Fongshan - natural beauty behind mountains

Near the trail rest pavilion visitors can also catch sight of the tung trees — an ice age relic whose large serrated leaves make a welcome parasol. With a bit of luck you might find some Japalura makii lizards playing hide-and-seek on the trunks of the trees, its body changing color from shiny green to speckled green and black, and then to dark brown.

The second stop was the Tianyungu (天雲谷) Waterfall, which drops dramatically over a high sheer cliff. The fall is fed by the Yaorenmao River, a tributary of the Shihgupan. To its side is a small flower garden, as well as a kitchen in a pavilion that can prepare lunch and barbecue for visitors. Liu said the Alishan National Scenic Area Administration has developed a new 2,276-meter wood planked trail to the waterfall. Unfortunately, since March is a drought period, the waterfall was very small at the time.

On our way back to Liu’s hostel, we visited the Landslide Memorial Park (土石流紀念公園), which is a jaw-dropping sight. This is Taiwan’s first landslide-themed park. It was built by the Alishan National Scenic Area Administration on a 20-hectare site struck by two major landslides.

The first occurred a century ago and the other was triggered by a massive earthquake on Sept. 21, 1999. Today, this area serves as an outdoor classroom for learning about geology and the power of nature. In addition, the Fongshan Viewing Platform (豐山觀景台) is a must-visit spot while traveling in the village. There is newly established homestay named “Viewing Homestay” and a coffee shop at the viewing platform. The homestay owner, Hsu Ming-yueh, told me that his platform is the best place to view the whole Fongshan village and also the majestic confluence of the Cingshuei, Gankeng and Shihgupan rivers.

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