Lotus Lake Trail

Between Shibau and Wenshan, 165 kilometers along the Central Cross-Island Highway, is a point called Huitouwan (Return Loop). This is the entry point for the Lotus Lake Trail. To get to the trail proper, follow the narrow path for three or four minutes and go through a small cave that leads to the first of the trail's bridges, the Chingshi Suspension Bridge. The journey to Lotus Lake ascends through 500 meters of altitude over 6.8 kilometers. A steep zigzag climb begins about 20 minutes into the hike, soon after crossing the Jiumei Suspension Bridge.

The forest along this trail is full of numerous kinds of birds, butterflies and small animals. By the lake are peach orchards and quite a number of people still live in the area. In the nearby forests, you might even be lucky enough to see monkeys.

Prospective hikers should prepare water and food for this hike, for the round trip journey will take about six hours at a leisurely pace and there are no kiosks from which to purchase supplies along the way.