Dakeng

The Dakeng Scenic Area is a lovely illustration of Taiwan’s natural beauty and rich cultural legacy in Taichung City’s mountain Beitun District. In 1976, the Taichung City Government developed this large expanse. There are five villages in all: Minde, Dakeng, Dongshan, Minzheng, and Fuzi. Over 3,300 hectares are covered. Dakeng, with an elevation range of 112 to 859 meters, boasts a great variety of scenery that has earned it the moniker “Yangmingshan of Taichung City.”

Dakeng’s past is quite different, much as its scenery is. Originally living in the area, the Pingpu people later brought Hakka people who farmed the ground. The name “Dakeng” derives from the community developed in the broad valley. “Da” denotes “large”; “Keng” denotes “valley,” or “pit.” Originally known as Sanguangli, the area is today a transportation center under the name “Dakengkou,” also the name of the entrance to this lovely natural area.

The Japanese divided Dakeng into three fortified villages when they controlled it. Today these are Mindeli, Dakengli, and Dongshanli towns. Dakeng also started to grow tobacco among the first sites in Taiwan at this period. Though the tobacco business has disappeared, you can still find traces of the time in the form of well-preserved tobacco towers, which act as silent reminders of the farming past of the area.

Though the emphasis has shifted, the farming Dakeng began is still robust. These days, this area is well-known for producing plenty of lychees, pomelos, oncidium orchids, citrus fruits, bamboo shoots. These products not only boost the local economy but also enhance the beauty of the region, which is dotted with orchards and farms.

The Dakeng Scenic Area boasts really remarkable natural surroundings. Toulin Mountain is east; the Zhongxing Ridge in Xinshe District is to the north; Fuzikeng Creek is to the south; Dali Creek is to the west. It is included within the Range of Dakeng and Toulin Mountains. Six streams cross the space: Dakeng Creek, Zhuoshuikeng Creek, Qingshuikeng Creek, Hengkeng Creek, Beikeng Creek, and Fuzikeng Creek. These rivers not only help to define the terrain but also offer habitat for a great variety of flora and fauna.

One of the most amazing features of Dakeng is its over thirty species of deciduous trees. This variation creates an amazing display on par with Aowanda’s well-known fall foliage during the transition from dry to wet seasons. The vivid colors the changing leaves create on the landscape appeal to photographers as well as to nature enthusiasts. Dakeng is said to have the most natural feel among all Taichung City due to this natural occurrence and the general ecological integrity of the area.

Both literally and symbolically, the 1999 Dakeng earthquake left a legacy that will never fade. Running across the region, the Chelungpu fault underwent significant changes during this earthquake. Unexpectedly, the tectonic movements resulted in the discovery of hot springs, which increased Dakeng’s attraction to visitors. Since then, this natural spa feature has drawn popularity as a place for relaxation in the mineral-rich water.

For those who like to be active, Dakeng Scenic Area boasts a sizable system of hiking paths. There is something for everyone, regardless of personal taste or degree of fitness since there are now 12 trails totaling roughly 17,000 meters long. Trails 1 through 5 were planned and completed in 1981 by the Garden Research Office of National Chung Hsing University. Their side of the area is western. Designed with great care to mirror the mountains’ and streams’ natural forms, these paths provide hikers a whole experience of the surroundings.

Designed in 1990, trails 6 through 8 are simpler choices for those who wish to go easy while walking. Starting on Xiping Mountain, these paths lead to the meeting point between Tanzi District and Beitun District. From there, the area is clearly seen in great scale. The new Trails 9 and 10 expand the already existing network of paths, so providing even more opportunities for exploration.

The Dakeng Earthquake Memorial Park boasts a sizable population in the Dakeng Scenic Area. Built from the wreckage of Dongshan Junior High School and Jungong Elementary School, both severely damaged in the 921 earthquake, this moving memorial is The park preserves the remnants of the Chelungpu Fault Zone and the wrecked educational buildings. It serves both as a somber reminder of the power of nature and a teaching tool. Linked to Trail No. 9, the park is a popular spot for people to unwind and reflect because of its simple parking and modest degree of difficulty.

For those who wish to scale mountains, the Guanyin Mountain trail presents still another difficulty. The trailhead leading to the top of Southern Guanyin Mountain, sometimes known as Dakeng Guanyin Mountain, is located around the bend from the Dakeng Bridge on Kuozi Road. Ranked #042 on the list of the 100 Small Mountains in Taiwan, this peak—318 meters above sea level—offers hikers stunning views and a sense of achievement.

The Dakeng Scenic Area’s design and operation reflect a commitment to preserve natural beauty and provide simple access to let people enjoy. Renowned as a natural resource, the area was designated as the “Taichung City Dakeng Scenic Special Area” in 2014. It is under the authority of the Taichung City Government Tourism Bureau Scenic Area Management Office now. Their responsibility is to maintain the fine equilibrium between development and preservation.