Dajiaoqiang Historic Trail Introduction
Walking on the wooden steps of the Dajiaqiong Old Trail, you might notice an old stone step covered in moss beside you and imagine that this once was a bustling trade route. Before the Northern Cross-Island Highway was opened, the ancestors of the Bajie and Amuping areas had to take this mountain path to transport agricultural products to Daxi for sale. As times changed, the prosperity of that era has transformed into a page of faded history. Today, the Dajiaqiong Old Trail, rich in ecology, offers a unique charm throughout the seasons and has become an ideal leisure destination to enjoy phytoncides and admire the Tung flowers. To reach the Dajiaqiong Old Trail from Taiwan Route 7, you will pass through the Zhugao Village industrial road, where an old red-brick house stands quietly, uninhabited. It’s an easy straight path until you make a left turn at the Zhugao Village bus stop. Here, the Head Liao Pond, like a mirror, reflects the blue sky, white clouds, and green trees, presenting a beautiful landscape as a greeting to visiting travelers. The pond, split in two, is also known as the New Fuzhun, with a notable "floating island" in its large waters. This is home to the only land God temple located in the water in Taiwan, which was moved to Fuchang Temple during the construction of the pond, creating a unique sight. Continuing forward to Dajiaqiong Temple marks the official start of the old trail journey. Occasionally, you may see moss-covered stone walls adorned with inscriptions, giving a hint of Zen vibes. Upon reaching the saddle, you can choose to go right to Xizhou Mountain or left to Touliao Mountain, Nanzigou Old Trail, Governor’s Office Trail, and Bajie Lin-Yin Trail. After a break at the Xishiting, you can walk downhill to reach the exit of the old trail at Taiwan Route 51. The Dajiaqiong Old Trail is renowned locally as a Tung flower path, where the May flowers bloom majestically in the mountains and float on the streams, each presenting its own romantic charm. The deeper you venture into the mountains, the more you can enjoy the sight of various butterflies, such as the Purple Swordtail and Purple Hairstreak, fluttering gracefully among the trees. The shimmering wings of the butterflies under the sun create a captivating scene, making you feel as if you've stepped into a fairy tale, and leaving you with beautiful memories of your journey along the Dajiaqiong.
