Mt Huoyan (Huoyanshan)

Mt Huoyan, or Huoyanshan, is located to the north of Daan River in northern Taiwan's Miaoli County. It is known for its special scenery featuring sharp bare hills, and the Mawei Pine Tree Forest. In 1996, the Council of Agriculture designated the area a nature reserve.

Mt Huoyan has an interesting geological history. Its geological structure was formed by dramatic tectonic movements and consists mainly of conglomerate and sandstone layers with very weak cohesion. Natural forces such as wind and rain have eroded the mountain's surface, causing large sections to break off, creating jagged peaks and rock strewn slopes and valleys.

The best view of the mountain can be gained from the south. The view is particularly magnificant at sunset, when the mountain appears to be on fire. This is why the mountain is named "Huoyan", which means "Fire Mountain".

Every March and April, Mt Huoyan serves as a stopover for migratory birds coming from the south. The gray-headed vulture, on its way back to the north from its winter retreat in the Philippines, is a frequent visitor here.