Poetic and pictorial splendor - wander in the rich nature and culture.

Emei Lake Lakeshore Trail

Lion's Head Mountain Scenic Area encompasses the townships of Zhudong, Beipu, Emi in Hsinchu County and the townships of Sanwan and Nanzhuang in Miaoli County. This region covers an area of 24,221 hectares and is divided into Shishan and Nanzhuang recreational systems. It is called Lion's Head Mountain because from the right angle it looks like a bust of the king of the beasts. The 'lion's head' is located in Nanzhuang Township in Miaoli County while the 'lion's tail' in Emei Township in Hsinchu. It is rich in natural and ecological recourses as well as notable cultural attractions, including temples and historical artifacts of the Hakka people.

The mountain is peaceful and has many walking trails connected with each other inside the area. There is the famous Lion's Head Mountain Historic Trail as well as the Wuzhishan Hiking Trail with endless peaks. The Emei Lake Shore Trail has an astonishing lakeside view, while the Tongjing Forest Trail is full of romantic Tung blossoms. The Fish Watching Trail is located in Penglai River Ecology Park, and the Jialishan Trail wanders through giant trees with their branches reaching toward the sky. There are rich natural landscapes providing great hiking choices for visitors.

Lion's Head Mountain is also famous for being home to many Buddhist monasteries and retreats. The mountain is riddled with caves, and many of the Buddhist temples and retreats were built originally inside the caves since Japanese-occupied period. The mountain is riddled with caves, and many of the Buddhist temples and retreats were built originally inside the caves since Japanese-occupied period. The integration of ancient temples and natural scenery along the Lion's Head  Mountain is not only the ancestral home for Ataayal and Sasiyat people but also the settled area for Hakka people. Several centuries' racial integration has established diverse cultural aspects.

Visitors are able to experience Hakka people's hospitality once they walk into bustling Beipu Old Street or Nanzhuang Old Street Old Street. In addition to the mouth-watering Hakka dishes, visitors can also take a tour to explore national historic monuments-Jingguangfu House and Tianshui Hall; and county monuments-Jiang A-xin Residence and Citian Temple. There are also Museum of Saisiat Folklore and Walu Industrial Culture Center near Shiantian Lake for visitors to explore aboriginal culture or visit aboriginal tribal villages.

Instead of having delicious Hakka cuisines and trout feasts, visitors must not miss other local specialties, such as pears, persimmons, dried persimmons, Makino bamboos, tankan, and shitake mushrooms. Do not forget to bring some gifts like Oriental Beauty Tea, sweet osmanth ,and tea baked eggs home.