Guan Dao Mountain Trail Introduction
1. Location: Intersection of Sanyi Township and Dahu Township 2. Start and End: Miaoli County Route 56 ~ Guandao Mountain Trigonometric Point 3. Trail Length: 1.2 kilometers, Walking Time: About 45 minutes one way 4. Trail Route: Shengxing Station - Dacao Pai - Intersection Square - Trailhead (Southwest and Southeast sides) - Guandao Mountain Trigonometric Point. At an elevation of 888 meters, Guandao Mountain is the main peak of the Guandao Mountain Range, located at the border of Dahu and Sanyi Townships in Miaoli County. The surrounding terrain is mainly a gentle, wide-hilled landscape, and Guandao Mountain rises prominently in this area, similar to a stork among chickens. The sheer cliffs to the north of the mountain peak rise steeply; viewed from the valley, it appears as a pillar reaching the sky and is named for its resemblance to a guandao (a type of traditional Chinese sword). The Guandao Mountain area has a rich and diverse ecosystem, with expansive views from the summit, accessible via multiple trails leading to attractions such as Shengxing Station, Yutengping Broken Bridge, Liyu Lake Reservoir, and Shuangtan Leisure Agriculture Park. During holidays, it is common to see people hiking together on Guandao Mountain, enjoying the forest filled with phytoncides. The Guandao Mountain Ridge Ancient Trail runs from Shengxing through Guandao Mountain to the newly opened Shuangkeng Bridge (Taiwan Highway 3), while the Guandao Mountain Trail is the western section of this ancient trail, between Shengxing and Guandao Mountain, with a path winding around Liyu Lake Reservoir, presenting a tranquil ambiance. Along the trail, you can find Acacia trees, bamboo, Tung trees, Miscanthus, and mountain taro, with many bird species such as the Oriental Magpie-Robin, Eurasian Magpie, White-browed Bulbul, and Formosan Blue Magpie, as well as various butterflies and reptiles that inhabit this rich ecosystem. After taking about a 10-minute drive from the Sanyi Interchange, you arrive at Shengxing Station, which can be the starting point, or you can continue to the intersection square parking lot before starting your hike. Built in 1906, Shengxing Station is the highest point on the western Taiwan railway, featuring an old wooden station built without any nails, showcasing a Japanese architectural style. In April 1999, the Miaoli County Government announced it as a county-designated historical site due to its significant historical and cultural value, attracting visitors to experience the old railway atmosphere. The station is surrounded by lush greenery and pleasant scenery, with Tung tree groves at the top that bloom with white flowers in April and May, adding elegance to the green landscape. Nearby vendors often offer local delicacies and snacks, making it worthwhile to explore. Upon leaving Shengxing Station and reaching an intersection, follow the signs to the right, where the trail ascends, passing the Tudi Temple and Dacao Pai, lined with trees and filled with bird songs. Reach the intersection square, where you can start up Guandao Mountain along the concrete path on the left rear. Continuing to the trailhead, take the right fork uphill to an abandoned building, then follow the road behind the building to reach the southwest trailhead of Guandao Mountain. Ascend via stone steps, and the summit of Guandao Mountain is not far ahead. The summit offers excellent views, with white clouds scattered around, and mountains layered in the distance, surrounded by lush greenery. As the sun sets, the sky is painted with gradations of red and orange, creating a dreamy sunset view that compels visitors to take numerous photographs. During autumn and winter, the sea of clouds rises around Guandao Mountain, known as the "Fairy Mountain above the Sea". To find the trigonometric point, head slightly lower to the left from the open area at the summit. For the return trip, you can descend via the rope ladder guardrail on the southeast side of the summit, reaching the southeast trailhead, then follow the access road right to connect back to the southwest trailhead, returning via the original path.
