Guandao Mountain Trail Introduction
1. Location: Border of Sanyi Township and Dahu Township 2. Starting and Ending Point: Miaoli County Highway 56 ~ Guandao Mountain Triangular Point 3. Trail Length: 1.2 kilometers, Walking Time: Approximately 45 minutes one way 4. Trail Route: Shengxing Station - Dacaopai - Fork Square - Trailhead (southwest, southeast) - Guandao Mountain Triangular 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 characterized by gently sloping hills, and Guandao Mountain stands out prominently in this hilly area. To the north of the main peak, steep cliffs descend sharply, resembling a pillar reaching towards the sky; its shape resembles a guandao (a type of traditional Chinese blade), from which its name is derived. The ecological diversity in the Guandao Mountain area is rich, with a broad view from the summit, and it connects to various attractions through multiple trails, such as Shengxing Station, Yutengping Broken Bridge, Liyutan Reservoir, and Shuangtan Leisure Agriculture Park. During holidays, it is common to see groups of people hiking Guandao Mountain, enjoying the forest filled with phytoncide. The Guandao Mountain Ridge Old 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 route, connecting Shengxing and Guandao Mountain. This section meanders along the Liyutan Reservoir, creating a tranquil and elegant atmosphere. Along the trail, one can see Acacia trees, bamboo, tung oil trees, five-branch grasses, and clusters of taro, as well as a variety of bird species, such as Eastern Magpies, Malayan Starlings, and White-headed Bulbuls. Many butterflies and reptiles inhabit the area, nurturing a rich array of life. From the Sanyi Interchange, it takes about 10 minutes by car to reach Shengxing Station, where one can choose to start the hike or continue to the parking lot at Fork Square before beginning the walk. Shengxing Station, built in 1906, is the highest point on the western railway of Taiwan. The wooden station, built without any nails, exhibits a traditional Japanese architectural style and was designated as a county-level historic site by the Miaoli County Government in April 1999, preserving its significant historical and cultural value and attracting visitors to experience the charm of the old mountain railway. The area around the station is lush with trees and offers beautiful scenery; in April and May, the white blossoms of the tung oil trees adorn the greenery with elegance. Nearby, there are many small shops offering local cuisine and snacks, making it worth a visit to enjoy the local flavors. From Shengxing Station, upon encountering a fork in the path, follow the signs to the right, ascending gradually past the Land God Temple and Dacaopai, with shade from trees and the sounds of birds chirping along the way. At Fork Square, take the cement road on the left to ascend Guandao Mountain. Continuing towards the trailhead, turn right at the next fork and head uphill until reaching the abandoned house; from there, follow the path to the right and back to the western southwest trailhead of Guandao Mountain, ascending via stone steps to the summit, which is not far away. The summit offers excellent views with a panoramic perspective. One can see patches of white clouds, rolling mountains, and vibrant greenery all around. As the sun sets, the sky is illuminated with gradient hues of red and orange, creating a dreamlike sunset view that invites visitors to capture the moment. In autumn and winter, the sea of clouds rises at Guandao Mountain, creating a “fairy mountain” atmosphere. From the lower left area of the open summit, one can find the triangulation point. For the return trip, descend from the southeastern side of the summit using the rope ladder, reach the southeastern trailhead, then head right along the service road to connect back to the southwestern trailhead and retrace the original route.
