Hehuanshan National Forest Rec

Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area. A Journey Above the Clouds

Hehuanshan, located in the northern section of the Central Mountain Range, straddling Nantou and Hualien, is one of the few places in Taiwan with direct vehicle access to a mountain over 3,000 meters. Each season offers its own unique charm:
• In spring and summer, mountain flowers bloom, with alpine azaleas and junipers dancing in the breeze;
• In autumn, the clear skies are perfect for gazing at the starry sky;
• In winter, snow blankets the mountains, making Hehuanshan a rare snow-viewing destination in Taiwan.

Standing before the landmark of the "Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area," behind you is the vast sky and the ever-changing sea of clouds, as if heaven and earth merge. Here, travelers are more than just sightseers; they are truly sojourners in communion with nature.

The allure of Hehuanshan lies not only in its majestic scenery but also in its ability to "see far, think deeply, and achieve a tranquil heart." When the wind blows past my ears and the mist surges through the valley, I truly understand what it means to stand high, with a heart as vast as the universe.

Wuling, originally known as "Sakuma Kurabe," was a name adopted during the Japanese colonial period. Construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway (the predecessor of the Hehuan Cross-Island Highway) made this area a key Kurabe stronghold and named it after the Japanese Governor-General, Sakuma Samata.

After the war, the government renamed the area "Wuling" in the 1950s to remove the overtones of Japanese rule and reaffirm national significance.
• "Wu" symbolizes military virtues, embodying perseverance and the promotion of martial spirit.
• "Ling" represents the summit of a mountain, reflecting its geographical location as the highest point on Taiwan's highways.

Thus, "Wuling" is more than just a geographical name; it carries the political and cultural connotations of the era. Today, Wuling has become a symbol of "standing in the clouds" for tourists and a representative destination for Taiwan's highway and mountain tourism.

Post by 諸文武 | Aug 18, 2025