climate on the mountain is changeable, with clear sky and mist in an instant. It is not only poetic and picturesque, but also has a mysterious and ethereal feeling.

#forest Mingchi Forest Recreation Area ~ "The clouds are like clothes, flowers are like faces, the water is like jasper, and the mountains are like daisy." There are 22 forest recreation areas in Taiwan, and "Mingchi" is one of them. It is located at the junction of Yilan and Taoyuan, so it is also called "Chiduan" ~ Although it is a long way away, I occasionally come here to live in seclusion away from the hustle and bustle. It’s very relaxing for a while! ! ℹ️Introduction to Mingchi: Located in Datong Township, Yilan County, between 1,150-1,700 meters above sea level, it is a famous place in Taiwan for appreciating bald cypress trees! ! There are opportunities to see it from the beginning of autumn to the end of December. If you plan to go there at this time, don’t miss it! ! The biggest difference between Mingchi Forest Recreation Area and other recreation areas is that the main attraction of this recreation area is the deep and quiet lake! ! It is also the "highest altitude" lake in Taiwan~~ But this lake is not naturally formed but artificially dug, but it does not hinder the beautiful atmosphere here! ! The park can be roughly divided into "lake area" and "forest area", both of which have unique flavors. Come take a trip to the secluded mountains and forests! ! 🌳Must visit attractions: "Seishishien Garden": There is a strong Japanese-style dry landscape garden. Sit on the wooden plank and quietly admire the abstract arrangement of stones as mountains and sand as water. It gives people a sense of tranquility as if they are in a Kyoto temple. "Mingchi Lake": Of course it is the protagonist of this park! ! In spring and summer, the sun shines brightly and the greenery is abundant, while in the afternoon the clouds and mist appear, forming a landscape painting together with the surrounding cypress trees. In autumn and winter, you can even enjoy the bald cypress trees, which are painted with a layer of orange rouge makeup, because Mingchi is located in "Beiheng" "The highest point", also known as "Beiheng Pearl" ~ "Father of the Sun Centenary Memorial Forest": A path opposite Mingchi. The entire path is an artificially planted cedar forest. It was built to commemorate the centenary of the founding father. "Fern Garden": It is the only way to the exit. There are 50 kinds of ferns on the entire path, which makes this wooden boardwalk in the lush green forest even more secluded. It is the perfect place to take beautiful photos on the Internet. What a great place~~ "Forest Fairy Tale Trail": It is a Z-shaped wooden plank road. Walking along it will give you the fantasy feeling of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves"! "Nursery": It is a secret place of flowers in the park. Whenever May-June comes, many hydrangeas will bloom. Looking past, there is a whole blue sea of ​​flowers, which adds a bit of intoxicating romance to this flower-filled month. mood 💕 "Sacred Tree Garden": Located next to "Mingchi Villa", there are 51 coded sacred trees in the garden, named according to historical figures of the corresponding years. The trees are often more than a thousand years old, including the "Three Generations" of three generations living under the same roof. "Confucius", the oldest sacred tree dating from 551 BC to the present, and the inverted sacred tree used in the movie "Sediq Bale" are must-see highlights that should not be missed. 🏨Accommodation recommendations: When you come to Mingchi, it is recommended to arrange a 2-day tour. Here we recommend that you can stay directly at the "Mingchi Villa"; there are "European-style Villas" that are comparable to five-star hotels, and "Vacation Chalets" that are interspersed in the forest and perfectly blend with nature. "Two types of accommodation are available. In addition to complimentary tickets to the Mingchi Forest Recreation Area as long as you check in, travelers can also choose the one-night-and-two-food plan, where you can enjoy an exquisite dinner prepared by the park on the day of check-in, and a Chinese and Western buffet breakfast the next day. Two days of food and lodging are directly provided for you! ! Why don't you hurry up and experience it~~ 🚴Transportation: 1. Driving by yourself: National Highway No. 5 "Luodong Interchange" enters Sanxing Township - passes the "Taya Bridge" - follows the "Provincial Route 7" to the "Beiheng Highway" - you will arrive at the 68th kilometer 2. The park provides a "paid shuttle bus" once a day, with routes including "Taipei-Mingchi" and "Yilan-Mingchi". If you want to take the bus, you need to make a reservation one week in advance❗️❗️ (Reservation hotline: 02-2515-2128) 🕰️Business hours: 08:00-17:00 💰Per capita consumption: Full ticket: 150 yuan. 20% off discount ticket: 120 yuan. 40% off discount ticket: 90 yuan. 50% discount on tickets: 75 yuan. ~If you stay at "Mingchi Villa", the ticket🎟️is free~ 💞Recommended reasons: It's a good place to come here to escape life and reality for a while, let yourself relax and recharge🔋~ 📍Address: No. 1, Mingchi Villa, Yingshi Village, Datong Township, Yilan County #100 Ways to Travel #yilantourism #mingchiforestrecreationarea #forestpark #forest #神木 #ATTAYAL #mingchishanzhuang #北heng明pearl # bald cypress secret realm

#forest #100 ways to travel #YilanTravel Yilan has beautiful mountains, rivers and scenery, and can be called the back garden of Taipei. After the opening of the Snow Tunnel, you can easily drive there. Among them, Datong Township is located in the mountainous area of ​​Yilan, with even more beautiful mountain and lake scenery. In addition to Taipingshan National Park, the most approachable and beautiful one is #Mingchi Forest Recreation Area, which is collectively called #MaGao Ecological Park with #Qilan Forest Recreation Area. Mingchi is located at the 68km mark of the Beiheng Highway and the ticket price is $150. The entire Mingchi Forest Recreation Area is located in the Snow Mountain Range, at an altitude of about 1,500 meters. Due to the high terrain, rich forests, and abundant water vapor from the alpine lakes, the most attractive features are the tranquil lake view and the cascading mountain view. The scenery changes with the changing climate of the four seasons, making it an excellent viewing area all year round. Mingchi Forest Recreation Area consists of six areas, namely: the ancient garden landscape #静石园, the alpine lake #明池湖 known as the pearl of Beiheng, the green trees of Metasequoia glyptostroboides and the wooden plank road #芬园, the fairy tale fantasy #森林童话道, the blue and purple flower sea secret #明池苗树, and the 1,500-year-old red cypress #明池神木. If you depart from Taipei, you can make a round trip on the same day, or stay overnight at #明池山庄 and return to Taipei via the Beiheng Highway the next day. The scenery along the way is beautiful and the trees are shady. It is a short trip that is very close to nature and the mountains and forests. #forest #shenmu #yilantravel #mingchi #qilan #magao

Wake up in the morning mist and immerse yourself in the thick mountain mist. After washing up and having breakfast, I strolled along the trail to Mingchi, greedily inhaling the abundant phytoncides. The foggy Ming Pond is more charming than the clear Ming Pond, and its beauty is breathtaking. The water sluices drift lightly, and the layers of leaf color further highlight the beauty of the clear pond. The sound of the flute played by the pool makes people forget about time and space, and where they are... Just like the rippling surface of the lake, flowing through the long years. #Mingchi

📍Address No. 1, Mingchi Villa, Datong Township, Yilan County, 267 👉 Located in Datong Township, Yilan County, at the intersection of Taiwan Provincial Highway 7 (Northern Cross-Island Highway), this alpine forest park is managed by the Luodong Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau. It is known as the "Pearl of the Northern Cross-Island Highway." ⸻ 🕒Opening Hours Daily: 08:00–17:00 • Last entry at 16:00 • Ticket prices: Full ticket NT$120, Half ticket NT$80 (discounts for students, seniors, military, and police) • Tickets can be offset if staying at Mingchi Villa within the park ⸻ 🚍Transportation ✅ From Yilan City/Ruifang: 1. 🚗 Driving (Highly recommended): • Depart from Luodong, follow Taiwan Provincial Highway 7 (Northern Cross-Island Highway) through Sanxing and Qilan, and continue straight to Mingchi. The drive takes about 2 hours. • The road is winding but offers beautiful scenery, making it ideal for pairing with a day trip to Qilan Sacred Trees Garden. 2. 🚌 Tourist Shuttle Bus (Weekends only): • Some tourist buses from Yilan Transfer Station or Luodong Transfer Station provide shuttle services to Mingchi. It is recommended to book in advance or check official information. 3. Private Car/Group Tours: • Suitable for groups or those unable to drive. One-day tours from the city often include stops at Qilan Sacred Trees Garden and Taipingshan Forest Recreation Area. ⸻ ✅Reasons to Visit • Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,150 meters, the area is cool year-round and is often referred to as **"Taiwan's Little Switzerland."** The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. • The park features the dreamy "Mingchi Lake," a Metasequoia Trail, a Maple Viewing Platform, and a Forest Chapel, making it perfect for photography, meditation, and romantic strolls. • It is a key destination for Northern Cross-Island mountain tourism, offering well-maintained facilities and a tranquil environment. • Ideal for summer escapes, autumn maple viewing, winter misty landscapes, and spring blossoms, making it a year-round attraction. • Suitable for families, couples, seniors, and travelers who love forest bathing and ecological exploration.

Mingchi Forest Recreation Area, located in Datong Township, Yilan, is known as the "Pearl of Northern Cross-Island Highway." Although the drive up the winding mountain roads may take some time, the moment you step into the park, the air becomes incredibly fresh, filled with phytoncides that instantly rejuvenate your mood. The highlight of the park is the serene and dreamy "Mingchi Lake." The lake reflects the towering trees surrounding it, creating postcard-worthy views with every snapshot. Walking along the lakeside trail feels like wandering through a Japanese forest bathing route, offering a tranquil natural experience without the need to travel abroad. Another must-see is the Mingchi Sacred Tree! Standing quietly amidst the forest, this ancient tree exudes a powerful presence. Said to be hundreds of years old, its massive trunk requires several people to encircle it. Standing before it, you truly feel "protected by nature." The entire park is thoughtfully designed, with smooth and easy-to-walk trails. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll, capture stunning photos, or simply zone out and relax, this place is perfect. Visiting on a weekday is highly recommended, as fewer tourists allow you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of the mountains and forests. If you're seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and a space to breathe, Mingchi is undoubtedly a healing retreat for the mind and soul.

#TaiwanTravel #Yilan #MingchiMingguoGorge Mingchi National Park is located in Yilan City, almost a hundred kilometers from Yilan City. Drive up a steep and winding mountain road, but along the way there are beautiful natural views to see. When you get here, there are also accommodations for tourists. For those who come to visit, it is recommended to bring your own food, it will be more convenient because there are no shops here, there is only a restaurant in the hotel. There are drinks from the vending machine for tourists. The weather here is very cold in winter and quite humid. It is recommended to bring thick clothes. Admission fee: Adults 120 Children under 6 years old are free (Prices may change) Opening hours: 08.00-16.30 Open every day Facilities: There is a parking lot available Hourly parking fee Location:267, Yilan County, Datong Township, 1 Liangmaoyuan Garden, Mingzhi Mountain

Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area is a captivating natural destination with a rich ecological environment and enchanting scenery. The air here is fresh, and the scenery changes with each season. Whether it's the blooming flowers in spring or the red maple leaves in autumn, every visit offers a different natural charm. The recreation area is well-equipped, making it suitable for families, friends, and solo travelers to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. The trail system is thoughtfully designed, with well-organized paths ranging from lakeside trails to forest paths, allowing visitors to easily explore the lush green forest. Along the way, there are observation decks and rest areas that provide excellent spots for taking photos and enjoying the scenery. It is especially recommended to stroll through the area at dawn or dusk, when the interplay of light and shadow creates a picturesque view. In addition to the natural landscapes, Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities such as forest bathing, hiking, and nature observation, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in nature. Whether you are looking to relax, exercise, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is an ideal place to visit. It is a place where you can slow down and enjoy a moment of peace, making it worth visiting again and again! Address: Mingchi Villa, Lishan Ecological Park, Datong Township, Yilan County, Taiwan

Mingchi Forest Recreation Area is located at the junction of Datong Township in Yilan County and Fuxing District in Taoyuan City. It is also known as "Chiduan" and is an alpine artificial lake. Surrounded by dense virgin forests, the mist lingers all year round, and the scenery is misty and graceful. It is known as the "Pearl of Beiheng" and is a good place for forest bathing. The park uses the concept of garden landscape to design an architectural landscape with an ancient style. There are also a bright pond nursery, a moss garden, a fern garden, a forest trail, and a forest garden commemorating the birth of the Sun Yat-sen. There are also trapezoidal seedlings planted on both sides of the hillside trails. In the cultivation area, walking along the slope trail, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the mountains and fields and appreciate the natural features of various flowers.#明池森林遊樂區 #familytravel #明池山莊

Address: Mingchi Forest Recreation Area, Yilan Atmosphere/Facilities: During the day, you can absorb phytoncide and wander in the symphony of insects and birds. You can bring your own food for a picnic or dine at a mountain vegetable restaurant. At night, under the romantic lights, you can enjoy the pleasant melody of the violin and have fun with everyone. After a wonderful night, you will fall into a sweet dream. Features: Quiet forest life, relaxation Price per person: 2500-3000 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #familytravel #friendsgathering ##hiking

Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area is famous for its rich ecology and magnificent natural scenery. I walked through the dense woods, feeling the forest atmosphere and the charm of nature. The scenery here is full of lush forests, lakes and mountains, as if you are in a world dancing with nature. 🌄🌳🏞️ The forest trails and lakefront were so relaxing and I explored every corner, moved by their raw beauty. This was a moment of connection with the forest, allowing me to re-experience the charm of Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area and the forest adventure journey. 🌳🏞️🌄 Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area is a forest adventure in a natural treasure trove, with scenery filled with pristine forests and clear lakes. If you also long for a journey to connect with nature, why not find a suitable time to take an adventure trip to Mingchi National Forest Recreation Area! 🏞️🌲🌄 #Taiwan must-visit check-in spots

#LocalTravel I booked Mingchi Villa 2 months in advance and took my family there for a trip. Although the journey is not easy, the beautiful scenery of Mingchi really makes it worth the visit.