Zhaiming Temple Old Trail Introduction
Zhai Ming Temple, now one of the 30 municipal historical sites in Taoyuan, has an ancient path built around 1923 alongside it, serving as a necessary route for devotees to visit the temple. It is currently one of the three major ancient paths in the Hexi area (the other two are Yucheng Road Ancient Path and Panlongqi Ancient Path). The stone materials for the stone-paved path were sourced from the Dahan River and were crafted and laid by Mr. Jiang Lianzhi (Dharma name: Puhai), the great-great-grandson of the temple's founder, Li A-Jia. Stepping onto the densely arranged stone steps, one can imagine the pilgrims of that time who had to cross the river by boat and kneel to approach Zhai Ming Temple, providing a profound sense of cultural immersion. The ancient path of Zhai Ming Temple connects to Provincial Highway 64, where a silent arch stands with the inscription, "Day and night, the sound of the creek seeks the path's bank; tied to the tracks of distinguished scholars," making the century-old time seem to pause here. The tranquil forest trail, with towering ancient trees and gently flowing streams, brings a refreshing feel to the heart. Although one of the eight scenic views of Daxi, "Kanzin Returning Sail," is no longer visible from above, one can still embrace a nostalgic sentiment. Visiting this century-old ancient path offers a unique perspective on the historical charm of Daxi, making it a delightful exploration of the past.
