Yangchul Forest Trail Introduction
Following the footsteps of the ancient shepherds, you can tread the valleys formed by the tributaries of the Nankan River. The once-visible sheep pens and pastoral scenes are no longer to be seen, but many hikers now traverse this tranquil mountain path. The Yangchao Keng Forest Trail is approximately 3.3 kilometers long and is generally flat and easy to walk on. Along the way, the lush greenery and distant views of the High-Speed Rail passing through tunnels make the trek absolutely worthwhile! After walking about 100 meters up Yangchao Lane next to the Zhang Rongfa Foundation Museum and the Changliu Art Museum, you will arrive at the entrance marked by a cute goat stone sculpture. The wide dirt path is easy to navigate, and after about 100 meters, you will reach the first checkpoint of this trail—the Hero Slope. The 215 steps will challenge your cardiovascular fitness, rapidly burning calories! If you prefer not to expend too much energy at the start, you can take the right path; both paths lead to Qifeng Mountain. The health square at the peak of Qifeng Mountain has swings and simple fitness equipment for a short rest. Then, with the gentle mountain breeze, continue for 200 meters along the flat earth steps towards Bafeng Mountain. If you are planning for a "lightweight" hike, the right path towards the Wu Family Shrine can return you to Zhongshan Road. Continue towards Jianshan, where the high-voltage power towers stand, and you will reach the mountain peak. On the way to Jiufen Mountain, there is a right path leading to the "Hundred-Year Longtou Guanyin Land Temple" located under a big banyan tree, and a left path leading to the hiking entrance at Lane 560, Section 3, Ren'ai Road. After Jiufen Mountain, follow the stone steps to the observation platform, where you can see the High-Speed Rail swiftly passing through tunnels, planes taking off and landing at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, and boats sailing in the Taiwan Strait—land, sea, and air views converge, broadening your horizons! The trail's highest point, at an altitude of 225 meters, is the Yangchao Mountain peak, the most popular spot for viewing the High-Speed Rail. As you descend, you will pass by the beetle ecological area pavilion and the long pavilion before arriving at the trail's endpoint—the Liufu Road hiking entrance. The Yangchao Keng Forest Trail boasts rich ecological landscapes; swallowtail butterflies, squirrels, and stag beetles weave among the pencil trees, tou wood, and acacia, showcasing the diverse natural beauty of this green space near the city. The annual "Yangchao Trail Beetle Season" held every summer is a highlight not to be missed; massive beetles appear on the wax trees, with powerful horns serving as their best weapons for competition and territory. A unique martial arts gathering unfolds with each encounter! You might join a guided tour of the beetle restoration area to learn about the growth environment and ecological behavior of these insects up close, which will surely amaze you!
