Located in the Nan Tou (南投) region, Xi Tou is home to National Taiwan University's Experimental Forest, which hosts an abundance of carefully maintained plants and wildlife. Admission to the forest is available to the public for about NT$250, and once inside, a number of hiking trails and walkways are present to allow visitors to see the park at their own leisure. After briefly consulting my map, I plotted my route for the afternoon and headed off for my first destination: University Pond.

The pond is at most a 15 minute walk from the park entrance, and is easily reached by following the well-marked footpath, which also showcases the richly varied plant life in the area along the way. Moreover, the dense foliage of the forest ensures that the trails are well shaded from the sun and it provides a comfortable, scenic environment for hiking along the winding path.

After a brief uphill climb, crossing a bridge that is constructed entirely from bamboo marks arrival at the pond. A popular destination among visitors, University Pond has a number of small pavilions ideal for resting or picnicking, providing a view of the mountain ranges on one side, and a view of the sky blue pond with its accompanying bamboo bridge on the other side.

Several other hiking trails also branch out from University Pond, leading to other points of interest such as the Skywalk, Shen Mu (神木) giant tree, or the Bamboo House (竹盧). The Shen Mu loop is a longer, more challenging uphill climb, but those who choose to follow the path are well rewarded at the end. The several hundred year old Shen Mu tree is a sight to behold, spanning several meters in diameter, and still standing despite having been split in two by lighting many years ago.

Another marvel of nature that appears nearby is a massive boulder that had tumbled down the mountain during a previous earthquake. Because the Shen Mu and giant stone are located at a higher altitude, the area also provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the nearby mountains and the vast expansiveness of the forest below.

The descending portion of the hike passes through another section of the forest, and the difference in ecosystems become apparent as tall and leafy trees are slowly replaced by thickets of bamboo. As the path winds down, a small house appears in the distance, and a closer inspection reveals that it is constructed entirely from bamboo.

A three hundred and sixty degree walk around the house provides a better view of the elaborate design and craftsmanship involved with its construction; with hundreds of bamboo trunks having been cut and fit so precisely, it's no wonder that this house was noted as a point of interest on the map.

Although not marked on the map, the abundance of wildlife in the forest is nevertheless fascinating and reveals itself throughout the entire hike, both audibly and visually. Several colorful species of butterflies can be seen flitting about from plant to plant, occasionally crossing paths with hikers.

In addition, the park houses many different types of birds, whose piercing songs reverberate in the forest and blend together to form a perpetually playing natural symphony. If the squirrels are feeling particularly friendly, it is possible to meet them eye to eye, or even catch a glimpse of their aerial acrobatics.

The dazzling array of flora and fauna, along with the large number of well marked hiking trails in the park ensures that no hiker will have to walk the same path or see the same thing twice during their visit to Xi Tou. There are plenty of sights to enjoy, and whether you're a nature enthusiast or just a weary cosmopolitan looking for a little rest and relaxation, Xi Tou is a place well worth visiting.