Tiao Yan Ancient Trail Introduction
Located in Jiuhu Village of Tongluo Township and Nankeh Village of Tongxiao Township, the Salt Transport Ancient Path was built during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty to connect the areas of Yuanli, Tongxiao, and Tongluo, specifically to transport sea salt produced in Tongxiao to Tongluo, hence it is known as the Salt Transport Ancient Path. Whenever it rains, the combination of yellow earth and rainwater makes the muddy slopes slippery, making it arduous to walk. In the fourth year of the Tongzhi era (1865), local philanthropists donated funds and efforts to pave the path with cobblestones, which consists of 1237 steps. Due to its winding shape resembling a "plow hook," it is called "Langouqi." The path descends steeply over a thousand meters from the Kanding area, surrounded by lush mountain forests that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The Salt Transport Ancient Path extends from Nankeh Village in Tongxiao Township to Jiuhu Village in Tongluo Township and is divided into two segments. The entrance to the lower segment is located 4.5 kilometers along Miao 38 Line from Tongxiao Township towards Tongluo Township, with a total length of about 300 meters. After reaching 5.5 kilometers on Miao 38 Line, advance for more than 100 meters to connect to the upper segment of the Salt Transport Ancient Path, which is about 700 meters long. Additionally, Feiniu Farm has a path leading to the entrance of the ancient road. The entire trail mostly winds between Tung oil and Acacia trees, with a section that features a grove of sacred Ficus trees. With a mostly gentle slope and a total length of about 1 kilometer, the path can be completed in approximately 30 minutes, making it very suitable for family hiking. Walking over smooth, round stones, one can imagine the footsteps of those who came before, reminiscing about the hardships faced by ancestors as they traveled this historic route; at the top of the stone steps, visitors can enjoy views of the Dajia River and Tiezhen Mountain, enhancing the sense of joy with the expansive scenery. On the return journey, one can either retrace the original route or take Miao 38 County, which, although farther, offers a unique scenery. Continuing upward, accompanied by lush tea plantations, one can reach the famous Jiuhua Mountain Daxingshan Temple. **History of the Salt Transport Ancient Path:** The Salt Transport Ancient Path served as a major transportation route connecting Tongxiao and Tongluo during the Qing Dynasty. At that time, coastal residents built the "Hutoukeng Ancient Path" that passed through Hutou Mountain to exchange their production materials. Starting from "Yanguanpu" (near Sanlin of Nanshang Village in Tongxiao Township, a salt distribution center), it stretches about four kilometers to near Jiuhua Mountain in Jiuhu Village, Tongluo Township. At that time, coastal residents would transport salt boats to Nanshi River and then use ox carts to transport the salt to "Yanguanpu," hiring porters to carry the salt over Hutou Mountain, which is more than 500 meters above sea level, into the inner mountain towns. On the return journey, they would carry back tea leaves and charcoal, which were not produced in coastal areas, for sale, hence it is also called the "Salt Transport Ancient Path." **Beauty of the Salt Transport Ancient Path:** The Salt Transport Ancient Path is located on the Tongluo Fault at the eastern boundary of the Miaoli Hills and is characterized by a gravel plateau. The vegetation along the ancient path is a low-altitude mixed broadleaf forest, primarily consisting of Acacia trees, Tung trees, and banyan trees, with a rich variety of pen bamboo and ferns. Every year between April and May, the Tung flowers bloom, covering the path in white petals, creating a stunning sight, making it a well-known Tung flower viewing trail.
