Xiucai Mountain Trail Introduction
For travelers who are not usually close to the mountains, the Xiucai Mountain Trail, with an elevation of less than 400 meters and its gentle and easily traversable paths, allows visitors to leisurely enjoy the pleasure of climbing and viewing the scenery. The origin of the Xiucai Trail lies in the benevolent donation of land, continuing the historical elegance of Yangmei's Xiucai community, named for having produced three scholars during the Qing Dynasty. The birth of the Xiucai Mountain Trail came about due to the enthusiastic donations from several landowners with the surname Huang, transforming this path into a beautiful place for the public to enjoy nature and get close to the land. Along the trail, various artistic installations reflecting local characteristics are set up, such as teapots, top scholar cakes, and scholar dolls, creating a perfect blend of culture and scenery. Tea Terraces and Bamboo Forest Mysteries: Immerse Yourself in Natural Surprises What is most stunning about the Xiucai Trail is the breathtaking scenery created by the intertwining tea terraces and bamboo forests. Entering the tea garden section along Lane 769 of Xiucai Road, one is greeted by neatly arranged layers of tea terraces. As the journey approaches the end of the tea garden section, a serene bamboo forest quietly appears, with slender bamboo swaying in the wind and sunlight filtering through the gaps, outlining a tranquil atmosphere. Overlooking the Cityscape and Experiencing the Imperial Examination Culture Continuing up for about five minutes, you will reach the Twilight Pavilion. This spot is an excellent resting point along the trail where travelers can pause and view the scenery of Yangmei City, taking in the beautiful shadows of the urban landscape. In front of the Twilight Pavilion, there is also an informational sign introducing the ancient imperial examination system, allowing travelers to understand the hardships of the scholars' exams and the cultural heritage behind it. Rich Ecology: Surprising Encounters with Endangered Birds Along the Xiucai Trail, it is possible to observe up to 50 species of birds, and with good luck, one might even encounter Taiwan's endangered bird species — the Crested Serpent Eagle and the Eurasian Sparrowhawk. As travelers walk quietly through this tranquil forest, the melodies of chirping birds fill the air, making every step an exploration filled with surprises. This is an ecological paradise that birdwatching enthusiasts should not miss. Nearby Attractions: Pitou Park and the Dawn Redwood Mystery If you are still not satisfied, you can head to the Xiucai Mountain 5B Pitou Park, where you can stroll along the lakeshore and enjoy the serene beauty of the reflections of water and mountains. In less than a 20-minute drive, you can reach the Dawn Redwood Mystery, where towering dawn redwoods turn red in winter, creating a dreamy scenery that is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
