Adjacent to the forest path leading to the treasure of Xi Tou – the Sacred Tree, there lies a Cryptomeria forest that has spanned half a century. Its canopy layer is remarkably intact, and the forest is a haven for a diverse array of wildlife, as if entering a kingdom of ecology. According to Director Wang, the experimental forest has meticulously planned and constructed an ingenious artificial forest canopy ecological observation aerial walkway, hoping to provide a natural outdoor experience site for schools across Taiwan.
The elevated aerial walkway spans approximately 180 meters in length, with its highest point 22.6 meters above the ground, equivalent to the height of an eight-story building. Ferns and orchids grow on the trees, and it is common to find animals such as White-eared Laughingthrush, Crested Laughingthrush, Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker, and Red-bellied Squirrels inhabiting here, enriching the biological diversity of the canopy layer. Moreover, the forest canopy also serves the functions of water interception and air purification, acting as nature’s air purifier for humans. On the trail, one can observe the towering coniferous trees, allowing people to no longer just ‘admire from afar’ the forest canopy. Through close contact, the towering forest that was once perceived as distant suddenly becomes accessible, allowing one to appreciate the forest from different angles and heights, and to closely observe the friends that reside in the trees. Especially when the mountains are shrouded in clouds and mist, and the mountain breeze rises, it not only gives a feeling of being in a painting but also brings a profound cleansing of the soul. To allow visitors to further experience the canopy layer ecology, the National Taiwan University Experimental Forest has constructed this forest aerial walkway, which is 180 meters long and about 22.6 meters, or seven stories high, winding through the Taiwan cedar and Cryptomeria forests that are over 50 years old. Walking among the cedars, one can experience the different views of the trees from above and below, and observe the diverse ecology of the forest canopy, including various plants, arboreal animals, birds, insects, and fungi. Additionally, as the green canopy is the main site for photosynthesis and the ‘air purifier,’ it is easier to approach phytoncide. Due to structural limitations, the aerial walkway can only accommodate 100 people at a time, so visitors should be prepared to queue. The entire trail is open year-round from 8:00 to 17:00. A must-see tip for visitors at a height equivalent to seven stories is to prepare mentally if you are afraid of heights.Aerial Walkway in the Sky Corridor
Adjacent to the forest path leading to the treasure of Xi Tou – the Sacred Tree, there lies a [...]
