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Abel Chu of Green Tour Company suggests spending a couple of hours on a beautiful day, exploring the Renshan Botanical Garden in Dongshan Township, Yilan County.

Upon disembarking from the tourist bus, start walking. The winding road, which also goes up gradually, requires a 30-minute hike. Simply keep going at a leisurely pace. Another alternative is to climb the steps cutting through vegetation.

The Renshan Botanical Garden located 50 to 500 meters above sea level covers an area of 102 hectares. This started out as a forestry nursery for conservation planting. With the growing interest in the greening of the environment, it has diversified its function to meet the demand for tree seedlings and plants for the beautification of the surroundings.

The Renshan Botanical Garden is quite accessible as a destination for those interested in mountain climbing. In 2001, the Yilan County Government started drawing up a new park plan at the site. The differences of Japanese and Chinese garden designs are highlighted in an area planted to carefully selected species from the East. Meanwhile plants identified with the West are grown in the beautifully landscaped French and English gardens. Here, too, can be found an interesting sundial, once upon a time used to tell the time of the day.

During the age of explorations by navigators, exotic plant species found their way to Taiwan. The park has sections planted to species from Africa, Australia, South Asia, and South America. Different altitudes spread throughout Renshan Botanical Garden make it convenient to grow some 400 plant varieties. In the month of May, the white paulownia flowers in full bloom create an unforgettable sight.

Forest trees growing at lower altitudes cover one area. Camphor trees can be seen around. Of special interest to visitors is the hut built with camphor wood. How camphor oil is extracted is explained by the guide. There is a charcoal kiln, too. The entire area’s educational and recreational functions account for its increasing popularity. Young and old alike with help from an informed guide can learn something about ecology.

Protected animal species like the endangered Taiwan monkeys can also be spotted during a leisurely walk. Research has led to the discovery of a total of 81 kinds of birds in the area. Butterflies and fireflies - as many as 12 kinds, believe it or not - thrive here also. Beetle varieties abound, too. All the living creatures contribute to the ecological balance in the Lanyang plains, hills and valleys.

Several walking paths have been designed and built to enable visitors to conveniently take in nature in very pleasant surroundings.

The Renshan Botanical Garden (tel. 03-9585991) is located at 500 Sinliao Road, Zhongshan Village, Dongshan Township, Yilan County.

After touring the Renshan Botanical Garden, drop by the Shangrila Leisure Farm (tel. 03-9511456) located at 168 Meishan Road, Dajin Village, Dongshan Township, Yilan County, for a hearty lunch. The orchard here grows different fruits like pomelos, dates, guavas and oranges, among others. Blow big and beautiful balloons, using soap suds. Learn a little about the art of glove puppetry. Make a silkworm out of a paper table napkin. Ride to a high on a swing. All activities are organized to delight visitors. Tourists interested in staying overnight can try the accommodations here.

A stop at the Yilan Distillery can be included in the one-day trip. Drop by the Taiwan Anka Museum to learn how since a hundred years ago the Yilan people have been developing enzymes capable of effecting fermentation for brewing spirits. While here, join the queue to buy a stick of local sausages flavored with liquor. Preserved fruits and delicacies can be purchased to bring home.

Before the end of the day, motor to Jiaosi Hot Spring Park. Soak your feet for free in one of the open pools. If you prefer a hot spring bath, go inside for a dip “tout nu” or without a stitch on. Men and women, however, are segregated in the indoor public pools.

The Green Tour Company can arrange one-day company outings to Yilan. Call tel. (02)2703-4588 for details.