Built in 1969, Yangmingshuwu was once a summer home and where VIPs were received by former President Chiang Kai-shek. Today, it is one of the important cultural and historical sites of Yangmingshan National Park, featuring both natural and human history. It is an intellectual and sentimental recreational site.
Zhuzihu was originally a lava-dammed lake with large amounts of water. Later on, water escaped through the bottom of the lake basin and the lake eventually dried up. Early settlers cleared the surrounding land to gradually form the current terraced rice paddies. From here, visitors can enjoy views of the pine and bamboo forest and flowers (such as calla lilies), seedlings, and vegetables cultivated by local farmers. Passing through the Zhuzihu community, visitors will see the cherry trees and Formosa Sweet Gum (Liquidambar formosana Hance) planted along the industrial road, which leads to the Mt. Zhongzheng trailhead. Glimpses of Mt. Qixing, Mt. Shamao, and the Taipei metropolitan area can be seen off and on along the road. Because of the lack of vehicles and the beautiful views, visitors frequently come here for outings and to enjoy a leisurely time.
Pedestrian Trail Lot
Get on 108 park bus at the Yangmingshan main bus terminal
Strigidae family. Spread throughout mid- and low altitude regions. Rests on branches with dense foliage during the day and becomes active after dusk. Has excellent protective coloration. These owls have sharp beaks and strong claws, and they mainly feed on small animals. They are able to locate prey with their heightened hearing senses.
The Taiwanese blue magpie is a species that is endemic to Taiwan. This ferocious omnivore will attack other birds. The magpie will steadfastly defend and protect its family members. The Taiwanese blue magpies are gregarious birds. Close relatives of breeding pairs that have not yet bred themselves will help the pairs raise, watch over, and defend their chicks. This species exhibits strong nest defense behaviors and are ruthless against intruders.
The most commonly seen wild animal in the forest, the squirrel has a brown body and a distinctive red-brown stomach. They can be seen climbing up tree trunks or prancing among the branches with their bushy gray tails in regions at sea level as well as in the central mountain range up to an altitude of 2,000 meters.
Latin name: Acacia confusa Merr. Many people mistake the “fake” leaves of the Taiwan acacia for its real leaves. Real leaves can only be seen when the tree is young, and there are normally only one or two leaves. They are quickly replaced by the needle-like fake leaves. Flowering season is from April to May. When in bloom, the entire tree is filled with beautiful golden flowers.
Latin name: Viburnum odoratissimum Ker The sweet viburnum is an evergreen shrub with a smooth bark and oppositely arranged branches. Young branches are red and slightly hairy. After lignification, the hairs fall off the tree is an excellent ornamental for gardens. Fruits are edible and attract birds. Flowering season is from February to April.
Latin name: Liquidambar formosana Hance The fragrant maple is the most important tree species on Mt. Zhongzheng. It is a large deciduous tree belonging to the family Hamamelidaceae. The fragrant maple has a straight trunk, gray-brown bark and single palm-shaped leaves. Flowering season is from February to March. They are often cultivated along streets as shade trees.
Latin name: Euscaphis japonica (Thunb.) Kanitz Japanese euscaohis is scattered about the Datun Volcano Group and prefers the border of forests and along footpaths. In autumn when the fruit ripen, the red fruit splits open to reveal the adorable black seeds inside. The glossy and leathery leaves are hypanthium. In the winter they turn from a lush green to yellow and fall leaf by leaf.