
Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area Butterfly Valley
A serene nature park featuring lush trails, a scenic suspension bridge, a waterfall, and rejuvenating hot springs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Butterflies are most active

Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area Butterfly Valley
Best Time
Butterflies are most active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene nature park featuring lush trails, a scenic suspension bridge, a waterfall, and rejuvenating hot springs.
"One of the best natural attractions in Hualien, worth the detour for its beauty and tranquility."

👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be mossy and slippery, especially near rivers. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🦋 Look for Butterflies
The park is named for its butterflies, so keep an eye out as you explore the trails, particularly in warmer months.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Suspension Bridge
Overlooking the valley
A towering suspension bridge offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire valley. A must-see for any visitor.

Butterfly Valley Trails
Throughout the park
Wander through lush wooded hills and alongside rivers, keeping an eye out for the park's namesake butterflies and abundant birdlife.

Public Hot Springs
Near the park entrance
Relax and rejuvenate in the pleasant public hot springs, a perfect way to unwind after exploring the park's trails.

Cascading Waterfall
Below the suspension bridge
A beautiful, albeit small, waterfall that adds to the natural charm of the park, especially after rainfall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Butterflies
Trail Conditions & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be mossy and slippery, especially near rivers. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🦋 Look for Butterflies
The park is named for its butterflies, so keep an eye out as you explore the trails, particularly in warmer months.
💧 Bring Snacks & Water
Food options may be limited, and services like steam rooms/saunas might be closed. Pack your own refreshments.
💰 Consider the Hot Springs
The hot springs are a great way to relax after hiking. Factor in the additional fee if you plan to soak.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be mossy and slippery, especially near rivers. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
🦋 Look for Butterflies
The park is named for its butterflies, so keep an eye out as you explore the trails, particularly in warmer months.
💧 Bring Snacks & Water
Food options may be limited, and services like steam rooms/saunas might be closed. Pack your own refreshments.
💰 Consider the Hot Springs
The hot springs are a great way to relax after hiking. Factor in the additional fee if you plan to soak.
🚶♀️ Explore the Second Bridge
Make the effort to reach the second suspension bridge for the most beautiful views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area for its beautiful natural scenery, extensive hiking trails, and the unique experience of its hot springs. The panoramic views from the suspension bridge and the chance to see butterflies are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some visitors note that the park can be a bit out of the way and that food options are limited, recommending visitors come prepared.
"Wonderful park. A solid network of trails, both along the river and along a mountain. None of them are too difficult, it took me around 2 hours (at a leisurely pace) to complete the loop. The main attraction of the park is a towering suspension bridge that offers a panoramic view of the entire valley, as well as a tall but small waterfall right below.
They're currently doing some construction along the river, but it's still very peaceful with not a whole lot of people, even on a nice weekend day. You can see lots of butterflies along the trails and hear birds in song. Closer to the entrance, there's a nice little garden and an old but pleasant public hot spring.
The park admission is relatively expensive ($150, and an additional $150 to soak in the hot springs ) but I think it's worth it. I was very impressed. Even though it's out of the way, I think it's one of the best natural attractions in Hualien."
Nathan JJ Shankar
"Excellent place for hiking where you hike alongside rivers and waterfalls and up and down the mountain trails. Wear good shoes as the trails could be slippery because of the moss but other than that, it’s a wonderful experience."
Zachary Lee
"I cycled here via the rail trail from Ruisui that runs parallel to Highway 9. I came primarily to check out the hot springs. The park is a lovely spot for a forest walk, albeit a short one. There seemed to be some trail maintenance going on and it looked like the area had been hit by heavy rain very recently. The mountain trail is closed so I couldn’t hike very far, but the view of the river from the suspension bridge is great. The forest is lush and there is moss growing everywhere.
Admission is $150 and your ticket will let you access the hot spring baths at Butterfly Resort. They have very nice change rooms with lockers, should you need one. You can rent a towel if you don’t have your own. I went on a Thursday afternoon and had the place to myself for a while. The steam rooms and sauna are closed because of covid restrictions, and there didn’t seem to be any food available. Best to bring some snacks with you. There was no service in English when I was there. Just give them your ticket at the desk, they will show you where the change rooms are."
Stephanie Broughton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is a bit out of the way, but accessible. Many visitors cycle along the rail trail from Ruisui, which runs parallel to Highway 9. Driving is also an option, though public transport might be less frequent.
It's considered one of the natural attractions in Hualien, but it's 'out of the way,' suggesting a significant drive or travel time from the main city.
Yes, cycling is a popular option, with a rail trail running from Ruisui that offers a scenic route.
While not explicitly detailed in reviews, driving is a viable option, implying some form of parking is available for visitors.
Information on direct public transport is scarce, but cycling from nearby Ruisui is a recommended alternative.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is approximately $150 TWD. This ticket also grants access to the hot spring baths at Butterfly Resort.
Yes, there is an additional fee of $150 TWD to soak in the hot springs, separate from the park's general admission.
Based on visitor experiences, tickets are purchased and presented at a desk to access facilities like the change rooms for the hot springs.
No specific discounts are mentioned in the provided reviews, but the overall value is considered worth the cost.
Operating hours are not explicitly stated, but visitors have accessed the hot springs on Thursday afternoons, suggesting it's open during typical daytime hours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park features a network of hiking trails along rivers and hills, a prominent suspension bridge with panoramic views, a waterfall, and public hot springs. Butterflies are also a key attraction.
The trails are generally not too difficult, with loops taking around 2 hours at a leisurely pace. However, some can be slippery due to moss.
One review mentioned a suspension bridge was broken in 2019, but ongoing maintenance suggests it may be fixed or other bridges are available. It's advisable to check current conditions.
Yes, the park is known as Butterfly Valley and many butterflies can be seen along the trails, especially during warmer seasons.
The scenery is lush and natural, with wooded hills, rivers, waterfalls, and abundant moss growing everywhere, creating a beautiful forest walk experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Reviews suggest that food availability might be limited, and some services like steam rooms and saunas were closed due to restrictions. It's best to bring your own snacks.
Yes, bringing your own snacks and water is highly recommended due to limited food options within the park.
While not explicitly mentioned, the presence of trails and a garden suggests potential areas for picnicking, but it's wise to confirm upon arrival.
Information on dining options outside the park is not provided, but Ruisui, a nearby town, might offer more choices.
The best recommendation is to pack your own food and drinks to ensure you have sustenance during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic view from the suspension bridge is a prime photo opportunity. The waterfall and the lush, moss-covered trails also offer beautiful shots.
With patience and good timing, especially during warmer months, you can capture stunning photos of the butterflies that give the valley its name.
The forest canopy creates dappled light, which can be beautiful for photography. Mornings and late afternoons often provide softer, more flattering light.
No specific restrictions on photography have been mentioned in reviews, but it's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment.
A wide-angle lens would be great for capturing the expansive valley views from the bridge. A macro lens could be useful for photographing butterflies and flora.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Nature
Beyond the trails, the park features a picturesque waterfall that is most impressive after periods of rain. The towering suspension bridge is a highlight, providing a unique vantage point for panoramic views of the entire valley. While some maintenance work has been noted, the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a worthwhile destination for nature lovers and hikers seeking a serene escape.
The Rejuvenating Hot Springs Experience
While the hot springs themselves are generally well-regarded, it's worth noting that some amenities, such as steam rooms and saunas, may be closed due to various restrictions. Visitors have reported having the place to themselves during off-peak times, contributing to a tranquil and private soaking experience. It's advisable to check the current operational status of all facilities upon arrival and to bring any personal items or snacks you might need, as food services within the park can be limited.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit