New North City Manyueyuan Forest Recreation Area

     Situated in Yomu District of Sanxia Township in Taipei County, the hilly terrain of Manyueyuan (Full Moon) National Forest Recreation Area rises in elevation from northwest to southeast. This 1573-acre area ranges from 300 to 1700 meters above sea level. The winding Rueizai Creek, upstream of the Dabau River, humidifies the area. With a moist climate, summers that are cool and refreshing, and a mean annual temperature of 19.9oC, this area is an ideal place for outdoor activity.

     This area is notable for its sandstone shale, two faults and geologically young rivers. The steep valley creates a tremendous height difference of just 1000 meters less than 6 kilometers vertically. Since the steep landscape forms beautiful waterfalls upstream from the Rueizai Creek, this area is famous for these clusters of small waterfalls. On sunny days, sparkling water splashes and colorful rainbows form at the famous Manyueyuan and Chunu (Virgin) Waterfalls to create an ethereal atmosphere. During the rainy season, the roaring sound of moving water is riveting. Along the creek, each of the trails and the giant rocks beside the creek are all ideal places at which to stop. Like the Neidong area, Manyueyuan is famous for its phytocide- and anion-rich forest baths.

Manyueyuan Waterfall

    Manyueyuan Waterfall is located at the far end of the recreation area. The viewing platform there offers a clear view of the water as it makes its soft 20-meter descent. The view from the top is especially captivating.

Cryptomeria

    It is located on the right side of the middle section of the visitor center trail, full of pavilions and public toilets. It is the best forest bath for enjoying the finest and anions.

Manyueyuan Mountain

    From the visitor center and looked up, you can see the full moon like "Manyueyuan  Mountain", the mountain is the origin of the play area name.

Zheng Bai Shan to Manyueyuan Waterfall trail

    A total length of about 1,210 meters, along the Simian Creek Valley and walk about 30 minutes walk to the east full trail entrance, 50 minutes up to Manyueyuan Waterfall, in the middle can be east to meet the bridge, leading to the virgin waterfall. Along the way there are pavilions, picnic areas, landscape bridges, interpretation cards and other facilities, so you can fully experience the Manyueyuan beauty.

Chunu (Virgin) waterfall

    Chunu Waterfall can be reached by taking the Fitness Trail along the Rueizai River across the Manzu Bridge and continuing about 500 meters upward. During the rainy season, the silk-like water rushes down in a curtain from a height of eight stories. The splash of water stirs up a refreshing mist like a natural spa.

Self-guided Trail

    This 1,210-meter trail follows the Rueizai River through the forest along a relatively even path made of wood planks and stepping stones. The trail links with the Green Maple Corridor and stands of Cryptomeria and broadleaf trees. The birdsongs and forest scents that accompany you on the way add further to the invigorating experience of hiking the trail. There are guideposts at 16 points along the trail describing the forest ecology.

Ecological Description

    This area is densely covered with woods, such as planted Japanese Cedar, Formosan Incense-Cedar, Formosan Michelia, Primary Formosan Red Cypress, Red Bark Oak, Large-Leaf Nanmu and Landscaping Plants such as Cherry Blossoms. In addition, there are common tree ferns, Giant Elephant's Ears, and Formosan Sugar Palm along the trails and epiphyte-like Bird’s Nest Fern everywhere. Together, these plants make up views typical of subtropical creek forests. Gonocormus minutus, a special fern with only one layer of cells and no stoma, can be seen on damp rocks along the creek. The most charming view in Manyueyuan is of the spotted green maple forest. Every year from October until the following January, maple leaves turn from green to gold, then gradually to orange-red, starting at the hilltops. The red-leaf peak during autumn and winter is certainly one of the best views in northern Taiwan. This area is populated with many types of butterflies due to abundant food and nectar resources. There are 123 butterfly species in 9 families including the common jay, common blue bottle, Great Morrnon and Chinese Peacock (Papilio bianor). Besides butterflies, visitors can observe birds and frogs along the creek or on the self-guided trails. Varied Tit (Cyanistes varius) and Swinhoe’s frog are commonly spotted here.

    Manyueyuan is famous for its waterfalls, red maple leaves, and numerous butterflies. Especially with its pure creek, this area is a high quality recreation destination that allows for a variety of activities such as, sightseeing, butterfly-watching, birdwatching, taking in the maples, mountainclimbing, hiking, forest bathing, taking photos, painting, engaging in wilderness fitness activities, and playing eco-games. It is also the starting point of the hike to Bechatian Mountain, which transforms into a breathtaking golden world speckled with Taiwan beech in late autumn. For a trip immersed in both nature and culture, visitors can take a look at the Baroque buildings on the historic Sanxia street, carvings at the Sanxia Temple and watch blue dyeing in the community.