Shuangxi Arboretum is in Shuangxi, Meinong District, Kaohsiung City, established during the Japanese era in 1935 as a tropical forestry trial site covering about 7.65 hectares, still preserving 97 tropical and subtropical tree species, including mahogany, teak, flame tree, Indian rosewood, ironwood, and acacia. The shaded trails are gentle with beautiful forest scenery—Hanyuan B&Brecommended top pick for family outings, ecological education, birdwatching, and morning walks.
This seemingly quiet arboretum is actually a "living forestry museum" and "forest ecology classroom." Almost every tree has a number and an information board recording species, origin, introduction year, and growth story—one of the few places in Taiwan to closely observe 90 years of tropical forestry trial results. Whether you love birdwatching, photography, hiking, or family outings, you'll have a fulfilling and intellectual morning here.
Shuangxi Arboretum's history dates back to 1935 (Showa 10 ), when the Japanese government, responding to the southward policy and tropical forestry development needs, planned a tropical forestry trial site in the Shuangxi area of Meinong Village, Qishan County, Kaohsiung Prefecture. Led by the Taiwan Governor-General's Forestry Research Institute, precious tropical tree species were introduced from Southeast Asia, India, and Africa, including teak (Tectona grandis, native to India and Myanmar), mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla, native to Central and South America), flame tree (Delonix regia, native to Madagascar), and Indian rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo, native to the Indian subcontinent). These economically valuable timber species were studied to see if they could be widely planted in central-southern Taiwan hills.
After the war, Shuangxi Arboretum was managed by the Forestry Research Institute, successively under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Council of Agriculture's Forestry Research Institute. It still maintains research and educational functions today. Almost every tree has a number and information board recording species, origin, introduction year, and growth status—one of the few places in Taiwan to see in full 1930 -era forestry trial history as a living museum. After nearly 90 years, many species have grown into giant trees, providing shade and cool climate—a precious green asset for Meinong.
Beyond tropical economic species, Shuangxi Arboretum preserves many native Taiwan species, such as acacia, camphor, sweet gum, and Chinese hackberry, forming diverse "exotic and native" coexistence. This design serves forestry trial needs but also creates a rich ecological environment—the dense canopy provides habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, while the humus and humidity nurture ferns and fungi, making Shuangxi one of Meinong's most important ecological education sites. Every spring and fall, the Forestry Research Institute and local Meinong community co-host "Shuangxi Arboretum Ecology Walks," attracting many families and ecology enthusiasts.
Notably, during the Japanese era, Shuangxi Arboretum also served as a "tropical forestry promotion demonstration." After successful trials, seedlings were promoted to afforestation in Kaohsiung and Pingtung plains, becoming an important timber source for postwar Taiwan's furniture and construction industries. Today's teak and mahogany forests can be called "living textbooks" of Taiwan's forestry history—important for studying tropical forestry, wood processing, and furniture industry development. Recently, the Forestry Research Institute has actively promoted the "Arboretum Digital Archive" project, recording each tree's number, species, age, girth, and growth photos into a digital database, and opening up QR Code audio guides, letting general visitors learn each old tree's story through their phones.
Shuangxi Arboretum is in Shuangxi, Meinong District, Kaohsiung City, near Lion Top TrailheadandShitou Irrigation Canal, at an elevation of about 80 至 100 meters, with gentle terrain and pleasant climate. The park is surrounded by low foothills, with Lion-Top ridge to the north and a Meinong Creek tributary to the south, forming a beautiful "mountain, stream, and shade" environment—one of Meinong's most complete ecological green corridors. From Hanyuan B&BRecommended route:
The main loop trail is about 2 km, with red brick, gravel, and dirt paths—gentle and easy, with shade throughout. Ideal for families, seniors, mobility-impaired visitors, and strollers. Rest pavilions and species information boards—about 50 areas, QR Code 語音導覽點 8 , with a small parking lot at the entrance (about 20 small cars) and one public restroom. Opening hours are daily 06:00 至 18:00. Admission is free, no ticket required.
Since the park is near Shuangxi settlement, self-driving visitors can park at the entrance lot. On holidays when full, you can park at Lion Top Trailheadparking lot, then walk 5 minutes' walk to the Shuangxi Arboretum entrance—linking both attractions is convenient. By public transport, take Qimei Express or Kaohsiung Bus to Meinong from Kaohsiung, alight at Meinong Station, then transfer to a taxi or rented bicycle; the full journey takes about 12 min.
Recommended items: non-slip sneakers, sunscreen, water, mosquito repellent, binoculars, ecology guide, camera (close-up lens recommended), and lightweight rain gear. Some sections are dirt paths—wear non-slip sneakers. In summer, bring a sun hat and plenty of water. Winter mornings can be cool—bring a light jacket. Overall, Shuangxi Arboretum combines forestry knowledge, ecological education, and leisure walking. Families, seniors, birders, and teaching groups can all enjoy a fulfilling half-day.
Walking the Shuangxi Arboretum loop, we recommend starting from the entrance marker and visiting these 6 must-see highlights. Each showcases different tree species and ecology. Slow down and savor this "living forestry museum":
Recommended: Morning 8 arrive at the park, first spend 1 hour walking the loop, observing trees and taking photos. At noon, Hanyuan B&BEnjoy Hakka cuisine and rest; afternoon 3 heading toLion's Head Peak summit for sunset, or Shitou Irrigation Canal walk admiring wild ginger lilies—forming a journey blending ecology, hiking, and Hakka culture. With more time, combine Shuangxi Arboretum with Meinung Folk Villagecombined to form a complete 'Meinong One-Day Tour' route.
Advanced play: We recommend the "Five-colored Bird Route" and "Species Plaque Tour." The former is for birders; early morning 6 至 8 to spot five-colored birds, Japanese white-eye, Taiwan blue magpie among treetops. The latter suits families and teaching groups, reading along the loop 50 species plaques and learning about 97 tropical and subtropical species' names, origins, and traits. Bring a guide and notebook—learn as you walk, the best outdoor classroom.
Want to learn more ways to explore? SeeHanyuan B&B Nearby Attractions Overview— covering all 12 nearby attractions with maps, helping you plan the richest Hakka mountain-town trip.
Shuangxi Arboretum offers different scenery and ecology each season—a must for nature lovers and photographers. Forest, bird, and insect conditions vary by season; choose the best time for your interests:
Ecology highlights: common birds include five-colored bird, Japanese white-eye, light-vented bulbul, black bulbul, Taiwan blue magpie, crested goshawk. Butterflies: swallowtail, purple crow, common grass yellow. At night, you may see owls, flying squirrels, and fireflies. Bring binoculars and a guide; walk quietly to avoid disturbing wildlife—help protect this precious ecological treasure.
Photography theme recommendation: the "flame flower sea" of flame trees against blue sky is the most iconic park photography theme. Morning 9 至 10 in front-light. : the "golden tunnel" formed by mahogany leaf-fall is the IG Instagram hotspot. Shoot at noon overhead light for the most saturated golden leaf color. : when ironwood yellow flowers bloom against green canopy, the "yellow-green contrast" theme is loved by photographers. Afternoon front-light is recommended. Bring a wide-angle lens and CPL polarizing filter for the best color saturation and light layering.
If you're coming fromHanyuan B&BFor a two-day Meinong trip, combine Shuangxi Arboretum with nearby attractions into a route blending forestry culture, ecological education, hiking, and Hakka customs. Suggested itinerary:
For a one-day trip, we recommend the "Shuangxi Arboretum + Lion-Top" half-day route. Morning: 8 arrive at Shuangxi Arboretum, walk 1 hour, then 點 30 minutes to Lion-Top summit 1.5 hours, return at noonHanyuan B&Bfor meal, afternoon visitMeinung Folk Village to experience Hakka culture. This avoids midday heat while covering ecology, hiking, and culture—the Hanyuan B&BOur host's most recommended Meinong one-day tour.
Want to see all top Meinong attractions at once? SeeHanyuan B&B Nearby Attractions Overview— covering all 12 nearby attractions with maps, helping you plan the richest Hakka mountain-town trip.
Shuangxi Arboretum is a free forestry trial site, open daily 06:00 至 18:00 . The park does not charge any ticket or parking fee. Visit during the day and bring water and mosquito repellent. The entrance has public restrooms and a small parking lot—one of the few open forestry sites in Meinong combining research, education, and leisure.
Must-see species include Mahogany Avenue, Teak Forest, Flame Tree, Indian Rosewood, Ironwood, Acacia—a total of 97 species. In 至 4 , flame trees bloom most spectacularly. In 至 12 , mahogany leaf-fall creates the golden avenue view. Each season has unique forest scenery—we recommend visiting year-round.
The park has gentle trails and dense shade; the full loop is about 2 km—ideal for families. The park has about 50 species plaques, with QR Code audio guides available—the best outdoor ecology teaching site. The Forestry Research Institute also hosts "Little Docent" events; families and school groups are welcome to register.
Driving from Hanyuan B&B approx. 12 minutes by car. Set GPS to "Shuangxi Arboretum." You can also cycle along the Meinong Creek bike path through scenic countryside—a popular Meinong cycling route. A free parking lot at the entrance accommodates about 20 small cars.
By public transport, take Qimei Express or Kaohsiung Bus to Meinong from Kaohsiung, alight at Meinong Station, then transfer to a taxi or rented bicycle; the full journey takes about 12 minutes. From Meinong Station, you can also walk about 25 minutes through paddy fields and Hakka settlement scenery.