Take a stroll at the Butterfly Valley in the Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area
There are several trails in the park, each of different lengths and with different landscapes. Visitors can choose the one that suits them according to their physical strength and preference. Visitors can experience the pristine natural scenery and appreciate the diverse ecology of animals and plants.
Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area is in Ruisui Township, Hualien County; it has the largest camphor forest and virgin broadleaf forest in Taiwan. Because visitors can appreciate the natural ecology of butterflies, the park is better known by its nickname – the Butterfly Valley. It was formerly under the management of Hualien Forestry District Administration, Forestry Bureau, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan. Currently, a private company operates the service in the park. The entire park has been redesigned. The original hiking trails combine forest recreation areas, hot springs, and resorts. Nowadays, it has become a popular spot for hiking, sightseeing, and leisure.
Featuring Flowing River Melody and Camphor Forest Bathing
There are three trails in the area: the Main Trail, the Riverside Trail, and the Mountain Loop trail. The Riverside Trail is a good start. Take a deep breath in the primitive and dense forest to absorb phytoncides that relax the body and soul. Through the gaps between the leaves, you can see the Fuyuanxi (river) running water underneath the trail. The river water is clean and clear; that’s why people named it the “Baichuan (White River)” in the period under Japanese rule.
Walk upstream along the river; it’s a 40-minute walk to reach the fork that connects to the main trail. Visitors can keep going forward along the river until they see the Fuyuan Suspension Bridge. The suspension bridge with the wooden pavement is stable and safe. Visitors can enjoy the natural scenery around the bridge. They can see the sunlight causing the river to appear a blue-green gemstone luster. The giant white rocks are scattered among the valley, and the turquoise mountains are in the background. The magnificent natural beauty is a breathtaking landscape. The well-known Longyin Waterfall is at the second half-section of the trail. However, the typhoon in 2016 caused a mountain collapse. The path is under renovation, which may take 1–2 years before reopening to the public.
Observation of Flying Butterflies The Natural Ecology Classroom
The main trail is at the center of the park. Visitors can stroll in the Butterfly Area and see the collection of butterfly specimens in the museum. A close-up observation of beautiful butterflies is allowed in the area. It has educational value and is suitable for parents and children to visit together. The Mountain Loop Trail is challenging; it has long steep slopes and takes about 2 hours to complete the trip. Fewer people challenge this trail. It goes through the dense broadleaf forest. The landscape of sunlight falling through tree leaves is so beautiful. It’s an entirely different experience from the Riverside Trail.
Strolling along the trail, you will hear nature’s symphony played by insects and birds. You will also see little toads jumping in the bushes and all sorts of butterflies flying around. The best time to observe butterflies is between March and August. The park is rich in species of animals, plants, and insects. It is a Natural Ecology Classroom offering an insight into the mountain forests. Also, it’s a relaxing scenic spot for recreation and education.