Forest Song: A Natural Feast at Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area

This trip to Taipei, I extended my itinerary to Taichung and arranged a day to visit the nature-filled Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area to experience the grandeur and tranquility of the forest. Early in the morning, I took the high-speed rail from Taipei to Taichung, then transferred to a bus heading to Basianshan in Heping District. The winding mountain road was surrounded by lush greenery, which was refreshing and invigorating. Upon arriving at Basianshan, the air was filled with the fresh scent of trees and soil, as if I had entered an isolated forest world. I chose the 'Forest Trail' suitable for a day trip, surrounded by towering cypress trees along the way. I passed the Basianshan Suspension Bridge, where I stood and looked down at the rushing stream, listening to the symphony of water and birdsong. Continuing on, I reached the 'Cypress Forest Area,' where many ancient trees, each telling its own historical story, stood. I touched the rough texture of the tree trunks, feeling the vitality of nature. At noon, I enjoyed a light lunch I had brought with me at the visitor center, with simple bread and fruit paired with fresh mountain spring water, which tasted exceptionally delicious. In the afternoon, I challenged myself with the slightly more difficult 'High Mountain Trail,' where I saw rich plant ecology and peculiar rock formations. The view gradually opened up, making me feel relaxed and at ease. In the evening, I strolled to the 'Observation Deck,' overlooking the layered mountain ranges in the distance, with the sunset casting a golden glow over the entire valley, breathtakingly beautiful. This day in the forest allowed me to completely relax my body and mind. At night, I returned to Taichung city to rest, recharging for the next day's itinerary in Taipei.