Daxueshan National Forest: Xiaoxueshan Trail Thru-Hike — 1 Day
15km thru-hike through Taiwan's alpine conifer forest, 2,000m elevation, with private transportation from Taichung
Daxueshan National Forest sits two hours west of Taichung, beyond the reach of public transit and rarely visited as a thru-hike due to the logistics of accessing both trailheads. This day trip solves that constraint: private drop-off at the park's northern entrance and pickup at the Visitor Center eliminate the need for two vehicles or a second driver. The Xiaoxueshan National Trail descends 15 kilometers through protected alpine terrain, dropping from the upper forest down to the Visitor Center over five to six hours. The route is well-maintained and clearly marked, though elevation above 2,000 meters and distance combine to demand steady fitness. The protected area is known for bird diversity—among Taiwan's premier birding destinations—and wildlife sightings of deer, wild boar, and butterflies are common. Transportation, a bilingual guide, and liability insurance are included; the forest admission fee is separate.
Highlights
- Thru-hike the Xiaoxueshan National Trail, a 15km descent through Taiwan's alpine conifer forest above 2,000m elevation
- Taiwan's top birding destination, with regular sightings of endemic species and opportunities to observe deer, wild boar, and butterflies
- Private round-trip transportation from Taichung High-Speed Station eliminates the logistical barrier that makes this route rarely completed as a thru-hike
- Well-maintained, clearly signed trail requiring moderate-to-strong fitness over five to six hours of hiking
Day by day
1Xiaoxueshan National Trail to Daxueshan Visitor CenterXiaoxueshan National Trail · Taichung High-Speed Station · Daxueshan National Forest · Daxueshan Visitor Centre
Where you go
- 1Xiaoxueshan National Trail
- 2Taichung High-Speed Station
Included
- Bilingual (Chinese/English) & experienced mountain guide services
- Private round-trip transportation from Taipei (Alternate pick up locations can be arranged. Additional costs may apply.)
- Passenger Vehicle & TWD$3,000,000 Travel Agency Liability Insurance
- National Forest Parking Fee for vehicle
- Private LINE group with guide/ Taiwan Outdoors’ staff
Not included
- What is not included
- Flights
- Airport transfers (Available upon request. Additional costs apply)
- Drinks and meals
- Additional stops at attractions or souvenir shops
- Admission into Daxueshan National Forest
- Additional Personal Travel Insurance