Kuantou Mountain Trail Introduction
1. Location: Boundary of Sanyi Township and Dahu Township 2. Start and End: Miaoli County Highway 56 to the Guan Dao Mountain Triangulation Station 3. Trail Length: 1.2 kilometers, Walking Time: Approximately 45 minutes one way 4. Trail Path: Shengxing Station - Dacaopei - Fork Square - Trailhead (Southwest, Southeast) - Guan Dao Mountain Triangulation Station At an elevation of 888 meters, Guan Dao Mountain is the highest peak of the Guan Dao Mountain range, located at the junction of Dahu and Sanyi Townships in Miaoli County. The surrounding terrain mainly consists of gently sloped, wide ridges, with Guan Dao Mountain standing out prominently like a stork among chickens. To the north of the main peak, steep cliffs drop sharply, appearing as a towering pillar when viewed from the valley below. Its shape resembles a sword, which is how it got its name. The ecological diversity in the Guan Dao Mountain area is remarkably rich. From the summit, one can enjoy wide vistas, and multiple trails connect it to attractions such as Shengxing Station, Yutengping Bridge, Liuyutan Reservoir, and Shuangtan Leisure Agricultural Park. On holidays, it is common to see people exploring Guan Dao Mountain in groups, enjoying the phytoncide-rich forests. The Guan Dao Mountain Crossing Ancient Trail goes from Shengxing through Guan Dao Mountain to the newly opened Shuang Keng Bridge (Taiwan Provincial Highway 3), while the Guan Dao Mountain Trail is the western section of this ancient trail, connecting Shengxing and Guan Dao Mountain. This section meanders alongside the tranquil and elegant Liuyutan Reservoir. Along the trail, one can see acacia trees, bamboo, tung trees, Miscanthus, and yam growths, with various bird species such as oriental magpie-robin, Eurasian magpie, white-headed bulbul, and black-crowned night heron, as well as many butterflies and reptiles, fostering a rich ecosystem. From the Sanyi Interchange, it takes about a 10-minute drive to reach Shengxing Station, where you can choose to start your hike or continue to the parking lot at Fork Square before beginning your walk. Established in 1906, Shengxing Station is the highest point on the Western Taiwan Railway. The wooden station, built without the use of any iron nails, showcases a traditional Japanese architectural style. In April 1999, Miaoli County Government designated it as a county historical site due to its significant historical and cultural value, attracting visitors who want to experience the charm of the old mountain railway. The area around the station is lush, with pleasant scenery; at the peak, the tung trees bloom with snow-white flowers, adding an elegant touch to the greenery during April and May. Nearby are several shops offering local delicacies and snacks, providing a chance to savor the cultural flavors of Jiayi. From Shengxing Station, head towards the fork and turn right, ascending the slope past the Earth God Temple and Dacaopei, surrounded by shaded areas and the sounds of birds. At Fork Square, take the left cement path to ascend Guan Dao Mountain. Continuing to the trailhead and following the right fork up will lead you to an abandoned house; take the road behind the house to reach the southwest trailhead of Guan Dao Mountain, where stone steps will guide you upwards to the summit. The summit offers excellent views of the surrounding area, with scattered white clouds, layered mountains, and vibrant green trees. As the sun sets, the sky is painted with gradient red and orange hues, creating a dreamlike sunset that compels visitors to snap photos continuously. In autumn and winter, the clouds rise, creating a "celestial mountain." From the summit area, a slightly lower path to the left will lead you to the triangulation station. For the return journey, descend a rope ladder on the southeastern side of the summit to reach the southeast trailhead, then continue along the industrial road to connect back to the southwest trailhead, and retrace your steps to return.
