Tiao Salt Ancient Trail Introduction
Located in Jiuhu Village of Tongluo Township and Naanhe Village of Tongxiao Township, the ancient salt route was built during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty. It connects Yuanli, Tongxiao, and Tongluo, and is known as the “Salt Carrying Ancient Path” because it was used to transport sea salt produced in Tongxiao to Tongluo. During rain, the yellow earth mixed with rainwater makes the muddy slopes very slippery, making it extremely difficult to walk. In the fourth year of the Tongzhi era (1865), local kind-hearted individuals contributed funds and efforts to pave the path with cobblestones, resulting in a 1,237-step stairway. Due to its winding shape resembling a “gavel,” it was named “Gavel Hill.” The path descends steeply for over 1,000 meters from the ridge below, surrounded by lush greenery and ancient forest, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The Salt Carrying Ancient Path stretches from Naanhe Village in Tongxiao Township to Jiuhu Village in Tongluo Township and is divided into upper and lower sections. The entrance to the lower section is located about 4.5 kilometers along Miao 38 Line from Tongxiao Township to Tongluo Township, with a total length of approximately 300 meters. After reaching 5.5 kilometers on Miao 38 Line, continuing for about 100 more meters will take you to the upper section of the “Salt Carrying Ancient Path,” which is approximately 700 meters long. Additionally, Feiniu Ranch has a trail leading to the entrance of the ancient path. As most of the entire trail winds through oil trees and acacia forests, there is also a section lined with ancient cypress trees providing ample shade. Since the total length of the ancient path is about 1 kilometer with a relatively gentle slope, it takes only about 30 minutes to hike one way, making it very suitable for family outings with people of all ages. Walking along the smooth, round stones, you can trace the footsteps of your ancestors and reflect on the hardships faced by early settlers. At the top of the stone steps, the scenic view of the Dajia River and Iron Anvil Mountain offers a broad vista that enriches one's spirit. On the return trip, you can either take the original route or Miao 38 County. Although Miao 38 County is a longer route, the views along the way are distinctly beautiful. If you continue uphill, accompanied by the lush green tea plantations, you can reach the renowned Jiu Hua Mountain Da Xing Shan Temple. **History of the Salt Carrying Ancient Path:** The Salt Carrying Ancient Path was a crucial transportation route during the Qing Dynasty connecting Tongxiao and Tongluo. Local residents along the coast and mountains constructed the "Tiger Head Cliff Ancient Path" to facilitate the exchange of goods between Tongxiao and Tongluo. This path begins at "Yanguanpu" (located near the third neighborhood of Chengnan Village in Tongxiao Township, which served as a salt distribution center) and extends about four kilometers to the vicinity of Jiuhua Mountain in Jiuhu Village, Tongluo Township. At that time, coastal residents would transport salt to Nanshi Creek using salt ships and then transfer it to bullock carts at Yanguanpu. They would hire porters to carry loads of salt over the 500-meter-high Tiger Head Mountain and into the inner mountain towns. On the return trip, they would carry tea leaves, charcoal, and other goods that were not produced in coastal areas for sale, hence the name "Salt Carrying Ancient Path." **Beauty of the Salt Carrying Ancient Path:** The Salt Carrying Ancient Path is situated on the Tongluo Fault at the eastern boundary of the Miaoli Hills and consists of a gravel plateau. The vegetation along the ancient path is characterized by low-elevation broadleaf mixed forests, primarily consisting of acacia, oil trees, and banyan trees, along with a rich variety of pencil cedars and ferns. From April to May every year, the tung flowers bloom profusely, covering the path in white petals, making it a famous trail for enjoying tung flowers.
