Xiucai Trail Introduction
For travelers who don't often venture into the mountains, the Xiucai Hiking Trail, with an elevation of less than 400 meters, offers a gentle and accessible path that allows visitors to enjoy the pleasure of climbing and admiring the views. The origin of the Xiucai Trail: a charitable donation of land that continues the historical elegance. Yangmei Xiucai Village is named after three scholars from the Qing Dynasty, and the creation of the Xiucai Hiking Trail was thanks to the generosity of several Huang family landowners who donated land, making this trail a wonderful place for the public to enjoy nature and connect with the land. Along the trail, various local artistic installations, such as teapots, scholar cakes, and scholar dolls, have been set up to perfectly blend culture with scenery. Tea Fields Terraces and Bamboo Grove Secret: Immerse in Nature's Surprises The most stunning aspect of the Xiucai Trail is the breathtaking scenery created by the intertwining tea field terraces and bamboo groves. Entering the tea field section along Xiucai Road Lane 769, you will encounter neatly arranged layers of tea field terraces. As your journey approaches the end of the tea field section, a tranquil bamboo grove quietly makes its appearance, with the slender bamboo swaying in the wind, and sunlight filtering through the gaps, sketching a serene atmosphere. Overlooking the beautiful cityscape and experiencing the civil service examination culture, after about a five-minute walk upwards, you will reach the Twilight Pavilion. This is an excellent resting point on the trail where travelers can take a break and gaze at the scenery of Yangmei City, fully enjoying the beautiful lights and shadows of the city. In front of the Twilight Pavilion, there is also an explanatory sign introducing the ancient civil service examination system, allowing travelers to understand the challenges of the scholar examinations and the cultural heritage behind it. Rich Ecology: Surprising Encounters with Conservation Birds Along the way of the Xiucai Trail, up to 50 species of birds can be observed, and if you are lucky, you might even encounter Taiwan's conservation birds—the Crested Serpent Eagle and the Loong Sparrowhawk. As travelers quietly walk through this tranquil mountain forest, the symphony of bird songs fills the air. Every step is full of exploration and surprises, making it an ecological paradise that birdwatching enthusiasts should not miss. Nearby Attractions: Pitang Park and the Secret of the Dawn Cypress If you are still unsatisfied, you might want to visit Xiucai Mountain 5B Pitang Park. Stroll along the lakeside and enjoy the serene beauty of the water and mountains. In less than a 20-minute drive, you can reach the Secret of the Dawn Cypress. The towering Dawn Cypress forest turns red in winter, creating a dreamy landscape that is a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts.
