The forest contains a 2,800-year-old 'Sacred Tree,' a giant red cypress that survived a collapse in 2016 and remains preserved for study.
The climate is distinct enough that it hosts a rare ginkgo forest, one of the few places in Taiwan to see seasonal yellow foliage.
The area functions as a living laboratory for the National Taiwan University School of Forestry and Resource Conservation.
It is specifically known for its extensive bamboo groves, which are used to study carbon sequestration rates in high-altitude environments.
The forest canopy is dense enough to create a unique micro-climate that significantly lowers temperatures compared to nearby Lugu Township.
Xitou Nature Education Area is a high-altitude forest experimental station managed by National Taiwan University. It is situated in a basin surrounded by mountains, resulting in a cool, misty climate throughout the year. The park spans approximately 2,200 hectares and reaches elevations between 800 and 2,000 meters. The landscape is dominated by dense stands of cryptomeria, gingko, and giant bamboo. A signature feature is the 220-meter-long Skywalk, which suspends visitors among the canopy seven stories above the forest floor. The area serves as a research hub for botany and ecology while maintaining extensive public trail networks. Wildlife such as the Formosan ferret-badger and various mountain bird species frequently appear along the forest paths. Visitors navigate a rugged, mostly forested terrain with significant elevation changes between trailheads and observation points.
The mid-section of the elevated Skywalk, providing a view directly into the canopy of the cryptomeria trees.
Wear layered clothing, as the high elevation causes rapid temperature drops once the sun sets.
Bring sturdy, slip-resistant footwear to navigate the steep, often damp forest trails.
Carry a light rain jacket or poncho, as the mountain location frequently experiences sudden afternoon mist or light showers.
Attempting to hike all trails in a single day, as the elevation change is strenuous; do not feed the local wildlife.
Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile undergrowth and research plots; avoid loud noise to observe local wildlife.
