Yuanshan Township is a scenic pocket of Taiwan where you’ll find lush forests, picturesque lakes and one of the biggest botanical gardens in Asia. The township is set at the foot of snow-capped Shiashan Mountain, which is not only beautiful but also provides spring water for a world-famous Taiwanese whiskey distillery.
Things to do in Yuanshan Township
Discover more than 700 tree species at Fushan Botanical Garden, a living museum operated by the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute. It’s one of the largest botanical gardens in Asia and is set at the foot of snow-capped Shiashan Mountain. A 20-kilometre-long walking trail winds through the park and takes you past the most beautiful areas.
Guided tours take you behind the scenes of Kavalan Distillery. As you tour the factory, you’ll learn about how the famous single malt Taiwanese whiskey is made using spring water sourced from nearby Shiashan Mountain. In the tasting room, you’ll see how the smooth and creamy flavour the ultra-pure spring water lends to the whiskey.
Escape to the Wanglongpi scenic area and enjoy a relaxing day by the lake. There’s no need to pack a picnic, as local food vendors will tempt you with Taiwanese classics like vermicelli noodle soup, scallion pancakes and oyster buns. Stretch your legs on the scenic waterfront trails and snap photos on the picturesque wooden bridges. Neighbouring Longtan Lake is another tranquil area with an inviting grassy foreshore and waterfront walking trails.
Getting around Yuanshan Township
Taxis are an easy and affordable way to get around Yuanshan Township, while local buses are also a good way to get from A to B. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Yuanshan Township at your own pace. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is a two-hour drive away.