In the midnight of September 21th in 1999, a historical earthquake struck Taiwan badly. The giant geological force spread from Chi-chi town in Nantou County (N 23.77° E 120.98°) changed the terrain of Taiwan mountains.
Suiyang Forest (23.712201, 120.689006)
One of the famous earthquake shaped-spot is a landslide lake, Suiyang Forest, which means a forest in water. This 1 km length, 200 m width, 7 m average-depth lake is formed by the stuck on the upstream of Shigupan River (石鼓盤溪), which blongs to Alishan water system. Many people would like to camp on the pebble stones in or around the lake because it is near to the inlet. You just bring a protable gas stove to prepare drinkable water.
Half view of Thousand People Cave
With the GPS coordinates and stripes hung on trees along the trail, you can finally arrive the Thousand People Cave, near the outlet of the lake. This huge tilted bedrock forms the largest natural cave in Taiwan. There are some streams dropped down from the top, so you can also camp here and make some drinkable water. You can use Zingiberaceae plants (same family with ginger) around the cave - taking their leaves for bedding your tent or for lit up campfire; digging out their roots for seasoning your food. Be aware of the Stinging Nettle, DON'T TOUCH!
There are 2 common route to the cave, one is from the entrance in Sun Link Sea. This route is much difficult long-hiking with more scenic views with the order from Luchushan, Suiyang Forest, and Thousand People Cave. For this one I recommend you planing a 3-day-tour, camping in Luchusan and Thousand People Cave. The other go through Fengshan in Chiayi County. The latter one is much easier to the Thousand People Cave. For this route I recommend you planing a 2-day-tour, camping in the Thousand People Cave.
In this tour, you will have to go across river and step on humid rocks and fallen trees. Wearing rain-boots is a good choice. And always prepare enough food and water with you. I recommend you to hire a mountain guide in case you get lost. You can receive cell phone signal only around Shuiyang Forest, but you can still dial 112 satellite phone for help. Well-planned tour keep you safe.