Lala Shan Nature Reserve is the mountain escape at the far end of Taoyuan, much cooler and greener than the urban plain near the airport. Its best-known feature is a stand of ancient red cypress trees, some of them enormous, reached by walking paths through misty forest.
The reserve is a strong day trip if you want Taiwan's highland forest without going all the way to Alishan or Taroko. Transport takes time on winding roads, so start early and keep an eye on mountain weather. In peach season the surrounding villages add another reason to make the climb.