Sprawling south of Luodong, Dongshan Township is a largely rural district on Taiwan’s north-east coast. It’s particularly famed for its cultivation of tea and pomelo fruits and home to leisure farms, lakes and gardens that celebrate the region’s natural beauty.
Things to do in Dongshan Township
Spend a day relaxing on the shores of Meihua Lake, which is named after its resemblance to a plum blossom. Surrounded by verdant mountains home to Formosan rock macaques, it is an idyllic setting for hiking and cycling, with a suspension bridge connecting to the small island at its centre. Pottery-making workshops are offered at the nearby Meihua Lake Leisure Farm.
Also in Dongshan Township is the Shangri-La Leisure Farm, which was established by Zheng Qing-laio as a simple fruit orchard. It has since grown to become an important hub for ecological education and the preservation of folk traditions, with cultural activities held here throughout the year. In addition to picking seasonal fruits and vegetables, you can stretch your legs on one of the forested trails while keeping your eyes peeled for tree frogs and butterflies.
Green thumbs shouldn’t miss a visit to the Renshan Botanical Garden, which encompasses around 100 hectares in the south of Dongshan Township. It has been designed with Chinese, English, Japanese and French-inspired gardens and is particularly special when the cherry blossoms ignite in spring. A highlight of the garden is its superb views across the Lanyang Plain, with Guishan Island in the distance.
Getting around Dongshan Township
Dongshan Township is just over an hour’s drive from Taipei City and two hours from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Trains connect along the Yilan Line to Dongshan railway station and buses travel throughout the township. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around.