Tiao Tan Old Trail Introduction
In the mountainous area where Sanyi Township and Tongxiao Town in Miaoli meet, there exists an ancient trail surrounded by dense greenery, with a pathway paved with large cobblestones that exudes a tranquil and nostalgic charm. Walking along this path, you can feel the cool breeze and hear the rustling leaves, accompanied by the symphony of cicadas and birds, which lifts your spirits as the landscape before you opens up. During the oil camellia blossom season in April and May, this area transforms into a beautiful world covered in white, with delicate white flowers blooming on the trees, dancing in the wind and carpeting the ground, creating a dreamlike scene. Don't doubt it; this is the beauty of the "Tiao Tan Ancient Trail" in all four seasons. Now, let us explore this charming green tunnel together! The Tiao Tan Ancient Trail is located in Shuanghu Village of Sanyi Township, also known as the present-day "Santong Ridge Ancient Trail." It once served as an essential communication route between Tongxiao Town and Sanyi Township. The trail spans 5 kilometers, starting from the Fuxing Mountain area of Tongxiao and leading to Santong Ridge, then through Dakeng and Shikeng to Sanyi Railway Station. Along the way, you will find well-preserved forests of Acacia, camphor trees, nanders, oil camellias, and local native species, all contributing to the beautiful scenery and fresh air. Walking this winding ancient path in the mountains provides a refreshing forest bath enriched with phytoncides. Upon reaching Santong Ridge along the ancient trail, you will find an open platform with an excellent view. Gaze around and witness the clear vistas of the Taiwan Strait, Tongxiao Thermal Power Plant, and Tiezhu Mountain. Here, take a moment to rest, stretch your muscles against the breeze, and indulge in a few deep breaths. There is nothing more enjoyable than this vast scenery combined with a relaxed state of mind! Since the Tiao Tan Ancient Trail is also one of the areas with the most oil camellia trees in Sanyi, the path adorns another layer of gentle spring attire when the flowers bloom in April and May. Walking on the rustic cobblestone steps while admiring the waves of white oil camellia flowers among the green sea offers a vastly different experience. It is highly recommended that everyone come to hike and stroll on the ancient trail, as it benefits both body and mind while allowing you to appreciate the different seasonal beauties of the Tiao Tan Ancient Trail! Those who have visited the "Tiao Tan Ancient Trail" will surely remember the engraved impression of a charcoal carrier at the entrance of the Dakeng Ancient Trail on Miaoli County Road 48, wearing a straw hat, shorts, and smiling while shouldering charcoal. For those preparing to explore the ancient trail, it would be a good idea to admire this sculpture, as it conveys the origin and spirit of the Tiao Tan Ancient Trail. About 150 years ago, residents of the Fuxing area in Tongxiao opened up stone steps in the rugged mountains to trade in daily necessities and agricultural products in Sanyi. During the Japanese colonial period, the charcoal production industry thrived in the mountains using Acacia wood, leading to numerous charcoal kilns. The charcoal produced was transported via this trail to Sanyi Railway Station for shipment, with countless carriers having traversed the "Tiao Tan Ancient Trail," witnessing the prosperous history of Miaoli's charcoal industry while leaving behind the spirit of perseverance and hard work of their ancestors.
