Tiao Tan Ancient Trail Introduction
In the mountainous area at the border of Sanyi Township and Tongxiao Township in Miaoli, there is an ancient path surrounded by dense forests, where green shades hide the sky. The path made of large cobblestones exudes a sense of antiquity and nostalgia, brimming with natural beauty. Walking along it, with the cool breeze blowing and the rustling of leaves, and listening to the symphony of cicadas and birds, one’s mood becomes as expansive and pleasant as the wide view ahead. In the blooming season of Tung Blossoms around April and May, this place transforms into a beautiful world covered in white snow. The delicate and pristine Tung flowers bloom atop the trees, dance in the wind, and carpet the ground, creating a dreamy scene. Indeed, this is the seasonal beauty of the “Tiau Tan Ancient Trail.” Now, let us embark on a journey to explore this charming green tunnel together! The Tiau Tan Ancient Trail is located in Shuanghu Village of Sanyi Township, now known as the "San Tong Ling Ancient Trail." It was once an important communication route between Tongxiao Township and Sanyi Township. The trail stretches for 5 kilometers, starting from the Fuxing mountain area in Tongxiao to San Tong Ling, and then from Dakeng and Shikeng to Sanyi Railway Station. Along the way, visitors can enjoy well-preserved Acacia forests, Camphor trees, Taiwanese cedar, Tung trees, and native tree species with beautiful forest scenery and fresh air. Walking through this winding old path in the mountains is like partaking in a forest bath filled with phytoncides. Upon reaching San Tong Ling along the ancient trail, one will encounter an open platform with an excellent view. From this vantage point, the scenery is clear, with the Taiwan Strait, Tongxiao Power Plant, and Tie Zhu Mountain all visible. Taking a short break here, stretching against the wind and taking a few deep breaths only enhances the pleasure of the expansive landscape paired with a relaxed mood. Since the Tiau Tan Ancient Trail is also one of the areas with the most Tung trees in Sanyi, every April and May during the bloom, the ancient path adorns itself in another set of gentle spring attire. Walking step by step on the rustic cobblestone steps while appreciating the waves of white Tung flowers amidst the green sea brings a distinctly different experience. It is highly recommended for everyone to come and hike the ancient trail; not only is it good for physical and mental health, but it also allows one to appreciate the different beautiful sceneries of the Tiau Tan Ancient Trail in all seasons! For those who have visited the "Tiau Tan Ancient Trail," the striking sculpture of a charcoal porter—wearing a hat, dressed in shorts, shouldering charcoal, and smiling—at the entrance of Dakeng Ancient Trail on Miaoli County Road 48 is unforgettable. Those preparing to explore the ancient trail should take a moment to appreciate it, as this sculpture conveys the origin and spirit of the Tiau Tan Ancient Trail. 150 years ago, residents of the Fuxing area in Tongxiao opened up a stone-step path through the rugged mountains to transport essential goods and agricultural products to Sanyi. During the Japanese Colonial period, the charcoal industry utilizing Acacia trees flourished in the mountains, leading to the establishment of numerous charcoal kilns. The charcoal produced was transported along this path to Sanyi Railway Station for shipment. Countless porters have traversed this "Tiau Tan Ancient Trail," witnessing the prosperous history of the charcoal industry in Miaoli and leaving behind the legacy of the perseverance and hard work of their ancestors.
