Baojia Ancient Trail Introduction
Visiting ancient paths has always been a good way to learn about local history. The Baojia Ancient Trail, which has a history of over 200 years, reveals through its name that it was developed during the Qing Dynasty. The Baojia Ancient Trail, formerly known as the "Palanquin Ancient Trail," was once a necessary route for porters traveling between Hsinpu in Hsinchu and Daxi in Taoyuan when there were no external connecting roads in the Laokeng area, mainly transporting crops such as persimmons, citrus fruits, tea leaves, and bitter tea oil. The original length of the trail was 20 kilometers, but it fell into disrepair for many years. In 2014, residents of Yongning Village took six months to restore 750 meters of the Baojia Ancient Trail using traditional methods inherited from their ancestors. The round pebbles on the path were sourced locally from Laokeng Creek, and the residents used techniques such as laying large stones in the center and small stones on both sides to secure them, with a slope of below 5%, to recreate the scene of cargo transportation in the past and hope to preserve local memories. The ancient trail, built using traditional Hakka construction methods, is more time-consuming and labor-intensive than using cement but offers better permeability, preventing damage to the native species' habitats and achieving soil and water conservation. It also reflects the residents' love for their land. Starting from the colorful mural wall at the entrance along Laozhuang Road, there are facilities such as guided maps, tea pavilions, explanation pavilions, and decorative stone sculptures along the way, allowing travelers to experience Hakka culture. The flat ancient trail is quite suitable for family outings, offering a tranquil environment where visitors can enjoy the lush greenery of tea gardens and bitter tea oil trees, lifting their spirits. With the arrival of the Chinese parasol tree blossom season in May, the trail attracts many flower watchers eager to see the beautiful sight of blossoms adorning the treetops. The rest pavilion at a higher point on the trail provides an excellent view, allowing visitors to overlook the Yangsheng Golf Course and enjoy the pure white romance of the mountainous landscape.
