The tree belongs to the Pinaceae family and is specifically a Keteleeria davidiana, a species endemic to high-altitude East Asian forests.
Its age is estimated at over 3,200 years, making it a living witness to thousands of years of regional environmental shifts.
The tree stands at 2,150 meters above sea level, placing it within a sensitive cloud forest zone.
It is frequently surrounded by dense fog, which provides the necessary moisture for the moss and epiphytic plants growing on its trunk.
The Bilu Giant Tree is an ancient Luma tree (Keteleeria davidiana) situated at an elevation of 2,150 meters along the Central Cross-Island Highway in Taiwan. Standing approximately 50 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 3.5 meters, the tree is estimated to be over 3,200 years old. It remains one of the largest and most accessible ancient trees in the high-altitude cloud forest region of the Central Mountain Range. The site serves as a biological relic of the region's primeval forest, surviving despite its proximity to a major mountain highway. It is managed as part of the Taroko National Park ecosystem. The surrounding environment is characterized by frequent mist and cool temperatures due to its high altitude.
From the base of the boardwalk looking upward to capture the full scale of the trunk against the forest canopy.
Bring a light jacket as temperatures at this altitude are significantly lower than in the coastal lowlands.
Carry a rain shell, as the area experiences sudden mist and precipitation throughout the year.
Prepare for potential altitude-related fatigue if you are driving up from sea level on the same day.
Do not attempt to climb or touch the trunk, as the bark is fragile and vulnerable to damage.
Road access may be temporarily suspended during heavy typhoon seasons or landslides; check local highway reports.
Stay on the designated wooden boardwalks to protect the tree's shallow root system and surrounding soil.
