Tiao Tan Ancient Trail Introduction
In the mountainous area between Sanyi Township and Tongxiao Township in Miaoli, there is an ancient trail surrounded by dense trees and green shade. The path paved with large pebbles exudes an old-world charm, evoking nostalgia and abundant nature. Walking along it, one feels a gentle breeze and hears the rustling leaves, accompanied by the symphony of cicadas and birds, which lifts the spirits as the vistas ahead open up. During the blooming season of the tung blossoms in April and May, this place turns into a beautiful world covered in white snow, with delicate and pristine tung flowers blooming on treetops, dancing in the wind and carpeting the ground, creating a dreamlike scene. No doubt, this is the beautiful scenery of the "Tiao Tan Ancient Trail" throughout the seasons. Now, let us explore this enchanting green tunnel together! The Tiao Tan Ancient Trail is located in Shuanghu Village in Sanyi Township, also known today as the "Santong Ridge Ancient Trail." It was an important connecting path between Tongxiao Township and Sanyi Township in earlier times. The Tiao Tan Ancient Trail is 5 kilometers long, extending from the Fuxing mountainous area in Tongxiao to Santong Ridge, and then from Dakeng and Shikeng in Sanyi to Sanyi Train Station. Along the way, visitors can enjoy well-preserved forests of acacia, camphor, mahogany, tung trees, and native species, with beautiful landscapes and fresh air. A walk along this winding ancient trail can be a refreshing forest bathing experience filled with phytoncides. Upon reaching Santong Ridge along the ancient trail, one will find an expansive platform with excellent views where the scenery is clear all around, including the Taiwan Strait, Tongxiao Power Plant, and Tiezhu Mountain visible at a glance. Taking a moment to rest here, stretching against the wind and taking a few deep breaths, amidst the broad vistas and relaxed mood, few experiences can be more enjoyable! As the Tiao Tan Ancient Trail is also one of the areas with the most tung trees in Sanyi, the trail adopts another beautiful spring attire every April and May when the tung flowers bloom. Walking step by step on the rustic pebble steps while appreciating the waves of white tung flowers in the green sea is a completely different experience. It is recommended to stroll and hike along the ancient trail not only for physical and mental health benefits but also to admire the varying beauty of Tiao Tan Ancient Trail across the seasons! For those who have visited the "Tiao Tan Ancient Trail," the wooden sculpture of a "charcoal carrier" wearing a bamboo hat, dressed in shorts, carrying charcoal on a shoulder pole, and smiling at the entrance of Dakeng Ancient Trail on County Road 48 has left a strong impression. For those preparing to explore the ancient trail, taking the time to appreciate this sculpture is worthwhile, as this artistic work conveys the origin and spirit of the Tiao Tan Ancient Trail. 150 years ago, residents from the Fuxing area in Tongxiao opened up stone steps through rugged mountains to travel to Sanyi to trade necessary goods and agricultural products. During the Japanese colonial period, the charcoal industry using acacia trees flourished. Many charcoal kilns were built in the mountains, and the charcoal produced was carried via this trail to Sanyi Train Station for transport. Countless carriers have walked this "Tiao Tan Ancient Trail," witnessing the prosperous history of the charcoal industry in Miaoli, leaving behind the enduring spirit of the ancestors who persevered through hardship and labor.
