Jianshih Township

Smangus – a secluded paradise worth the long journey. Despite the distance, all fatigue vanishes the moment you enter the village. The mountain air is fresh, and the mist-shrouded mountain scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, making it one of Taiwan's most beautiful villages. The Sacred Tree Trail is easy to hike, offering unique views from bamboo forests, valleys, and scree slopes. The thousand-year-old red cypress at the end is truly awe-inspiring; standing before this 2,500-year-old tree evokes a sense of insignificance. The must-try is the roasted wild boar set meal! The meat is tender, fragrant with charcoal, and the flavor is authentic, doubly delicious with the fresh mountain air. The portion is generous, leaving you completely satisfied. We recommend staying overnight to experience the tranquil starry sky of the village and immerse yourself in the culture and hospitality of the Atayal people. I'll definitely come back!

We got up early in the dark, and our driver was incredibly skilled, driving smoothly and effortlessly. The weather was perfect; even though it was the tail end of the cherry blossom season, we still managed to see calla lilies, camellias, and rapeseed flowers in addition to the cherry blossoms. The journey is long, and there's only a small vendor's stall and one restaurant on the mountain, so we recommend bringing your own food. Since this is a group tour, we urge everyone to be punctual and avoid inconveniencing others!

I was lucky enough to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom when I went up the mountain, they were absolutely gorgeous. This solo trip completely solved my transportation problems. The guide and driver's humorous and engaging explanations of Simangusi along the way helped us better understand the culture and history of the Atayal people, which was fantastic. There were a total of eight nine-seater vehicles going up the mountain, staying at three or four different guesthouses. The locations for dinner and breakfast weren't clearly explained, so tourists had to ask around. I stayed at Ri Ri Chun Guesthouse, and I found the room cleanliness and comfort to be satisfactory. The meals were more like simple, home-style dishes from the countryside, which was acceptable considering the limited food resources on the mountain. Unfortunately, it was foggy when I went to the Yu Lao viewpoint, so I couldn't see anything at all. Highly recommended, I would definitely return.

The actual experience is that it's suitable for families and friends to visit together. The walking path isn't too strenuous, making it suitable for the elderly and children. Upon entering, staff will explain the environment, the location of the trails, and where to board the vehicle. The shuttle bus service is great.