Sitou Forest in Nantou, Taiwan
NCUE day trip to Sitou Forest. Actually, it was a Plan B trip to Sitou Forest. Originally, we wanted to go on over-night hiking trip to Hehwan Mountain, but because of all the rain from the Plum Rain Season we ended up doing a day hike. Sitou is only about an hour drive south on the Number 3 highway from Taichung City. So a day break start wasn’t necessary to still have enough time in the park, which is always a huge plus with college students.
While in the park, we hiked around the endless trails and wound our way up to the ancient tree. It is know as a god tree because it is estimated to be around 3000 years old. Unlike other ancient trees in Taiwan, this tree did not have a nearby temple or shrine to worship in. Probably, mostly because it was located with the park. Other ancient trees or living objects hold a special place of worship in many Taiwanese religious beliefs and will have daily tending and offerings placed around the tree.
A short distance away from the ancient tree is a small shelter offering souvenirs, ice cream snacks, and lunch. Our group hid there for about an hour eating lunch and chatting while waiting for the heavy rain to subside.
From the ancient tree down, there are many small paths that weave through the mixtures of forests of soft-wood, evergreens, and bamboo. It is truly a unique region in sub-tropical Taiwan partly due to the mountain evaluation and fluctuation in temperatures allowing such a great variety of vegetation.
I believe the best part of the trip was being able to be out in God’s creation with other friends and be able to marvel together about how wonderful a Creator God we know. It brings to life verses like Romans 1:20… “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” and gives us all new insights into the characteristics of the God we worship! I am also appreciative he is still creating new life everyday in each one of my friends who went with me.
In the end, Sitou Forest turned out to be great. It rained hard and we all got wet, but the rain drove away many of the visitors who would normally be roaming the forest trails on a Saturday. But it was a special close to the end of the semester, and what a day to enjoy God’s beautiful creation in Nantou, Taiwan together!
While in the park, we hiked around the endless trails and wound our way up to the ancient tree. It is know as a god tree because it is estimated to be around 3000 years old. Unlike other ancient trees in Taiwan, this tree did not have a nearby temple or shrine to worship in. Probably, mostly because it was located with the park. Other ancient trees or living objects hold a special place of worship in many Taiwanese religious beliefs and will have daily tending and offerings placed around the tree.
A short distance away from the ancient tree is a small shelter offering souvenirs, ice cream snacks, and lunch. Our group hid there for about an hour eating lunch and chatting while waiting for the heavy rain to subside.
From the ancient tree down, there are many small paths that weave through the mixtures of forests of soft-wood, evergreens, and bamboo. It is truly a unique region in sub-tropical Taiwan partly due to the mountain evaluation and fluctuation in temperatures allowing such a great variety of vegetation.
I believe the best part of the trip was being able to be out in God’s creation with other friends and be able to marvel together about how wonderful a Creator God we know. It brings to life verses like Romans 1:20… “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” and gives us all new insights into the characteristics of the God we worship! I am also appreciative he is still creating new life everyday in each one of my friends who went with me.
In the end, Sitou Forest turned out to be great. It rained hard and we all got wet, but the rain drove away many of the visitors who would normally be roaming the forest trails on a Saturday. But it was a special close to the end of the semester, and what a day to enjoy God’s beautiful creation in Nantou, Taiwan together!
