Taiwan1 dayGroup 1-7

Dongyanshan National Forest: Cedar & Conifer Day Loop from Taipei

A half-day forest circuit two hours south of Taipei, with 20km of connected trails through reforested conifer and broadleaf canopy.

Dongyanshan National Forest sits less than two hours south of Taipei, a reforested protected area now dominated by Japanese and Chinese cedars alongside broadleaf species—beech, oak, and Formosan rhododendrons. The thick canopy supports a distinct understory: Giant Elephant Ear taro, multiple fern species, and a substantial population of forest birds. Wildlife includes Formosan rock macaques, red-bellied squirrels, Formosan hares, and occasionally the rarely seen Taiwanese pangolin. Amphibians, reptiles, and smaller mammals are regularly spotted on the trails. This day tour moves from Taipei via private vehicle to the visitor center, where guests access restrooms, bilingual trail maps, and a small food vendor. The park offers multiple connected trails ranging from family-friendly Level 1 routes to more sustained Level 3 hikes, with an on-site restaurant serving set menus, hot drinks, and local snacks. A guide leads the outing and coordinates timing; guests retain flexibility over which trails to visit within the 10-hour window.

Highlights

Hike the Self-Guided Trail to the park's highest point at 1,212 meters
Spot Formosan rock macaques, red-bellied squirrels, and occasional Taiwanese pangolin in old-growth conifer forest
Twenty kilometers of connected trails, ranging from family-friendly Level 1 routes to sustained Level 3 ridgelines
Private round-trip transportation from central Taipei with schedule flexibility
Dongyanshan Restaurant: set menus and local fruit within the park boundaries

Day by day

1Taipei to Dongyanshan: Cedar Forest & Summit TrailsTaipei Main Station · Taipei basin toward Shida · Dongyanshan National Forest Visitor Center · Scenic Trail · Self-Guided Trail · Dongyanshan Restaurant · forest trails

The day begins with a private vehicle pickup from Taipei Main Station (or an alternative location of your choice) at 07:30, traveling south through the Taipei basin toward Shida. The route arrives at Dongyanshan National Forest Visitor Center by 09:30. The center occupies the upper portion of the vehicle parking area and houses two small interpretive rooms (primarily Chinese-language), a water-refill station, and a small vendor selling cold drinks, noodles, and light snacks. Washrooms are available on-site. From 09:30 onward, the day is yours to structure. Most guests begin with the Scenic Trail, a 3-kilometer return walk of mixed hard surface and loose gravel that winds through the cedar and broadleaf canopy. This Level 1 route requires no permit and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. From there, many continue to the Self-Guided Trail, a horseshoe-shaped 3.9-kilometer loop that reaches the park's highest elevation of 1,212 meters; beginners typically complete this in two hours, while experienced hikers cover it in one. Several smaller connecting trails throughout the forest allow for additional loops, depending on your pace and preference. Wildlife observation is consistent across all routes: watch for Formosan rock macaques moving through mid-story branches, red-bellied squirrels in the canopy, and the distinctive call patterns of forest birds. Frogs, toads, and snakes are common in damper areas near the trails. The Taiwanese pangolin, rarely seen, shelters in the forest floor—occasionally spotted in early morning or late afternoon. Mid-day, many guests rest at the Dongyanshan Restaurant (renovated in 2022), which offers several set menus, hot drinks—black tea and various coffees—and light snacks such as fresh local fruit and popsicles. Indoor seating accommodates approximately 30 people; shaded outdoor tables add another 20. The restaurant sits within 200 meters of washroom facilities. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. Departure from Dongyanshan Visitor Center is set for 15:45, with estimated arrival back at Taipei Main Station (or your alternative location) by 18:30. These times are subject to traffic and can be adjusted to suit your schedule within the 10-hour tour window. Should you wish to visit other destinations or extend time on specific trails, your guide can accommodate requests in coordination with return timing.

Included

Bilingual (Chinese/English) & experienced guide services
Private round-trip transportation from Taipei (Alternate pick up locations can be arranged)
Passenger Vehicle & NTD$3,000,000 Travel Agency Liability Insurance
Private LINE group with Taiwan Outdoors’ staff & guide (if applicable)

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 Dongyanshan National Forest
Additional Personal Travel Insurance