Zhaiming Temple Ancient Trail Introduction
Zhaiming Temple, now one of the 30 designated historical sites in Taoyuan, is adjacent to an ancient path built around 1923, which was a vital route for devotees traveling to the temple. This path is one of the three major ancient trails in the Hexi area (the other two being Yucheng Road Ancient Path and Panlongqi Ancient Path). The stones used for the stone-paved path were sourced from the Dahan River and were laid by workers hired by Mr. Jiang Lianzhi (Dharma name Puhai), the fourth-generation grandson of the temple's founder, Mr. Li A-jia. Stepping on the dense stone steps brings to mind the scene of devotees arriving by boat and kneeling as they approach Zhaiming Temple, offering a profound immersion in cultural heritage. The ancient path connects to Route 64 in Taoyuan, where a silent arch stands, inscribed with the words "In search of the way, day and night by the creek, amidst the noble path, entwined in the tracks of the humble." It feels as if a century has paused here. The tranquil forest path, with towering ancient trees and softly flowing streams, refreshes the heart. From above, although the once-visible "Returning Sails at Kanjin," one of the Eight Scenic Views of Daxi, can no longer be seen, it still evokes a sense of nostalgia. Exploring this century-old ancient path offers a unique perspective on Daxi's elegance, adding a delightful charm to the journey of tracing history.
