TAIWAN – What could be more special than embarking on a long trekking journey for your upcoming trip to Taiwan? Renowned for its majestic mountains, Taiwan always captivates travelers seeking new and adventurous experiences, especially those keen on conquering famous peaks like Sun-Link-Sea. Let’s delve into what makes this mountain range so captivating!
Overview of Sun-Link-Sea Mountains
Known for its high-altitude terrain, with peaks ranging from 1600 to 1800 meters, Sun-Link-Sea is part of the scenic Lugu Xitou route in Southern Taiwan, a branch of the Alishan mountain range, approximately 17 km from the Xitou Forest Recreation Area. With such elevation, coupled with year-round misty virgin forests, ever-changing landscapes, and a comfortable average summer temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, Sun-Link-Sea has become one of Taiwan’s most beautiful forested areas.
Despite being a popular tourist destination, the scenery here has largely retained its pristine beauty. Sun-Link-Sea offers numerous famous attractions, including the Songlong Cave, Qinglong Waterfall, ancient Taiwan red cypress forest, Shanlinxi Lake, Juying Village, and many other scenic spots. You can visit Sun-Link-Sea for mountain climbing, long walks, outdoor activities, and to savor the fresh air in this enchanting location.
Best Time to Visit Sun-Link-Sea Mountains
Sun-Link-Sea boasts blooming flowers throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for any season. Cherry blossoms, red cypress, tulips, bellflowers, and peonies create vibrant displays in spring. In summer, you can witness blooming everlasting daisies and globe amaranths. From October to December, thousands of maple trees in the forest change their leaves, creating a unique and fairytale-like scene.
Must-Visit Attractions in Sun-Link-Sea Mountains
Songlong Waterfall
Visiting Sun-Link-Sea allows you to witness mesmerizing natural beauty, and Songlong Waterfall is among the most famous attractions. The waterfall cascades from a height, creating a spectacular and dreamy scene with its foaming white water. It is often referred to as the “first scene of the snow pine forest.”
Songlong Cave
Situated right next to the waterfall, Songlong Cave is a natural cave formed by calcareous rocks – a type of rock created through temperature expansion and weathering over millions of years. The process of weathering, millions of years in the making, has resulted in a waterfall within the cave, with rugged rock formations. Upon entering the cave, you will be able to marvel at slanting rock formations cascading downwards, creating a remarkable sight.
When you visit, you might be fortunate enough to encounter wild monkeys drinking water by the river on Sun-Link-Sea mountain. The best time to visit is in the morning since by the afternoon, the mountain is often covered with mist and clouds, which can affect your overall experience.
Tian-ti Yen – Eyes of the Sky and Earth
Deep within a rocky wall, Tian-ti Yen consists of two circular holes resembling eyes, with a living space in between resembling a nose. The widths of these two openings are 8 meters and 6 meters, formed naturally over time. According to legend, one eye, Tian Yen, can see through human hearts, while the other, Di Yen, can reflect all things in life. Visiting here may bring comfort and encouragement.
Ancient Taiwanese Red Cypress Tree
The ancient Taiwanese red cypress tree in Sun-Link-Sea is approximately 4000 years old, with a trunk so massive that it takes 12 men with outstretched arms to encircle it. Remarkably, despite sustaining damage during a landslide triggered by the 1999 Ji-ji earthquake, the hollow trunk has not been exploited (as hollow trunks are considered worthless) and has withstood the elements to this day.
99 Suspension Bridge
The 99 Suspension Bridge in Sun-Link-Sea spans Jiazouliao Xi to Tian ti Yen, offering an ideal vantage point to admire Songlong Waterfall from a distance. You can also descend beneath the bridge to observe fish and discover coral hidden beneath the clear water.
Thuy Sam Fir Forest Changing Leaves
During autumn and winter, you can visit Sun-Link-Sea to witness the changing leaves of the Thuy Sam fir forest. The leaves transition from dark green to light yellow and eventually to orange. Thuy Sam fir trees resemble Taiwanese red cypress trees but with opposing leaf arrangements, while red cypress leaves spiral around branches.
Sun-Link-Sea Mountain Trekking
From the summit of Sun-Link-Sea, you can gaze out over lush bamboo forests and majestic waterfalls. This destination not only offers stunning mountain ranges but is also a favorite spot for long-distance trekking enthusiasts. Are you ready for a journey through green bamboo forests, under the sun and wind? If your trip allows, you can embark on a 3-day trek from Sun-Link-Sea to the Alishan mountain.
Given its popularity, Sun-Link-Sea provides various accompanying services such as restaurants, hotels, resorts, and souvenir shops. If you yearn to immerse yourself in a serene natural environment, away from the hustle and bustle of life, this is the perfect destination for you!
A weekend getaway to Sun-Link-Sea will undoubtedly add an extra layer of excitement to your exploration of Taiwan. With the information provided about Sun-Link-Sea, hopefully, you’ve gathered interesting points for your upcoming journey!
