Wujie (武界) is a quiet mountain village of about 1,000 people in central Taiwan‘s Nantou County. It is a destination of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance. Nestled in the heart of Taiwan’s central mountain range, Wujie is a paradise for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking an escape from the chaos of the city. With its mesmerizing sea of clouds, enchanting sunrise views, and captivating landmarks, Wujie is often called the Shangri-La of Taiwan. Wujie was even named one of the top 10 fantastic travel destinations by the Taiwan Power Company in 2016.
Geographical features and historical context of Wujie
At about 760-820 meters, Wujie is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and mist-shrouded peaks. The area boasts a temperate climate, making it an ideal getaway year-round. Wujie is also historically significant as a settlement of the Bunun people, an indigenous group known for their harmonious relationship with nature.
Watch the following video on exploring Wujie for more fascinating visuals about this tribal gem surrounded by clouds in central Taiwan’ Nantou County.
This cultural backdrop adds depth to Wujie’s appeal, as visitors can immerse themselves in its traditions and history. The rich cultural heritage of the Bunun is reflected in local traditions, crafts, and festivals. Over the years, Wujie has evolved from a remote settlement into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors keen to explore its natural beauty and cultural significance.
The Wujie sea of clouds and sunrises
Wujie is also famous for its ethereal sea of clouds. This natural phenomenon occurs when the temperature drops and the moisture in the air condenses, creating a stunning visual effect. Early risers will be rewarded with breathtaking sunrises as the sun peeks over the mountain peaks, casting golden hues over the clouds. This magical moment is best experienced from the elevated viewpoints of the tea plantations, where visitors can witness the ethereal beauty of the landscape as it transforms with the changing light.
Siyuan Suspension Bridge
Spanning a deep gorge over the Zhuoshui River, this impressive bridge was built in 1919 during the Japanese colonial period and renovated in 1919 and 1955, respectively. The suspension bridge is 100 meters long and is the gateway to the Momonaer Fall. Walking across the bridge is an exhilarating experience as it gently swings with each step. The bridge offers picturesque views of the mountains and a stunning valley with three huge sediment bypass tunnel outlets of the Wujie Dam. However, it is forbidden to stop to take photographs while walking across the bridge, and only 10 people can cross the bridge at a time.
Wujie Dam: A scenic reservoir
The Wujie Dam (武界壩), also known as the Bukai Dam, is another notable landmark built on the Zhuoshui River. With a length of 86 meters and a height of 57 meters, the Wujie Dam was built by the Japanese in two stages from 1919 to 1934. Its primary purpose is to intercept the flow of the Zhuoshui River and its tributary, the Wanda River, and divert the water through a diversion tunnel to Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) for hydroelectric power generation. The diversion tunnel is 16.5 km long and 5 meters wide, making it the longest in Taiwan.
This dam plays a vital role in water management and offers picturesque views of its clear waters, reflecting the white clouds in the sky and the surrounding greenery. The area around the dam is tranquil for picnicking, bird watching, and enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Momonaer Fall and trail
One of Wujie’s most famous attractions is the Momonaer Fall (摩摩納爾瀑布). Located at the end of the old Qubing Trail, it is a unique waterfall with an orange rock wall. This picturesque waterfall cascades down rocky cliffs, creating a mesmerizing sight that attracts photographers and nature lovers. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a tranquil setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature.
The trail to the waterfall is equally enchanting. It winds through dense forest filled with the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves. It is well maintained but moderately challenging, as the last 50 meters are in the river, making it difficult for older people and small children to reach the waterfall.
Wujie Yixiantian (A Line of Sky)
For those intrigued by unique geological formations, Wujie Yixiantian (武界一線天) is a must-visit. Translated to “A Line of Sky,” this narrow 30-meter-high canyon features towering rock walls that nearly touch at the top, leaving only a sliver of sky visible. Walking through this natural corridor is an awe-inspiring experience, as the sheer scale and beauty of the formation evoke a sense of wonder. This spot is popular at sunset, when the sky is painted in vibrant colors, creating a picturesque backdrop for photography and reflection.
Wujie riverbed trekking
To reach Yixiantian (A Line of Sky), visitors must travel by 4WD vehicles along the Zhuoshui riverbed during the dry season. Along the journey, they can experience the excitement of trekking on the rugged, uneven riverbed, where the interplay of rocks and flowing water offers a one-of-a-kind adventure. A highlight of the trek is the magnificent copper pipe water diversion arch bridge, soaring 55 meters high and spanning 120 meters across. Trekkers will also encounter the iconic Fish Head Rock, a legendary natural formation that adds a touch of mystique to this captivating destination.
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