Xuejian Recreation area has an elevation of 1870 meters, enjoying spectacular views of Mt. Xue’s Holy Ridge. In winter the snow covered mountain tops fully reflect why Xuejian (see snow) is called this name.In contrast to Shei-pa’s other two recreation areas Guanwu and Wuling, the forest in the Xuejian area is mainly broad-leaved forest, making it a richer source of food for wild animals. Formosan black bear, Formosan serow and Formosan macaque live in the area; if you encounter a shy Reeves's Muntjac on a trail or see a Swinhoe's pheasant emerge from the fog as it searches for food, don’t get too excited to avoid scaring them. The area was called “Buan Para” by Atayal aborigines in the past, meaning “the place to wait to hunt Reeves's Muntjac” showing that in times gone by deer were numerous here.

The area is rich in natural resources and in the past the Atayal farmed and hunted in the area. In the Japanese Colonial era, to exploit these resources, the Japanese built Beikeng River Historic Trail, along which 10 police stations were established to allow the local residents to be controlled. At one time over 500 Atayal lived near Xuejian police station. After the passage of decades most of the Atayal have relocated but their unique customs and traditions remain one of Xuejian’s important cultural assets.