Xitou Forest Recreation Area

Xitou Forest Recreation Area feels like a poetic whisper in the heart of the woods, where every trail seems to echo the rhythm of the forest's breath. This is not just a place for sightseeing but a natural education ritual that dances with time, allowing visitors to escape the hustle and bustle and share a moment of harmony with the trees and mist. I particularly love the experience of the canopy walkway, where you traverse the treetops of the cedar forest. Above, you are greeted with an unbroken view of the canopy, while below, the open space inspires awe rather than fear. This walkway is not just about height but an extension of perspective and perception. Then there's the University Pond, a serene body of water crossed by a bamboo bridge. Occasionally, morning mist drapes over the lake like a delicate veil, creating a romantic interplay between water and mountains, as if scattered souls are reflected in a mirror. The charm of Xitou lies in its "seasonal chapters"—in spring, the ginkgo forest slowly turns green; in autumn, golden leaves drift to the ground. Though the sacred tree has fallen, the spirit of the ancient forest lives on through new growth, continuing its millennia-old legacy. This is not merely a forest bath but a profound dialogue with nature, time, and the rhythm of life.