Shiguang Old Trail Introduction
The 200-Year-Old Path - Hakka Pilgrimage Route, Wahu Mountain Trail is located in Shiguan Ancient Road in Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County, also known as the "Laohushan Trail". This ancient agricultural path, which connected Guanxi Shikangzi and Longtan in Taoyuan, has a history of nearly two hundred years. The trail is named after the mountainous terrain that resembles a lying tiger and once served as a vital transportation route for Hakka residents to transport their agricultural products. With the construction of modern highways, the old path fell into silence for a time, but in recent years, with the joint efforts of the Shiguan Community Development Association and the local government, it has been renovated to restore its former glory. The trail begins at the old Luo family house next to Shiguan Junior High School, passing through Mianpu Peak and finally leading to the tea plantation pavilion and the Catholic Mount Mary Sanctuary, with a circular route available. The ancient path is paved with cobblestones, winding through dense shades of trees, with plant explanation boards and Hakka proverbs along the way, adding cultural interest to the trail. There are also pavilions, viewing platforms, and wooden benches set up along the way for travelers to pause, enjoy the scenery, and rest. A major highlight of this route is visiting Mount Mary Sanctuary, a cave-style church built to commemorate the miraculous appearance of Our Lady of Lourdes, with the main altar carved from a giant stone and the statue of the Virgin hidden within the cave's rocks, solemn and unique. Returning to the main circular route, visitors can climb to the viewing platform for a distant view of the North Second Highway, Fengshan Creek, Pinglin Bridge, and the Shikangzi valley, offering an expansive and magnificent landscape. The Shiguan Ancient Road retains its original mountain path features and simple natural scenery, making it a trail that combines hiking fun with religious and cultural characteristics. The trail has a moderate slope, making it suitable for people of all ages to enjoy outdoor activities, particularly refreshing in the spring and autumn, making it an ideal choice to experience the charm of Guanxi's mountains and local faith culture. It is also worth mentioning that the Shiguan Ancient Road is one of the designated trails for the “2025 Forest Adventure in Bamboo County: Pipi Lion Adventure Team”! Follow in Pipi Lion's footsteps and ascend Laohushan for a journey that blends history and faith in a forest adventure! ------ Shiguan Ancient Road ------ Type: Suburban Mountain Trail Difficulty: Easy Length: Approximately 6.4 kilometers (including circular route) Trail Conditions: Cobblestone path, original mountain trail, industrial roads Trailhead: No. 44, Lane 308, Guanxi Township (next to Shiguan Junior High School)
