Kandao Mountain Trail Introduction
1. Location: Intersection of Sanyi Township and Dahu Township 2. Start and End: Miaoli County Route 56 to Guandao Mountain Triangulation Point 3. Trail Length: 1.2 kilometers, Walking Time: Approximately 45 minutes one way 4. Trail Route: Shengxing Station - Dacasapai - Fork Plaza - Trailhead (southwest and southeast sides) - Guandao Mountain Triangulation Point Guandao Mountain, at an elevation of 888 meters, is the main peak of the Guandao Mountain range, located at the border of Dahu and Sanyi Township in Miaoli County. The surrounding terrain consists mainly of gently sloping, wide ridges, with Guandao Mountain standing out remarkably in this hilly landscape. The northern face of the main peak of Guandao Mountain features steep cliffs that rise dramatically, resembling a towering pillar when viewed from the valley below, leading to its name which means "spear blade" in Chinese due to its shape. The ecosystem of Guandao Mountain is rich and diverse, offering expansive views from the summit and connecting to various trails leading to attractions such as Shengxing Station, Yutengping Broken Bridge, Liyutan Reservoir, and Shuangtan Leisure Agricultural Park. It is common to see groups of people visiting Guandao Mountain on weekends to enjoy the fresh, phytoncide-rich mountain air. The Guandao Mountain Ridge Trail extends from Shengxing to the new Shuangkeng Bridge (Taiwan Highway 3), while the Guandao Mountain Trail is the western section of this ridge trail, linking Shengxing and Guandao Mountain. This segment meanders around the tranquil and picturesque Liyutan Reservoir. Along the trail, you'll find various vegetation such as Acacia, bamboo, tung trees, miscanthus, and yam bushes. Numerous bird species such as thrushes, magpies, white-headed bulbs, and starlings can be spotted, along with various butterflies and reptiles, nurturing a vibrant ecosystem. After exiting the Sanyi Interchange, a short 10-minute drive will bring you to Shengxing Station, where you can choose to start your hike or proceed to the parking lot at Fork Plaza to begin your walk. Shengxing Station, built in 1906, is the highest point of the western railway in Taiwan. The wooden station is charming and constructed without any nails, displaying a Japanese architectural style. It was designated as a county-level historic site by the Miaoli County Government in April 1999 and holds significant cultural and historical value, attracting visitors who want to experience the charm of the old mountain line railway. The area around the station is surrounded by lush greenery, with numerous tung trees on the mountain top that bloom with white flowers in April and May, adding elegance to the landscape. Nearby Shengxing Station, several shops offer local snacks and dishes; a visit here is a delightful way to taste the local flavors. From Shengxing Station, head towards the right at the fork, where a steep incline leads past the Tuxi Temple and Dacasapai, surrounded by dense shade and the sounds of birdsong. Reaching Fork Plaza, you can ascend Guandao Mountain via the cement road on the left rear. Continuing towards the trailhead, follow the right fork upwards, past some abandoned houses, leading to the southwest trailhead of Guandao Mountain. Ascending the stone steps, the summit of Guandao Mountain is not far off. At the summit, the panoramic views are great, with rolling mountains and white clouds in sight. As the sun sets, the sky is painted in gradient hues of orange and red, offering a spectacular sunset that entices visitors to keep taking photos. In autumn and winter, cloud seas rise from Guandao Mountain, giving it the nickname "Immortal Mountain in the Sea." From the lower left area of the open summit, you can find the triangulation point. For the return trip, descend from the southeast side, reaching the southeast trailhead, then follow the access road to connect back to the southwest trailhead, retracing your steps.
