aeeble

Tiezhen Mountain lies at the northeast corner of Dajia Township, on the south bank of the lower Dadu River. It forms the climatic boundary between northern and southern Taiwan and is a key turning-point for migratory birds returning north. The summit holds a broad, gently sloping plateau of several dozen square kilometres; from afar the whole massif resembles a giant blacksmith’s anvil, hence its name. Rich in legends since antiquity, Tiezhen Mountain was long ago listed among the Eight Scenic Spots of central Taiwan and has remained Dajia’s best-known landmark. From the top one can gaze down on the meandering courses of the Dajia and Da-an rivers, the white-capped Taiwan Strait in the distance, and, closer at hand, the neatly drawn squares of re-allotted farmland and villages—a panorama of unforgettable beauty. Within the scenic area are numerous cultural and historic sites—Sword Well and the Guoxing Temple, both steeped in legend, and a sculpture plaza conceived to bring art into everyday life. Other attractions include the Sculpture Park, the Armed-Forces Memorial Park (with its “Weapons Display”), and the Yung-hsin Sports Park, making Tiezhen a diverse and rewarding destination. In recent years the mountain has become a favourite weekend outing for families, history buffs, nature lovers and camping enthusiasts. To promote tourism, guided tours are offered every Sunday morning: first session 09:00-10:00, second session 10:30-11:30 (suspended on major holidays, long weekends or make-up workdays). Simply gather at the Tiezhen Visitor Centre entrance; no prior registration is required. Groups of more than 15 please download the attached reservation form. The health-trail that climbs into the Tiezhen Scenic Area from Chenggong Road in Dajia is lined with blooming flowers and lush greenery; the scent of wild blossoms fills the air, and at night the lights of countless homes sparkle below like a mirror of the star-filled sky. Recommended side trips around Dajia’s Tiezhen Mountain: