Baling Ancient Road Ecological Park Introduction
The "Balin Ancient Path" was originally built as a tribal passage by the Atayal people in the Fuxing Mountain area. Unlike the ancient paths that circle the mountains, it follows the ridge line straight up. Although it fell into disrepair over the years with the construction of highways, it nurtured a rich ecosystem of flora and fauna. When delving into the forest, one can encounter dense, primitive broadleaf forests, along with plants such as fragrant trees, Balin stone bamboos, blood vines, and hanging ferns, all narrating the beauty of natural ecology. Today, the Taoyuan City Government has preserved the ruins of the ancient path and has reconnected the segment from Balin Bridge to the Lala Mountain Service Center. Along this route, boardwalks and rope bridges have been established. The terrain and features of the Balin area are showcased in the Butterfly Exhibition Hall, Beetle Hall, Broadleaf Forest Hall, and Geological Hall, integrating local Indigenous culture to reopen the long-silent Balin Ancient Path and create the "Balin Ancient Path Ecological Park," allowing visitors to experience a profound journey combining nature and culture. Despite being named "ancient path," the "Balin Ancient Path" primarily utilizes newly constructed boardwalks, with a total length of 1.28 kilometers. The tranquil pathway incorporates local natural landscapes, featuring the unique "Ecological Exploration Rope Bridge" suspended high above the forest. Walking on the single-person-width suspension bridge allows close observation of the canopy ecology, providing a thrilling and airy experience as the wind sweeps beneath. The rope bridge also offers glimpses downwards at the blood vines weaving like dragons among the trees, creating an exhilarating experience and diverse perspectives for nature observation. Due to the rich mountain resources around Lala Mountain, the ecological park currently plans four exhibition halls: the Butterfly Exhibition Hall, Beetle Hall, Broadleaf Forest Hall, and Geological Hall. The bright exhibition halls display various specimens and ecological explanations. The Butterfly Exhibition Hall, located about a five-minute walk from the visitor center, features some of the most representative butterflies and insect specimens of the Northern Cross-Island Highway, including a model of the largest butterfly in Taiwan, the giant purple emperor butterfly. The best time for butterfly watching at Lala Mountain is annually from March to May. The Beetle Hall, renovated from an idle pavilion, is especially suitable for family visits, offering a chance to explore the world of beetles in Lala Mountain. Additionally, there is the Broadleaf Forest Hall that introduces the scenery of the original forest and a geological exhibition hall showcasing unique geological landscapes, allowing visitors to understand the ecological resources of Lala Mountain and appreciate the importance of protecting this green asset. After passing through the exhibition halls, visitors can follow the pathway down to the observation deck. Climbing up to the platform provides a broad view where both the old Balin Bridge and the new Balin Bridge are visible, along with the magnificent scenery of the Dahan River below. For those wishing to experience the beauty of the bridge up close, the "Flying Squirrel Corridor" leads down to Balin Bridge, allowing for an intimate appreciation of this new landmark in the Balin area.
