Xiaocuting Historic Trail Introduction
A great place to enjoy the tung flower season in late spring is the Xiaocukeng Old Trail! This serene path connecting the Cukeng and Shimen areas attracts many visitors every year from March to May during the Hakka tung flower season, as they come to admire the beautiful sight of white flowers scattered among layers of greenery. Walking along the century-old stone steps, one might unexpectedly discover a heart-shaped wreath made of tung flower petals on a stone platform around the corner, which is truly soothing! Visiting at night during summer offers different surprises; the fireflies twinkle like stars, illuminating the dark mountain fields and adding a charming flair to the scenery that cannot be enjoyed in the city—it's definitely worth it to hike up the mountain in anticipation and explore in the dark! The Xiaocukeng Old Trail was established during the Japanese colonial period as a bullock cart path along the Xiaocukeng Stream. At that time, the pioneers in the mountainous areas transported goods to and from places like Zhukeng Shiliao and Maowudu in Hsinchu's Guansi, passing through Sankengzi (now Longtan) and Dakekan (now Daxi). The Xiaocukeng Old Trail became an important route that enjoyed popularity for a time. However, with the development of industrial roads for the Shimen Reservoir, the number of visitors gradually decreased, which helped preserve its rich original ecology. Along the trail, one can see a variety of plants such as water trees, large-flowered mandala, ferns, and camphor trees, as well as rare species like the butterfly, Pangu toad, and Swinhoe's brown frog. Today, it is a popular spot for outdoor excursions. Near the entrance of the old trail on Longyuan Road, there is a QIng Dynasty-built Yufude Shrine, which enshrines the rare "Land Goddess with Child" statue. The entire trail is of moderate difficulty; the first section is flat and allows for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the tea plantation scenery, while the middle section turns into a dirt road, and the latter part requires climbing with ropes. If physical strength allows, one can also challenge the Shimen Mountain Trail immediately afterward for an uninterrupted adventurous experience.
