Taiwan Hsinchu | 2-Day Hsinchu Tour | Smangus Giant Tree Forest Hike & Cinsbu Church & Secret Waterfall | Depart from Hsinchu
- Visit Smangus, known as the 'God's Tribe,' for an in-depth experience of Atayal culture.
- Hike through the Smangus Giant Tree Forest to witness the spectacular and sacred forest landscape of ancient red cypress trees and enjoy the baptism of nature.
- Visit this paradise-like tribe to appreciate its natural ecology, ancient architecture, and historical background.
- The Smangus cherry blossom season is expected to be in February, and the Cinsbu cherry blossom season is expected from late February to late March. Actual blooming conditions depend on the weather.
- The peach season is expected from mid-June to mid-August, and the maple season is in December. Actual conditions depend on the weather.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Forest bathing, Eco-tourism, Hiking |
| Transport | Charter car, Walking |
Product Info
- Itinerary Introduction -
- Smangus
Located in a misty region in the northeast corner of Taiwan at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters, Smangus is known as the 'God's Tribe'. The area is famous throughout the province for its giant red cypress forest. It takes about two hours to walk from the tribe to the primeval forest. Upon reaching the giant red cypress forest, you can see the 'Old Master' giant tree, which is about 2,500 years old, 20.5 meters in circumference, and about 35 meters tall. Its most distinctive feature is its 'human' (人) shaped trunk. The discovery of the giant tree forest has attracted many visitors and it has become the Furusato of cypress trees.
- Xinguang Tribe
Located in Neighborhood 8, Xiuluan Village, Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County, at an altitude of 1,670 meters, this is an Atayal tribe whose residents migrated from the Ruiyan Tribe in Faxiang Village, Ren'ai Township, Nantou County. Its original name was Smangus, but to avoid confusion with the homonymous Smangus, the household registration office renamed it Xinguang Tribe. There are 50 households with about 250 to 300 residents.
- Cinsbu Church
At an altitude of about 1,700 meters, the church is a Christian church built brick by brick by the Atayal people with their own hands. The breathtaking architecture embodies the life wisdom and faith of the Atayal people. The church also offers an excellent view, overlooking the town of Cinsbu, symbolizing the protection of the small town.
- Xiuluan Junjianyan Suspension Bridge
This giant rock stands quietly in the deep pool at the bottom of the stream like a warship. Every autumn, the mountains full of maple forests attract many photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty unique to this season. Listening to the natural melodies echoing in the valley, the chirping of insects and birds, the lush green sea of trees, and the mottled red leaves, travelers standing here are reluctant to leave.
- Accommodation Information -
- Ri Ri Chun Homestay, Silike Homestay; if fully booked, other homestays of the same grade will be provided.
- Homestays cannot be specified and will be arranged by staff.
- Some homestays do not provide meals, so you may need to walk to nearby homestays for dining.
Yulao Observation Deck
Simakus Giant Trees
Simakusi Bamboo Forest Scenery
Town West Castle Church
Xiulan Gunkanyan Suspension Bridge
Battleship Rock
Purchase Notice
- Children under 3 years old do not occupy beds, meals or tickets. Please indicate the number of children traveling with you in the order.
- If you have special dietary needs (such as not eating meat or seafood, etc.), please make a note when placing an order.
- For vegetarians, we can only provide ovo-lacto vegetarian food, but not vegan food. Please place your order if you find it acceptable.
- The second day's itinerary is at Zhenxibao Forest Elementary School. Due to the epidemic and the fact that the elementary school has started, we will change the tour to the outer area on weekdays. We can only enter and visit on holidays. Please be advised
- The temperature in Simakus is relatively low from November to March of the following year. Travelers who are afraid of cold can prepare sleeping bags or blankets when going to the mountains.
Reminders
A minimum of 6 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 10 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 2 day(s) before departure (local time 00:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please wear a thick or thin coat, light clothing, and cloth shoes (hiking shoes are recommended) depending on the weather conditions.
The property does not provide disposable toiletries. Please bring your own bath towel, towel, shower gel, shampoo, facial cleanser, toothbrush, toothpaste, and slippers.
Please bring trekking poles, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, water bottle, umbrella (or light raincoat), personal items, and medicines.
FAQ
1. Approximately how long does it take to complete the round trip to the Smangus Giant Trees Trail?
The round trip hike from the tribal entrance to the Smangus Giant Trees Trail takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. The trail is about 10.4 kilometers long, rich in diverse ecosystems, and is best enjoyed with half a day to slowly appreciate the magnificent scenery of the thousand-year-old red cypress giants.
2. What is the difficulty level of the Smangus Giant Trees Trail and who is it suitable for?
The Smangus Giant Trees Trail is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty. The path is mostly natural mountain terrain, with some flatter sections but also some inclines and slippery spots. Visitors with basic hiking fitness are recommended. Family groups with children can also visit, but it's important to monitor the children's stamina. Wearing comfortable hiking shoes and light clothing will enhance the experience.
3. What is the best season to visit Smangus?
Smangus offers different charms throughout the year. If you wish to see cherry blossoms, February is the prime time. The plum season runs from mid-June to mid-August, and December is ideal for admiring beautiful maple leaves. To avoid the typhoon season, spring or autumn usually have pleasant weather and are the most popular travel seasons.
4. Around which month can the maple leaves in Smangus village be seen?
The maple viewing season in Smangus village primarily falls in December each year. At this time, the entire village and surrounding mountains will be adorned with beautiful red and yellow hues, presenting a charming autumn atmosphere. It's a must-visit time for photography and nature enthusiasts.
5. What are the main featured giant trees in the Smangus Giant Trees cluster?
The Smangus Giant Trees cluster is renowned for its abundant thousand-year-old red cypress giants, the most famous among them being the 'Great Lord' (Da Lao Ye) tree. This cluster is one of Taiwan's most intact red cypress forests. The towering giants exude a sacred and magnificent aura, allowing visitors to deeply feel nature's baptism and experience the vitality and grandeur of the primeval forest.
6. How can I get to Smangus village? Are there public transportation or tour options?
The journey to Smangus village is quite remote with winding mountain roads, so self-driving requires special attention to road conditions and traffic control. If you wish to avoid transportation planning hassles, you can opt for professional package tours. For instance, booking through platforms like KKday often includes shuttle services from designated meeting points like Hsinchu High-Speed Rail Station, making your journey more relaxed, safe, and allowing for a deeper experience of the village's charm.
7. How many days are recommended for a sufficient itinerary to explore Smangus village and its surrounding attractions?
As Smangus village is situated in a remote location and the hike to the giant trees trail requires a considerable amount of time, plus there are other attractions like the Cinsinhpu Church to explore, a minimum of a two-day, one-night trip is recommended. This allows ample time to deeply experience the Atayal tribal culture, admire the grandeur of the giant trees, and feel the tranquility of the secluded mountain forest, avoiding a rushed itinerary.
8. Besides the Smangus Giant Trees cluster, what other unique attractions are worth visiting in the area?
Besides the spectacular Smangus Giant Trees cluster, there are other unique attractions worth exploring. You can visit the Cinsinhpu Church with its distinctive architectural style, experiencing its simplicity and sacredness. Additionally, a hidden waterfall is a popular spot, but it is currently closed due to repair work. If repairs are not yet complete, the itinerary might be adjusted to visit the North Gate Suspension Bridge instead. These sites offer a more comprehensive experience of the region's natural and cultural landscape.
