National Scenic Area System

30-Second Overview

Taiwan's National Scenic Areas (NSAs) are specific designated areas managed by the Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. There are currently 13 NSAs, starting with the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area established in 1984, to the Siraya National Scenic Area established in 2005. These areas cover diverse landscapes including mountains, coastlines, lakes, and hot springs, serving as vital assets for Taiwan's tourism industry.

Keywords: National Scenic Areas, Tourism, Nature Conservation, Cultural Heritage, Ecotourism

Why It Matters

The National Scenic Area system is the cornerstone of Taiwan's tourism development. It not only protects precious natural and cultural resources but also drives local economic growth. These areas showcase Taiwan's diverse geography and rich cultural tapestry—from Indigenous cultures and Minnan architecture to Hakka settlements and battlefield heritage—all preserved and developed within these zones.

Conservation and Exhibition of Natural Resources

The NSA system balances the needs of conservation and tourism development, protecting valuable natural assets while allowing the public to access and appreciate nature.

Base for Cultural Heritage

Many scenic areas carry deep historical significance, becoming important platforms for the inheritance and exhibition of Taiwanese culture.

Engine for Local Economies

The establishment of scenic areas drives the development of peripheral tourism industries, creating jobs and income for local communities.

Evolution of the System

Establishment Phase (1980s)

Legal Basis: The "Tourism Development Act" enacted in 1973 provided the legal foundation, authorizing the government to designate scenic areas for protection and development.
First NSA: In 1984, the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area was established, becoming Taiwan's first national-level scenic area and pioneering the systematic construction of such zones.
Context: As Taiwan's economy boomed in the 1980s, demand for leisure travel increased, prompting the government to prioritize tourism resource management.

Expansion Phase (1990s)

Rollout: More areas were designated, including the North Coast (1991), Tri-Mountain (1996), and Alishan (1999).
Management Structure: Dedicated administration offices were set up for each area to establish professional management teams and service systems.
Infrastructure: Significant investment went into visitor centers, trail systems, and signage.

Diversification Phase (2000s and beyond)

Diverse Types: The focus expanded from coastal areas to mountain, cultural, and ecological themes (e.g., Sun Moon Lake in 2001, Siraya in 2005).
Ecotourism Rise: Emphasis shifted toward environmental protection, sustainability, and in-depth travel experiences.
International Promotion: Active marketing to attract international visitors and elevate Taiwan's global tourism profile.

Guide to the 13 National Scenic Areas

Northern Region

Northeast Coast and Yilan Coast NSA

Established: 1984 (First in Taiwan)
Scope: From Nanya in New Taipei City to Neipi Beach in Yilan.
Features:

• Nature: Intricate capes and bays, sea-eroded terrain (Nanya Rock Formations, Bitou Cape).
• Culture: Traditional fishing villages, the historic Caoling Historic Trail, and gold mining heritage in Jiufen/Jinguashi.
• Highlights: Yehliu Geopark (Queen's Head), Fulong Beach, Old Caoling Tunnel.

North Coast and Guanyinshan NSA

Established: 1991
Scope: From the Tamsui River mouth to Shimen, including Guanyin Mountain.
Features:

• Nature: Volcanic terrain of Guanyinshan, coastal dunes at Baishawan.
• Culture: Historical sites like Fort San Domingo, religious centers like Lingyun Zen Temple.
• Highlights: Tamsui Old Street, Jinshan Old Street (Duck Meat), Shimen Arch.

Central Region

Tri-Mountain (Trimountain) NSA

Established: 1996
Scope: Lion's Head Mountain (Shitoushan), Lishan, and Baguashan.
Features:

• Shitoushan: Buddhist and Taoist temples, Hakka settlements in Hsinchu/Miaoli.
• Lishan: High mountain scenery (2,000m+), temperate fruits (pears, peaches), Atayal indigenous culture.
• Baguashan: The Great Buddha statue, Grey-faced Buzzard migration watching.

Sun Moon Lake NSA

Established: 2001
Scope: Sun Moon Lake and surrounding areas in Nantou.
Features:

• Nature: Taiwan's largest natural lake, surrounded by mountains.
• Culture: Thao indigenous culture (Ita Thao), majestic temples like Wenwu Temple.
• Highlights: Cycling around the lake (CNN rated one of the world's best), Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, Assam tea plantations.

Southern Region

Alishan NSA

Established: 1999
Scope: The Alishan mountain range in Chiayi County.
Features:

• Nature: Sunrise, sea of clouds, forest railways, and sacred giant trees (Red Cypress).
• Culture: Tsou indigenous culture, forestry history.
• Highlights: Alishan Forest Railway, Giant Tree Trail, Tefuye Ancient Trail.

Southwest Coast (Yun-Chia-Nan) NSA

Established: 2003
Scope: Coastal areas of Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan.
Features:

• Nature: Wetlands, lagoons (Qigu Lagoon), and habitats for Black-faced Spoonbills.
• Culture: Salt industry history (Qigu Salt Mountain), oyster farming, temple festivals.
• Highlights: Jingzaijiao Tile-paved Salt Fields, High-Heel Wedding Church.

Siraya NSA

Established: 2005 (Newest)
Scope: Mountainous areas of Tainan and parts of Chiayi.
Features:

• Nature: Mud hot springs (Guanziling), reservoirs (Zengwen, Wushantou), badlands (Moon World).
• Culture: Siraya indigenous heritage, Japanese-era hydraulic engineering (Yoichi Hatta).
• Highlights: Guanziling Mud Hot Springs, Wushantou Reservoir.

Eastern Region

East Coast NSA

Established: 1987
Scope: Coastal strip from Hualien to Taitung.
Features:

• Nature: Sea terraces, coral reefs, dramatic cliffs.
• Culture: Amis indigenous culture (Harvest Festivals), prehistoric sites (Baxian Caves).
• Highlights: Sanxiantai (Dragon Bridge), Shitiping (stone steps), Green Island (offshore).

East Rift Valley NSA

Established: 1997
Scope: The valley between the Central Mountain Range and Coastal Mountain Range.
Features:

• Nature: Rice paddies, hot springs (Ruisui, Antong), river ecology.
• Culture: Diverse indigenous groups (Amis, Bunun, Puyuma), Hakka farming villages.
• Highlights: Brown Boulevard (Chishang rice fields), Luye Highland (Hot Air Balloons), Ruisui Pasture.

Southern & Outlying Islands

Maolin NSA

Established: 2001
Scope: Maolin, Liugui, and Taoyuan districts in Kaohsiung.
Features:

• Nature: Purple Crow Butterfly Valley (winter migration), Laonong River gorges.
• Culture: Rukai indigenous culture (Slate Houses), hot springs.
• Highlights: Dragon Head Mountain, Duona Suspension Bridge.

Dapeng Bay NSA

Established: 1997
Scope: Dapeng Bay lagoon and Little Liuqiu (Lamay Island).
Features:

• Nature: Taiwan's largest lagoon, coral reefs on Little Liuqiu, green sea turtles.
• Culture: Aquaculture, Donggang King Boat Ceremony.
• Highlights: Penbay International Circuit, Dapeng Bay Bridge, snorkeling in Little Liuqiu.

Penghu NSA

Established: 1995
Scope: The Penghu archipelago.
Features:

• Nature: Basalt columns, pristine beaches, strong northeast monsoons.
• Culture: Minnan traditional architecture, stone fish weirs (Twin Hearts Stone Weir), Mazu temples.
• Highlights: Penghu Great Bridge, Qimei Island, Fireworks Festival.

Matsu NSA

Established: 1999
Scope: The Matsu islands (Lienchiang County).
Features:

• Nature: Granite coastline, "Blue Tears" (bioluminescence).
• Culture: Battlefield heritage (tunnels, forts), Eastern Min architecture (stone houses), Mazu religion.
• Highlights: Beihai Tunnel, Qinbi Village (Mediterranean of Taiwan), Dongyin Lighthouse.

Management and Strategy

Sustainable Development

• Ecotourism: Limiting visitor capacity in sensitive areas and promoting low-carbon travel.
• Cultural Preservation: Supporting local festivals and training cultural guides.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging locals to run homestays and guide services, ensuring economic benefits stay local.

International Marketing

• Branding: Promoting "Taiwan – The Heart of Asia".
• Digital: Using VR/AR for tours and leveraging social media influencers.
• Muslim-Friendly: Creating Halal-friendly environments to attract diverse tourists.

Conclusion

Taiwan's National Scenic Area system has evolved over 40 years into the backbone of the island's tourism industry. It is not merely a collection of parks but a comprehensive mechanism for conserving Taiwan's most stunning landscapes and deepest cultural roots.

From the misty peaks of Alishan to the basalt cliffs of Penghu, these 13 areas offer a window into the soul of Taiwan. As the world moves toward sustainable travel, these areas are pivoting to offer deeper, more meaningful experiences that respect both the environment and the local communities that call these places home.

References

• Tourism Administration, MOTC
• Official websites of respective National Scenic Area Administrations
• Taiwan Tourism Yearbooks