Basianshan - Mountain of The Eight Immortals

The play of light and shade ... the breeze rustling the bamboos ... a bamboo forest is a mysterious and magic place.

The bamboo forest in Basianshan always reminds me that famous movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".

This bamboo forest is not the only one in Taiwan and, for sure, not the largest. It is one of the most beautiful and secluded, the one I like most.

The magic of the bamboo forest

Basianshan National Recreation Forest is in Taichung County, just a few kilometers from Guguan Hot Springs. Altough it is located at a moderated altitude and can be accessed easily, not so many people go there.

So, at least on weekdays, with a bit of luck you can have Basianshan highlights - such as the Bamboo Forest - all for you.

About Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area

The area extends for 24 square kilometers from 750 to 2,366 meters above the sea level - the visitor center is at 950 meters. So Basianshan lies mostly at medium altitude.

Observation Deck

A lush temperate mixed broadleaf-conifer forest covers the area.

Basianshan was established as a logging facility by the Japanese before WWII. At that time it was one of the main centers of Taiwan logging industry, together with Alishan and Taipingshan.

We can only dream how all these places looked like 100 years ago or so, before being exploited and the virgin forest almost destroyed.

The only remnants of the Japanese past are a stone tablet - celebrating Basianshan as one of the eight most beautiful scenic spots in Taiwan - and the ruins of a Shinto shrine - erected to placate the souls of the many labourer who lost their lives working here.

Basianshan has been established as one of the first National Forest Recreation Area of Taiwan in the middle of the 70's. Unfortunately the Area suffered heavy damages from 1999 earthquake and, just two years later, from typhoons Toraji and Nari.

The administrations had to cope with the limited resources available so, for example, some footpaths have been abandoned. On the other side, some facilities such as the lodging ones have been recently renovated and now they really shine.

This trail in the year 2004 was already off-limits but still passable, now (2009) not anymore

Hiking

1) The area around the Visitor Center.

All the trails are short and suitable to everybody (except the trail section from the Bamboo Forest down to the Cherry Forest and the Senhuo Gazebo - though short the footpath is steep and quite uneven so maybe not suitable for an elder person).

There are several point of interests such as the already mentioned Bamboo Forest, an Ecological Classroom, the Visitor Center, the small Jinghai Temple.

This area extends on the lefts banks of Shihwen and Jiabao Creeks. As the official map reports the whole area can be visited in one day - if you really take it super super easy - half day is more realistic even if you are with kids.

Another view of the bamboo forest

This area is not for long walks but for spending a relaxing day, maybe watching the clouds. But it is still large enough to find solitude, at least on weekdays.

The scenery is gorgeous, as you can also see in these beautiful photos about Basianshan.

2) The long climb to Basianshan Main Peak
(2,366 meters above sea level).

The trail is 6.3 km long - the difference in altitude is about 1,400 meters from the 2nd Parking Lot (957 meters above sea level).

So it takes not less than 8 hours for a round trip - as also the official map reports.

It is a long trail ... and steep too (24% average inclination). Only for experienced hikers.

You will need to leave early in order to be back before dark. Bring water supply for a full day. I strongly recommend to inquire the Visitor Center about the trail conditions before attempting this hike.

Trail Landmarks:

• 2nd Parking Lot - 957 meters above sea level
• Trail Entrance - Jinghai Temple - 1004 meters above sea level
• 1.5 km Pavilion - 1434 meters above sea level
• 3.5 km Pavilion - 1858 meters above sea level
• 6.3 km Summit - 2366 meters above sea level

Useful photos about Basianshan Main Peak Trail (Chinese):

• http://andy0106b.myweb.hinet.net/a104.htm
• http://ms1.ctjh.tpc.edu.tw/~uank3/050219map.htm
• http://cestlavie-winnie.blogspot.com/2008/10/20081011.html

How to get to Basianshan

• By Car:

  • From the Highway n. 1 or n. 3 turn to the Highway n. 4 - East Direction (Dongshih).
  • Drive along the Highway n. 4 to the end.
  • At the traffic light turn left and follow the National Road n. 3.
  • Drive for about 10 Km until the road turn left and cross the large Dongfong bridge on the Dajia River.
  • Just after the bridge, before entering Dongshih, turn right on the National Road n. 8.
  • Drive along National Road n. 8 on the right bank of the Dajia River till km 33 sign (Duming Bridge).
  • Cross Duming Bridge then turn right (Basianshan roadsign). You will reach the Area after 3 Km of good climbing road.
  • Click here for a route map! (0.4 Mb)

• By Scooter: From Taichung drive north through Tamzi and Fongyuan, then you can join the itinerary above in Shihgang.

• By Bus: Take the bus to Guguan from Taichung Main Railway Station or Fongyuan Station (Fongyuan Bus Co. Tel: +886-4-222-3454).

  At Taichung Railway Station you can also inquire the English speaking staff of the Visitor Center (tel: +886-4-2221-2126).

  Ask the bus driver to stop at the crossroad to Basianshan, just after the Duming Bridge and approximately 1 km before Guguan. From there you have to walk uphill 3 km on a paved road to reach the Visitor Center.

  Below updated informations about bus number and timetable.

Additional info

• Admission Fee:

  • Adult 100-150 NTD (2.85-4.28 US$)
  • Children 75 NTD (2.14 US$)
  • Taichung County Residents 10 NTD (0.28 US$)

• Parking Fee:

  • Car: 100 NTD (2.85 US$)
  • Motorcycle: 20 NTD (0.57 US$)

• Opening Hour: 7:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM everyday

Wooden Cottages

• Accomodation (Rates March 2009):

  • Different kind of accomodation are available:
  • Hinoki (Red Cypress) Log Cabins (4 persons) (2,800 NTD weekdays - 4,500 NTD weekends)
  • Log Cabins (4 persons) (2,400 NTD weekdays - 3,800 NTD weekends)
  • Log Cabins (2 persons) (1,400 NTD weekdays - 2,400 NTD weekends)
  • Dorm 16/32 persons (per person) (480 NTD weekdays - 580 NTD weekends)
  • For Booking: +886-4-2522-9696, +886-4-2522-9797

• Meals:
  • Breakfast: 100 NTD per person
  • Lunch/Dinner: 150-250 NTD per person

• Address:
  • Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area
  • 22, Pingsian Lane, Sec. 1, Dongguan Rd.
  • Heping Township, Taichung County
  • Tel: +886-4-2595-1214

• Official Web Site

• A photo of the map displayed on signposts (English)

Basianshan is a little special place among Taiwan mountain spots. It is one of our favourite and we have never been disappointed, we came back several times. Please feel free and welcome to email me for any comment or suggestion!

Update April 2010

Al shares precious informations:

Update January 2011

The line above is not working anymore. You have to take Fengyuan Company bus 55 to Fengyuan, then bus 267. New bus map here.