Xiao Cukeng Ancient Trail Introduction
In late spring, the perfect place to enjoy the tung blossoms is the Xiao Cukeng ancient trail! This tranquil path connecting the Cukeng and Shimen areas attracts many visitors each year during the Hakka tung flower season from March to May, where white flowers fall delicately amidst layers of greenery, creating a stunning floral landscape. Walking on the century-old stone steps, one might unexpectedly discover a heart-shaped wreath made of tung flower petals arranged on a corner stone platform, providing a soothing experience! Visiting in the summer nights offers a different surprise; as the fireflies twinkle like stars, their fleeting lights add a charming allure to the dark mountain wilderness—an animated scene impossible to witness in the city, definitely worth venturing up the mountain to explore in the dark! The Xiao Cukeng ancient trail was developed during the Japanese colonial period as a bullock cart road along the Xiao Cukeng stream. At that time, pioneers in the mountainous area transported goods to places like Zhukeng Shiliao and Maowudu in Hsinchu's Guanxi, passing through Sankengzi (present-day Longtan) and Dazukeng (present-day Daxi). The ancient trail became an important route, thriving for a time. However, with the development of industrial roads for the Shimen Reservoir, the flow of people decreased, leading to its gradual decline. This, however, helped preserve the rich original ecology, where one can see various plants such as water trees, large flower mandalas, ferns, and Lauraceae plants, as well as rare species like the Papilio butterfly, the Pangu toad, and the Schlegel's green tree frog, making it a popular outdoor destination for hiking today. Nearby the trail entrance on Longyuan Road stands the Yuan You Fu De Temple, built during the Qing Dynasty, which houses a rare statue of the "Earth Goddess Holding a Child." The trail offers a moderate level of difficulty; the initial section comprises a gentle slope, allowing for a pleasant stroll amid tea plantation scenery. The path then transitions to a dirt and gravel surface, with the latter part requiring some rope climbing. If one has the stamina, they can continue to challenge the Shimen Mountain trail without a break!
