Yangchao Forest Trail Introduction
Follow in the footsteps of the shepherds of old, treading through the valleys of the tributaries of the Nankan River. The sight of sheepfolds and grazing has long vanished, replaced by the figures of many hikers traversing this tranquil mountain trail. The Yangchou Pit Forest Trail is approximately 3.3 kilometers long and generally easy to walk, surrounded by lush greenery, where you can also catch a glimpse of the high-speed rail passing through tunnels. It is undoubtedly worth a visit! Along the Yangchou Lane next to the Chang Rong-fa Foundation Museum and Chang Liu Art Museum, walk about 100 meters to find the entrance marked by a cute goat stone sculpture. The spacious dirt path is easy to navigate, and after walking about 100 meters, you reach the first checkpoint of this trail - Haohan Slope, where 215 steps challenge your cardiovascular endurance, rapidly burning calories! If you wish to conserve energy at the start, you can take the right fork, both routes lead to Qifenshan. There’s a health plaza at Qifenshan with swings and basic fitness equipment, a nice place to take a short break. Continuing on under the gentle mountain breeze, proceed 200 meters along the flat dirt steps towards Bafenshan. If you're planning a "lightweight" hike, the right path towards the Wu Clan Ancestral Hall can lead you back to Zhongshan Road. As you continue towards Jianshan, you'll come upon a high-voltage tower at the mountain peak. On the way to Jiufenshan, the right path leads to the century-old Longtoudian Land Temple beneath a big banyan tree, while the left path takes you to the hiking entrance along Ren'ai Road, Section 3, Lane 560. After Jiufenshan, ascend the stone steps to the viewing platform where you can see the high-speed rail swiftly passing through tunnels, planes taking off and landing at Taoyuan International Airport, and ships navigating the Taiwan Strait in the distance. A spectacular combination of land, sea, and air views awaits! The highest point of the trail, at an altitude of 225 meters, is the Yangchou Mountain Peak, the most popular spot for watching the high-speed rail. Descending along the path, you’ll pass the Beetle Ecological Area pavilion and a long pavilion before reaching the end of the trail at Liu Fu Road hiking entrance. The Yangchou Pit Forest Trail boasts rich ecological landscapes; butterfly, squirrels, and stag beetles flutter among the pencil cedars, camphor trees, and acacia trees, showcasing a vibrant natural scene just outside the city. The annual "Yangchou Trail Beetle Season" held every summer is a highlight of the ecosystem that shouldn't be missed; numerous beetles swarm on the laurel trees, their powerful horns serving as the best weapons for defending territory and foraging, turning into a spectacle of nature! You can follow the guide into the beetle restoration area to learn closely about the insects’ growth environments and ecological habits, a truly amazing experience!
