Alishan Snow Village – A Quest for the Vanished Camphor Gathering Settlement

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Last time, we explored the sulfur mountain trail at the ruins of the Daxi coal mine and the ancient fish route. This time, we venture into the misty mid-mountains of Alishan to visit a settlement that thrived due to camphor extraction. We witness the prosperity of the Alishan logging railway, the camphor industry of the Hakka community, and the traditional territories of the Tsou indigenous people. The rise and fall of industries and the migration of ethnic groups intertwine here, creating a layered historical tapestry of nature and culture.
Since the invention of celluloid and smokeless powder in Europe and America, camphor has become a coveted strategic military resource for many countries. The lush forests at Taiwan's mid to low altitudes are rich in camphor trees, giving rise to numerous settlements that flourished due to camphor extraction, making it one of the main camphor exporting countries. Smoke stacks once dotting the forests filled the air with the aromatic scent of boiling camphor, becoming a unique landscape of that era. According to records by teacher Yang Nanjun, during the Japanese occupation, the Alishan area had an impressive scale of camphor farms, with 280 camphor farms and 73 aromatic camphor farms. Camphor workers, organized by family units, ventured into the mountains to establish their own camphor bases and transported copious amounts of camphor and camphor oil. The Snow Village (also known as Shuishan Village) was one such camphor settlement.
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Magazine CoverTRAVELER Luxe 旅人誌
Discover Taiwan's Hidden GemsUncover Taiwan's coziest cafés, must-try local dishes, or secret spots — journé will take you to the stories behind the streets, guided by locals and shop owners.
checkRead on map to find the best spots nearby!
checkExplore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhere
Scan on your phone to open this article
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