The park's name, Dongyanshan (East Eye Mountain), is derived from its distinct appearance when viewed from a distance, resembling a giant eye looking toward the east.
The area features a 30-million-year-old fossil site where visitors can observe trace fossils embedded in the rock faces along the Fossil Trail.
The forest contains a preserved log transport route used by workers in the 1950s to move timber out of the mountains.
The trails are classified into several difficulty levels, with the main summit trail being the most challenging due to its incline and duration.
The high humidity and mid-mountain climate support a rich diversity of mosses, ferns, and epiphytes.
Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area is located in the northernmost part of the Xueshan Range in Taiwan, reaching a peak elevation of 1,212 meters. The park is renowned for its expansive 300-hectare Japanese cedar and Taiwan fir plantations, which were reforested during the mid-20th century. Visitors can access the Dongyanshan Forest Road, which offers views of the Taoyuan plain and the Taipei basin. The area contains significant fossil remains, specifically traces of marine organisms dating back roughly 30 million years, found within the sandstone layers. Multiple trails, including the main mountain climbing trail, provide access to various levels of forest terrain. The area serves as an important site for ecological research and environmental education within Taoyuan City. A reconstructed timber-hauling logging trail remains as a physical remnant of the area's mid-century forestry industry history.
The viewing platform at the summit of Dongyanshan, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding Xueshan mountain range.
Bring high-traction hiking boots as the trails can become slippery due to high humidity and moss growth.
Carry a windbreaker or light waterproof layer, as the weather at this elevation changes rapidly compared to the city below.
Utilize the designated visitor center to view historical forestry tools before beginning your hike.
Do not attempt the summit trail if you are wearing casual footwear, as it involves steep, uneven terrain.
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Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile undergrowth, remove all trash, and observe wildlife from a respectful distance without feeding.
