Escape to Sheipa Leisure Farm

People who are unable to bear the heat try to go to swimming pools or beaches. However, I would rather go to the high mountains to escape the heat wave. In Taiwan, mountains at a height of over 1,800-2,500 meters keep temperatures down to around 23-25 degrees by day and 14-16 degrees by night in the summertime.

Therefore, I decided to go to Sheipa Leisure Farm (雪覇休閒農場) near Gwanwu (觀霧) in Shei Pa National Park. According to the farm’s deputy director Fan Ci-min, his farm and Gwanwu were both very popular scenic resort destinations in Taiwan. However, a typhoon caused landslides and ruined the road three years ago, scaring away tourists. Now the road has been reopened, though its condition is not so good.

I took a medium-sized tour bus from Taipei out to the farm; the drive took about four hours. Since the farm is inside a special mountain area, a permit is required. Visitors should bring their ID card with them and fill out a mountain-entering application at a checkpoint near Tuchang (土場).

Though there were some landslides and the roads were narrow, winding and often steep, we finally arrived safely. The Sheipa Leisure Farm was established in 1975. At that time it was an orchard where apple, peach and pear trees were planted, covering a total area of 13 hectares.

About 13 years ago, the farm began transferring its operation from agriculture to tourism. The first step was to chop down some fruit trees, and replace them with accommodation facilities. At present, the farm is able to accommodate about 250 overnight visitors.

As the farm is in a high mountain resort, I could not feel the heat during my two-day-and-one-night trip there. Furthermore, green forests and mountains are all around you, allowing you to entirely enjoy the beautiful landscape and relax.

Kiwis and blueberries are two new types of fruit planted in recent years for visitors to pick. Blueberries are the seasonal fruit right now. My friends and I were allowed to enter the blueberry garden to pick them. The farm also offers a night class to teach visitors how to make blueberry jam.

The next morning, my friends and I woke up early to go hiking on the Yemakanshan Trail(野馬瞰山步道), near the farm. The entire trail goes through a fir forest. When making a trip to Sheipa Leisure Farm, you will regret it if you do not go on this trail. A fog rose into the forest, but didn’t stop us. In total, it takes about one hour to walk the trail.

Although the farm is an ideal place to get out of the summer heat, its beautiful forest and spectacular mountain views are actually suitable for vacationing throughout the year.

How to get there:

Sheipa Leisure Farm is nestled in a remote mountain resort in Hsinchu County and located 21.5 km from Daul Forestry Road (大鹿林道), and about 6.5 km from Gwanwu. There is no regular bus that goes there. Therefore, driving a car yourself or joining a tour group provided by Green Tour Co. are the two main ways to get there.

1. For visitors who drive themselves, firstly, you have to go the No. 2 Freeway and get off at the Zhudong (竹東) exit. Then, continue on to Zhudong Town, connect onto Road 122 to Wufeng and Cichuan, and then transfer to the Daul Forestry Road. Finally, you will find the farm’s entrance at the 21.5km mark. Visitors may call (03) 585-6192 or fax (03) 585-7182 to reserve a hotel room or obtain more information.

2. For visitors who wish to join Green Tour Co.’s tour group, you may call (02) 2703-4588 or fax (02) 2702-0422 for details.

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