Tianjhong Forest Park — suitable for all kinds of visitors

From Changhua (彰化) in the north to Ershuei (二水) in the south, the entire area is shot through with landmarks, theme parks, cycle routes and hiking paths. It’s a beautiful area, and I’ve been taking the time to explore just a little of what’s on offer. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the Tianjhong Forest Park (田中森林公園).

Baguashan is not a very tall mountain; in fact, it’s not really a mountain at all. The highest point stands at a meager 440 meters, and Tianjhong Forest Park doesn’t even get as high as that. That slight shortcoming aside, the park seems to have it all; it’s very pretty, it has great views, and, over its course, you walk through a range of different types of vegetation. The path is also suitable for regular hikers, occasional walkers, or those just out for a breath of fresh air.

As you set out from the car park, you snake your way up and over the first of a series of hills. The route is undulating enough to give experienced hikers a good workout, but doesn’t have any of the steep climbs that might deter less frequent walkers.

The slopes and valleys make for a picturesque trail, and after a few hundred meters you begin to get glimpses of the Great Changhua Plain. The view is marvelous, and from up high, looking down on the green paddy fields below, it’s easy to see why the area has been dubbed, “Taiwan’s major granary.”

Carry on walking and you’ll start to see signs for the Tea Trail. This is my favorite part of the route, and it is perhaps the prettiest path I’ve ever been on. The tea plants are so well-groomed and neatly lined that they look more like the box hedges found in the gardens of European manor houses. Their rich green color contrasts wonderfully with the orange earth and almost purple leaves of young pineapple plants.

Coming here is like taking a step back to a more simple time. There is a small village comprised of single-story red-brick houses, complete with courtyards and perimeter walls. I’m not sure what it is about buildings like these — the attraction of other, more elaborate structures seems to fade over time, but I still cannot find these little houses anything other than extremely charming.

When your senses have had their fill, there’s nothing left but to return home a happier and more carefree soul.

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