Yilan｜Mingchi Forest Recreation Area

📍Address No. 1, Mingchi Villa, Datong Township, Yilan County, 267 👉 Located in Datong Township, Yilan County, at the intersection of Taiwan Provincial Highway 7 (Northern Cross-Island Highway), this alpine forest park is managed by the Luodong Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau. It is known as the "Pearl of the Northern Cross-Island Highway." ⸻ 🕒Opening Hours Daily: 08:00–17:00 • Last entry at 16:00 • Ticket prices: Full ticket NT$120, Half ticket NT$80 (discounts for students, seniors, military, and police) • Tickets can be offset if staying at Mingchi Villa within the park ⸻ 🚍Transportation ✅ From Yilan City/Ruifang: 1. 🚗 Driving (Highly recommended): • Depart from Luodong, follow Taiwan Provincial Highway 7 (Northern Cross-Island Highway) through Sanxing and Qilan, and continue straight to Mingchi. The drive takes about 2 hours. • The road is winding but offers beautiful scenery, making it ideal for pairing with a day trip to Qilan Sacred Trees Garden. 2. 🚌 Tourist Shuttle Bus (Weekends only): • Some tourist buses from Yilan Transfer Station or Luodong Transfer Station provide shuttle services to Mingchi. It is recommended to book in advance or check official information. 3. Private Car/Group Tours: • Suitable for groups or those unable to drive. One-day tours from the city often include stops at Qilan Sacred Trees Garden and Taipingshan Forest Recreation Area. ⸻ ✅Reasons to Visit • Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,150 meters, the area is cool year-round and is often referred to as **"Taiwan's Little Switzerland."** The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. • The park features the dreamy "Mingchi Lake," a Metasequoia Trail, a Maple Viewing Platform, and a Forest Chapel, making it perfect for photography, meditation, and romantic strolls. • It is a key destination for Northern Cross-Island mountain tourism, offering well-maintained facilities and a tranquil environment. • Ideal for summer escapes, autumn maple viewing, winter misty landscapes, and spring blossoms, making it a year-round attraction. • Suitable for families, couples, seniors, and travelers who love forest bathing and ecological exploration.