TAICHUNG, Taiwan — Dongshi Forest Garden in the Dongshi District, near the central city of Taichung, is emerging as one of the most attractive destinations for domestic and foreign tourists due to its continuing natural beauty throughout the year.

Located on a high mountain, some 500 to 700 metres above sea level, the recreational spot, combined with mild temperatures, covers a vast area of 225 hectares and boasts the perfect spot for plants to thrive.

Visitors who want a break from from their busy work lives and crowded streets in big cities will delight in the vibrant and ever-changing landscapes painted by all four seasons in Dongshi Forest.

Visitors who want a break from from their busy work lives and crowded streets in big cities will delight in the vibrant and ever-changing landscapes painted by all four seasons in Dongshi Forest.

Nicknamed the “Four Corners Forest” due to its lustrous greenery, the area, only about 8km from the Tungshih Towncentre, is home to more than 500 species of insects, 150 species of butterflies and especially fireflies.

As fireflies can be quite fragile, continuous conservation efforts are needed to ensure their survival, said deputy director of the farm Ming Tong Zhang.

Zhang called the forest garden a special location for watching fireflies all year round, while in April and May the number of fireflies reaches its peak.

Flowers greet visitors from all directions in summer.

“These little dancing fireflies create a magical illusion in a completely natural setting of enchanted forests, which will surely be the experience of a lifetime in early spring. In April, butterflies are frequent visitors, as well,” said Zhang.

There are many roads and hiking routes that lead to the forest farm, which was originally wild forests. However, after 20 to 30 years of being carefully cultivated, the land is now covered with dense forest and farmland.

Dongshi forest is a wonderful destination for family members of all ages.

Zhang noted that the sight of cherry blossoms blooming serves as a sign that spring had come, while tung flowers greet visitors from all directions in summer, while the landscape celebrates autumn by suddenly erupting into a blanket of maple flowers. In winter, the forest is drenched in plum blossoms.

All of this beauty makes the area a paradise all year round, regardless of the season, said the deputy director.

Deep inside the forest, there is also a warm mineral spa, providing the ideal mineral water for visitors to relax after a long day.

These little dancing fireflies create a magical illusion in a completely natural setting of enchanted forests, which will surely be the experience of a lifetime in early spring. — Photo courtesy of Dongshi Forest Garden

The source, according to Zhang, was discovered at about 2,000m below the earth, with temperatures of 52^oC.

Today, the temperature is artificially reduced to 43^oC for tourists, said Zhang.

When staying overnight at the forest farm, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a performance of tea crushing and candy making by local residents. They will also hear stories about the history of local traditions.

When staying overnight at the forest farm, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a performance of tea crushing and candy making by local residents.

Famed for its picturesque scenery amidst a vibrant abundance of natural resources, Dongshi Forest Garden even has a physical training field and a hiking trail.

The farm is well equipped with BBQ pits, camping grounds, cottages, forest pool, horse riding course, orange farm, as well as the popular Mysterious Valley and Lover’s Valley.

Nicknamed the “Four Corners Forest” due to its lustrous greenery, the area, only about 8km from the Tungshih Towncentre, is home to more than 500 species of insects and 150 species of butterflies. — Photo courtesy of Dongshi Forest Garden

The facilities are laid out according to the age, gender and physique of visitors. Among these facilities are games, obstacle courses for the handicapped, artificial skiing lanes and more.

The area is a wonderful destination for family members of all ages. — VNS