Magnolia Garden in Nantou - Visiting Sun-Link-Sea Forest and Nature Resort

Travel Date: 2021/03/08

Sun-Link-Sea Forest and Nature Resort (杉林溪森林生態渡假園區)

We woke up early at 7 AM to make the drive from Shanhua, Tainan to ShanLinXi Forest Recreation Area in Nantou. It took us about 2.5 hours, and we arrived at 10 AM.

The entrance fee for adults is 250 NT, and children under 6 years old can enter for free. Additionally, there is a parking fee of 100 NT. The bus fare for the round trip to Songlong Waterfall is 80 NT. The trail is approximately 4 km long. During our visit last October, the waterfall was the main attraction. However, since it's cherry season now (although we weren't sure where exactly the cherry trees are located), we still took the bus to the waterfall. There was no water at this time, so visiting the Flower Center would be sufficient. Cherry trees grow along the river from the visitor center to the hotel area, spanning about 1 km.

Many people were wearing jackets even though it was 17 degrees Celsius. However, during sunny moments, it felt very comfortable without heavy clothing. On our way back, we decided to walk from the waterfall to the flower center, which was about 1 km away. We arrived around 11 AM, and the weather was still beautiful with a clear blue sky. We saw tulips in bloom, as well as magnolia trees and a few white and pink cherry trees. We took the bus back and made a stop near the hotel where the cherry trail begins. Unfortunately, it had become very foggy by that time, and there was no more sun at noon.

See also: ShanLinXi Maple Season

See also: ShanLinXi Cherry Blossom

See also: Songlong Rock Waterfall

Songlong Waterfall (松瀧岩瀑布)

The natural cave next to the waterfall is known as "Songlong Rock." It is primarily made of sandstone and has been shaped by thermal expansion and weathering. The flat top of the cave features inverted columnar stalactites. The combined effects of erosion, cutting, and water infiltration over the years have resulted in the formation of waterfalls, caves, river ditches, and rugged boulders. This creates a magnificent and picturesque landscape, earning Songlong Falls the title of "The First Scenery of Cedar Creek." Some parts of the uneven ceiling are home to swallows, and it is a spectacular sight to see the swallows flying in and around the cave.

Songlong Rock Waterfall is widely acclaimed as the "Best Scenery of Shan Lin Xi" due to its majestic and beautiful landscape. During the rainy season, the waterfall cascades, splashes, and thunders, creating countless breathtaking scenes and atmospheres.

Address:

1. Sun-Link-Sea Forest and Nature Resort: 557南投縣竹山鎮溪山路6號杉林溪森林生態渡假園區
2. Songlong Rock Waterfall: 557南投縣竹山鎮松瀧岩瀑布

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Chiayi Travel: Alishan ~ Magnolia Garden and Sisters Ponds

First time visiting Alishan and luckily it's cherry blossom season. Upon arriving at the national scenic area, we noticed there was also a magnolia garden. I was actually hoping to see some flowers, but when we searched before, those gardens were always located in the north of Taiwan. We didn't have much time to explore, only three hours. We visited the cherry garden, magnolia garden, sister ponds, and then returned to the parking area. Next time, we hope to stay overnight to witness the sunrise and visit the places we missed this time. The journey was really beautiful with a lot of cherry trees along the way.

One of the attractions in Alishan is the Sacred Tree, located at Shenmu Railway at an elevation of 2000 meters above sea level. Shenmu is said to be 3000 years old. This giant tree is surrounded by many other old trees and is considered one of the five must-see Alishan Sceneries. In this area, there are more than 36 notable giant trees that are 1000-2000 years old.

The tree is a red cypress and has been guarded by the Tsou people for generations. It stands 53 meters tall, making it the tallest tree in Taiwan. The trunk has a diameter of 4.66 meters and a circumference of 23 meters. In 1956, the tree was struck by lightning and suffered internal burning. In 1998, the Forestry Bureau decided to cut and lay the giant tree due to its slant. A pavilion was built alongside the sacred tree.

On the way to the sister ponds, there is also a Magnolia Garden. It was originally a sika deer garden that raised sika deer. Magnolia is known as "Dulan" because of the fragrance of its flowers, and "Mulan" because of the shape of the flowers. The park is home to many types of magnolia, including purple magnolia or Japanese Xinyi (white flowers).

Jiemei Lakes (Sister Lakes) are two ponds of different sizes that connect together. The ponds are known as the Elder Sister Pond and the Younger Sister Pond. The Elder Sister Pond has a size of 530 square meters, while the other one is 120 square meters. According to the story, two sisters from the Tsou tribe fell in love with the same man. They didn't want to ruin their sisterhood and couldn't have the man for themselves. The sisters decided to jump into the two ponds and end their lives.

The largest temple in Alishan is the Shouzhen Temple, also the highest altitude temple in Taiwan, located at 2150 meters above sea level. After its reconstruction in 1969, it became the most popular temple for locals. The temple is home to the God of Justice (Syuantian Emperor), God of Commerce (Fude God), and the Goddess of Fertility (Jhusheng Goddess). According to legend, every year on the third day of the third lunar month, a group of Alishan Kuciouluowun Moths lands and stays on the statues of the gods for 15 days.

See also: Alishan Cherry Blossom

Another place to visit are Jiemei Lakes (Sister Lakes). Those ponds are two different sized ponds which connects together. Those ponds are known as Elder Sister Pond and Younger Sister Pond. The Elder Sister Pond's size is 530 square meters, the other one 120 square meters. 

The story says that two sisters of Tsou tribe fell in love with the same man. They didn't want to ruin their sisterhood and wasn't able to have the man themselves. Sisters decider to jump into two ponds and end their lives. 

The largest Temple is Alishan is Shouzhen Temple. It's also the highest attitude Temple in Taiwan laying 2150 m above sea level. After reconstruction in 1969 it became the most popular Temple for locals. The Temple is a home to God of Justice (Syuantian Emperor), God of Commerce (Fude God) and the Goddess of Fertility (Jhusheng Goddess).

As it's said, every years on the March 3rd of lunar calendar a group of Alishan Kuciouluowun Moths lands and stays on the God's statue for 15 days. 

Address:

Alishan Visitor Center: 605嘉義縣阿里山鄉中正村東59號阿里山旅客服務中心

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