Leye (Chinese: 樂野; pinyin: Lèyĕ) is a village in the Alishan, Chiayi County, Taiwan. It is low in altitude compared to the rest of the mountain, being only 1200m above sea level. This makes it suitable for travelers unaccustomed to breathing at high altitudes.
The local Taiwanese aborigines call it “La La U Ya” meaning maple forest. To this day, the sign marking the town still has a picture of a maple leaf. However, as the area is high up and has a cold climate, it has suitable conditions for growing tea (a main export) thus, this development has overshadowed the attraction of the maple forest.
Leye is Taiwan’s largest site of cultivation of orchids. The cold climate makes for the flowering and shape of the blossom desired. Before Chinese New Year, people will visit the area to admire the orchids and buy flowers.
Apart from flowers, there are many products available for sale, as the relative lower altitude allows more produce to be had at LeYe.
The FuShan hiking trail passes through thick bamboo forest and crosses several streams, a popular place for people to enjoy the fresh air and nature.