Yangchou Forest Trail Introduction
Follow in the footsteps of the shepherds of yore and tread along the valley of the tributary of Nankan Creek. The sights of sheepfolds have vanished, replaced by the figures of many hikers weaving through this tranquil mountain trail. The Yangzhou Keng Forest Trail is approximately 3.3 kilometers long and is generally flat and easy to walk. Along the way, the verdant scenery allows for distant views of the high-speed rail passing through tunnels. A visit is definitely worthwhile! Starting from the Zhang Rongfa Foundation Museum and Chang Liu Art Museum, head about 100 meters up Yangzhou Lane, where you will find the charming mountain goat stone sculpture marking the trailhead. The wide dirt and gravel path is easy to navigate. After walking about 100 meters, you will reach the first challenge of the trail—Hero Slope, where 215 steps test your cardiovascular endurance, burning calories rapidly! If you prefer not to exhaust too much energy right from the start, you can take the right fork, with both routes leading to Qifenshan. The health square at the top of Qifenshan features swings and simple fitness equipment for a brief rest. Then, with the gentle mountain breeze, continue for another 200 meters on the flat soil steps leading to Bafenshan. For a more "lightweight" hiking experience, you can take the right fork towards the Wu Clan Hall, which will lead you back to Zhongshan Road. Continuing towards Jian Mountain, the high-voltage transmission tower marks the summit. On the way to Jiufenshan, the right fork leads to the century-old Longtou Guanyin Earth Temple situated under a large banyan tree, while the left path reaches the entrance of the mountain trail on Ren'ai Road Section 3, Lane 560. After Jiufenshan, ascend the stone steps to the observation deck, where you can witness the high-speed rail swiftly passing through tunnels, planes taking off and landing at Taoyuan International Airport, and ships sailing in the Taiwan Strait, showcasing a magnificent blend of land, sea, and air views! The highest point of the trail, at an elevation of 225 meters, is the summit of Yangzhou Mountain, the most popular spot for viewing the high-speed rail. Descending along the path, after passing the beetle ecological area pavilion and the long pavilion, you'll reach the end of the trail at the Liufu Road trailhead. The Yangzhou Keng Forest Trail boasts rich ecological landscapes; butterflies, squirrels, and stag beetles dart between the bamboo and oil trees, making this green space near the city a vibrant natural showcase. Each summer, the "Yangzhou Trail Beetle Season" is an annual ecological highlight not to be missed; an abundance of beetles can be found on the lacquer tree, with their powerful horns being the best defense and offense, battling for food and territory in a unique martial arts event! You might consider joining a guided tour of the beetle restoration area to closely learn about the insect's growth habitats and ecological behaviors, which will surely leave you in awe!
