Kandao Mountain Trail Introduction
1. Location: Intersection of Sanyi Township and Dahu Township 2. Starting and ending point: Miaoli County Route 56 to Guandao Mountain Triangulation Point 3. Trail length: 1.2 kilometers, walking time: approximately 45 minutes one way 4. Trail path: Shengxing Station - Dacaupei - Junction Square - Trailhead (southwest, southeast) - Guandao Mountain Triangulation Point Guandao Mountain, with an elevation of 888 meters, is the main peak of the Guandao Mountain range, located at the boundary of Dahu and Sanyi Townships in Miaoli County. The surrounding terrain is characterized by gently sloping, wide ridges, and Guandao Mountain stands out prominently like a stork among chickens. The north side of the main peak features steep cliffs that rise dramatically, resembling a pillar reaching the sky, hence its name due to its resemblance to a guandao (a type of traditional Chinese weapon). The ecology of the Guandao Mountain area is rich and diverse, with a broad view from the summit, accessible via multiple trails connecting to Shengxing Station, Yutengping Broken Bridge, Liyutan Reservoir, and Shuangtan Leisure Agriculture Park. Each holiday sees groups of people hiking Guandao Mountain, enjoying the fragrant mountain forests. The Guandao Mountain Ridge Historic Trail connects Shengxing to Guandao Mountain and leads to the newly opened Shuangkeng Bridge (Taiwan Route 3). The Guandao Mountain Trail, which is the western section of this historic trail, links Shengxing and Guandao Mountain, winding gracefully by Liyutan Reservoir. Along the trail, you can find acacia trees, bamboo, tung trees, five-branch grass, and clusters of mountain yam, with various bird species such as thrushes, magpies, white-headed bulbuls, and mynas. Many butterflies and reptiles inhabit this area, creating a rich biodiversity. From Sanyi Interchange, it takes about 10 minutes by car to reach Shengxing Station, from where you can choose to start the hike or continue to the parking lot at Junction Square before starting your walk. Shengxing Station, built in 1906, is the highest point along Taiwan's west railway. The wooden station, built without any nails, showcases a traditional Japanese architectural style. In April 1999, it was designated a county-level historic monument by the Miaoli County Government due to its significant historical and cultural value, attracting visitors to experience the charm of the old mountain railway. The station is surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque scenery, especially with the tung tree grove at the peak, where the snow-white flowers add an elegant touch to the green landscape in April and May. Nearby, there are several local businesses offering traditional cuisine and snacks worth tasting. From Shengxing Station, at the junction, head right and ascend, passing by a Tudi Gong Temple and Dacaupei, surrounded by shaded paths and birdsong. At the Junction Square, take the left backroad to ascend Guandao Mountain. Continuing to the trailhead, take the right path leading up to a derelict building, where a trail behind the building leads to the southwestern trailhead of Guandao Mountain. Ascend via stone steps, and the summit is not far ahead. The view from the summit is excellent, with white clouds and layered mountains visible all around, vibrant green trees standing tall. As the sun sets, the sky is painted in gradient shades of orange and red, creating a dreamy sunset scene that prompts visitors to capture the moment. In autumn and winter, the clouds rise around Guandao Mountain, resembling an "immortal mountain above the sea." A lower area to the left from the open summit leads to the triangulation point. For the return journey, descend the southeast side of the summit using a rope ladder guardrail to reach the southeastern trailhead, then head right along the industrial road until you reconnect with the southwestern trailhead, following the original route back.
