Time established: July 1992

Total area: 76,850 ha

Administrative region: Located Wufong Township and Jianshih Township of Hsinchu County, Tai-an Township of Miaoli County, and Heping Township of Taichung County

 

Landscape and Geology

---

It is the third mountainous national park in Taiwan. Shei-Pa National Park is an area with high mountains, deep valleys and winding landform. There are 51 mountains above 3,000 meters high, of which 19 are listed as Taiwan Centuple Mountains. The landscape is versatile with magnificent scenic spots such as Syueshan Glacial Cirques, Daba Peaks, Busioulan Cliff and Pintian Mountain Fold.　

Flora and Fauna

---

From Da-an River valley at 760 meters to Syue Mountain main peak at 3,886 meters, the range of elevation is about 3,000 meters. Complex terrains and diverse climates nourish a wide variety of flora. Among them, extensive Yushan Juniper forests and Taiwan White Fir forests are famous for their beauty. Moreover, animal species and population are also well preserved. Altogether there are 52 species of mammals, 150 species of birds, 16 species of fresh water fish, 26 species of reptiles, 14 species of amphibians and nearly 100 species of butterflies. The national treasure fish— Formosan Landlocked Salmon— is a relic from the Ice Age. Yet, destruction of their habitat has led to a significant decline in population. Only a small number of the fish can be found in Cijiawan Creek. The two banks of Cijiawan Creek are therefore designated as Formosan Landlocked Salmon Conversation Area.

Historical and Cultural Sites

---

The Shei-Pa area is home to Atayal and Saisiyat people. Being the legendary birthplace of the Atayal and Saisiyat ancestors, Dabajian Mountain is not only worshipped as a holy mountain, but is also an important pathway of Atayal people’s migration. Atayal people often live dispersedly at the foot of mountains below 2,000 meters where the weather is cool and land is suitable for farming. Saisiyat people live to the west of the Atayal, between 500 and 1,000 meters in altitude. The most distinct feature of the Atayal culture is the facial tattoo, and Saisiyat is famous for its very mysterious Pasta'ai  (ritual of the pygmies). In addition, as early as around 3,500 years ago, cord marked pottery culture already appeared in the region, which is best represented by Cijiawan Creek Archaeological Site at the altitude of 1,698 meters, also known as the highest vestige dated back to the Neolithic Age found in Taiwan.