Nevertheless there are 105 kinds of butterflies, which aren't so shy, plenty of amphibians and of course reptiles, including tree lizards and snakes. So take care because some of them, such as the hundred-pace viper, are deadly.
The walk back is a little easier, since it's mostly downhill, and takes in the gingko plantation and a few bridges. An alternative trail passes Third Gully Debris Park, which is full of boulders, and the nearby bamboo and conifer arboretums.
There are guesthouses in the park which cost around NT$4,000 for two at the weekend. This includes entry as well as parking. Call (04) 9261-2588 for further details and to book. There are also various restaurants on site.
Entrance to the park is NT$200 and there are concessions for youngsters, pensioners and students. It opens at 7am and closes at 10pm. Call (04) 9261-2106 or check out www.exfo.ntu.edu.tw for more information.
To get to Xitou in central Taiwan, take National Highway Number 1 from either Taipei or Kaohsiung. Provincial Road 3 will take you into the mountains and onto Country Road 151, which goes to Luku (鹿谷) and eventually Xitou.
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