Xiucai Mountain Trail Introduction
For travelers who are not often close to the mountains and forests, the Xiucai Mountain Trail, with an elevation of less than 400 meters, offers a gentle and easy path that allows them to leisurely enjoy the joy of climbing and gazing into the distance. The origin of the Xiucai Trail: a charitable land donation that continues the historical elegance. Xiucai Village in Yangmei is named after three scholars who emerged during the Qing Dynasty, and the birth of the Xiucai Mountain Trail is attributed to the enthusiastic land donations from several Huang family landlords, making this trail a wonderful place for the public to enjoy nature and connect with the land. Along the trail, various locally distinctive art installations have been set up, such as teapots, top exam scholar cakes, and scholar dolls, perfectly blending culture with scenery. Tea plantation terraces and bamboo forest secret spots: strolling in greenery, immersing in nature's surprises. The most stunning aspect of the Xiucai Trail is the breathtaking scenery created by the interweaving of tea plantation terraces and bamboo forest secret spots. Entering the tea plantation section along Lane 769 of Xiucai Road, one is greeted with neatly arranged layers of tea plantation terraces. As the journey approaches the end of the tea plantation section, a tranquil bamboo forest quietly appears, with slender bamboo swaying in the wind and sunlight streaming through the gaps, crafting a tranquil atmosphere. To overlook the beautiful cityscape and feel the culture of the imperial examination, one can continue walking for about five more minutes to reach the Twilight Pavilion. This is an excellent resting spot on the trail where travelers can relax and enjoy the view of Yangmei city, taking in the beautiful light and shadows of the city. In front of the Twilight Pavilion, there is also an information board introducing the ancient imperial examination system, allowing travelers to understand the hardships of the scholar's examination and the cultural heritage behind it. Rich ecology: encountering surprise moments with conserved bird species. Along the Xiucai Trail, up to 50 species of birds can be observed, and with good luck, one may even encounter Taiwan's conserved bird species— the Crested Serpent Eagle and the Japanese Sparrowhawk. As travelers walk quietly through this serene mountain forest, the sound of birds singing creates a harmonious symphony, making each step filled with exploration and surprise, making it an ecological paradise not to be missed by bird watching enthusiasts. Nearby attractions: Pitang Park and the Secret Land of Bald Cypress. If you’re still not satisfied, consider heading to 5B Pitang Park at Xiucai Mountain, where you can stroll along the lakeshore and enjoy the tranquil beauty of water and mountain scenery. In less than 20 minutes drive, you can also reach the secret land of Bald Cypress, where the towering Bald Cypress forest turns red in winter, creating a dreamy landscape that is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
