From Sun Moon Lake, we travelled southwards to Xitou Nature Education Area (溪頭自然教育園區). A forest with diverse varieties of plants and the natural research ground for National Taiwan University students. Besides abundant in plant species, there’re plenty of wildlife resources, making it an excellent area for ecological education. Also a sanctuary for the nature lover and a popular destination for bird watching, leisure hiking, astronomy and summer getaway.

One of the highlights here is a 2,800 years old red cypress call the Sacred Tree (神木) which had survived three lightning strikes. But in order to reach the sacred one, we walked/ hiked for almost 2 km before we saw the oldest tree in the forest.

Another highlight is Skywalk, a 220 meters long canopy walkway which is 22.6 meters above ground (equivalent to seven storeys high). It’s also a nice experience to get a closer look at the canopy, plus the air up here is so refreshing.

An evening at Xitou Monster Village

The evening and dinner were spent at Xitou Monster Village (溪頭怪物村) located at the entrance of Xitou Nature Education Area. Xitou Monster Village is a Japanese style/ monster themed quaint village in the middle of a forest. The wooden huts house many stores selling funny-looking souvenirs and snacks.

Here’s the famous signboard of a monster with long sausage nose.

We were told that there will be more activities during the day where ‘monsters’ will roam around the village. We are probably not fated to meet the monsters after all LOL. The Monster Village in the evening is mostly people like us who have booked their accommodation stay in Xitou Nature Education Area.

We had a great tea session in this shop.

STAY: Xitou Education Center review

Ya I know, the name is kinda funny but rest assured we are not sleeping in some classrooms LOL. We stayed at the well-equipped and comfortable villas. Do take note that the Xitou Education Center accommodation is in a forest area so sighting of insects is common…but waking up to the fresh air deep in nature is one huge plus experience.

** Image credits: Xitou Education Center

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What are your thoughts about Xitou? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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