Yangchao Forest Trail Introduction
Follow in the footsteps of the shepherds of old and tread through the valleys along the tributaries of the Nankan River. The images of sheepfolds and grazing have long disappeared, giving way to the silhouettes of many hikers navigating the quiet mountain trails. The Yangchou Keng Forest Trail is approximately 3.3 kilometers long and is generally flat and easy to walk. Along the way, you can enjoy lush greenery and also catch glimpses of high-speed trains passing through tunnels. A trip here is definitely worth it! Proceeding along Yangchou Lane, located next to the Chang Rong Fa Foundation Museum and the Chang Liu Art Museum, you will see the entrance to the trail with a lovely goat stone sculpture after walking about 100 meters. The spacious earthen path is easy to traverse, and after a 100-meter walk, you will arrive at the first checkpoint of this trail – Haohan Slope, where 215 steps will challenge your cardiovascular endurance and rapidly burn calories! If you prefer not to use too much energy right from the start, you can take the right fork, both routes lead to Qifeng Mountain, where the health plaza at the top features swings and basic fitness equipment for a short rest. Next, under the gentle mountain breeze, continue for another 200 meters along the flat dirt steps toward Bafeng Mountain. If you're planning a "lightweight" hike, the fork on the right leading to the Wu's Ancestral Hall allows you to return to Zhongshan Road. Continue toward Jianshan, where you will find a high-voltage power tower at the mountain peak. On your way to Jiufen Mountain, the right fork leads you to the "Hundred-Year Longtou Guanyin Temple" located under a large banyan tree, while the left leads to the trailhead at Ren’ai Road, Section 3, Lane 560. After passing Jiufen Mountain and climbing the stone steps to the observation deck, you can see high-speed trains rapidly passing through tunnels, airplanes taking off and landing at Taoyuan International Airport, and in the distance, boats cruising in the Taiwan Strait—an impressive combination of land, sea, and air scenery that will definitely widen your horizons! The highest point of the trail—Yangchou Mountain at an elevation of 225 meters—is the most popular spot for viewing the high-speed rail. As you descend, you will pass the beetle ecology area gazebo and a long pavilion before reaching the trail's end at the Liuful Road trailhead. The Yangchou Keng Forest Trail boasts rich ecological landscapes; butterflies, squirrels, and stag beetles roam among the Pencil Cedar, Tung Oil Trees, and Acacia trees, showcasing a vibrant natural landscape in this urban green space. Every summer, the "Yangchou Trail Beetle Season" is an annual ecological highlight not to be missed; the presence of numerous beetles on the glutinous tree, with their powerful horns serving as the best weapon for offense and defense, creates a battle for food and territory—a unique gathering of the martial arts world! You might want to walk with the guides through the beetle breeding area to get close to the insects' growth environment and ecological habits, which will surely leave you amazed!
