Lujiaokeng Ecological Protected Area
The Lujiaokeng Ecological Protected Area is located at the northern rim of Yangmingshan National Park and centered on the Lujiaokeng stream primal broadleaf forest area. The area spreads out to Mt. Zhuzi in the north, Macao Stream to the east, Mt. Xiaoguanyin in the west, and the northern edge of the Yangjin Highway to the south. The area covers about 1,474 hectares.
Natural resources are plentiful in the ecological protected area. Mammals found in this area include the Formosan macaque, Formosan gem-faced civet, Formosan hare, Formosan wild boar, Formosan red-bellied tree squirrel, Formosan mole, brown country rat, Niviventer coxingi, Formosan ferret-badger, etc. Among the forty species of resident and migratory birds in this area include crested serpent eagle, common kestrel, common kingfishers, white wagtail, black drongo, spotted-necked dove, brown shrike, collared scoops owl, brown thrush, etc. Butterflies and aquatic creatures: There over seventy species of butterflies and creeks aquatic life such as Onychostoma barbatula, Acrossocheilus paradoxus, shrimp and crabs. Twelve species of amphibians and twenty-four species of reptiles are also found. The area also contains rare plants such as Rhododendron hyperythrum, Flowering Dogwood, Deutzia cordatula and Maackia taiwanensis. Other plant species include Rhododendron oldhamii, red nanmu, Machilus kusanoi, Formosan sweet gum （Liquidambar formosana）, and Lagerstroemia subcostata. There are also many ferns, such as Cyathea mitteniana, Cibotium taiwanense, and Angiopteris lygodiifolia.
Assam indigo
Common tree-fern
Fragrant maple
Location and Access Routes
The Lujiaokeng Protected Area is open to nature-loving visitors from the checkpoint to Fenglin Waterfall. There is only one entrance/exit. Available routes include:
- Lujiaokeng Checkpoint→Fish ladder （to and from） （takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes）
- Lujiaokeng Checkpoint→Fish ladder→Fenglin Waterfall （to and from） （takes approximately 3 to 4 hours）
Route map
What you need to know before applying for entry:
Visitors wishing to enter the ecological protected area must apply three to thirty business days （not including holidays and weekends） before the desired date of entry through the Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters websitehttp://eip.ymsnp.gov.tw/apply/apply1/）
Rules and Regulations for the Mt. Huangzui Ecological Protected Area
- Applications are limited to a daily maximum of eight groups. Each group is to be comprised of 3 to 10 people. Visitors must be in groups of more than 3 （a minimum of two adults including the guide）. No more than 500 visitors per month may enter each area.
- Hours of operation are from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Due to the fact that weather in the mountains can change quickly, it is required that all visitors arrive and depart within park hours. Entry to the ecological protected area ends at 11:00 am （those who have applied to access the fish ladder trail may enter up till 2:00 pm）. After this time, entry passes will become invalid. Academic researchers should enter according to their allotted time slots.
- Designated group leaders （must be of legally stipulated age） shall personally lead their groups and be responsible for the safety of their group members. They must also make sure all group members respect the area’s rules and regulations.
- Team leaders should turn in the detachable portion of their permission letters to the mailbox at the checkpoint’s entrance.
- Children under the age of five may not enter. Out of concern for safety, the Park does not recommend that elderly visitors and those with disabilities apply for entrance. Those who intend to enter are responsible for their own safety and must be accompanied by a professional.