Tiao Salt Historic Trail Introduction
Located in Jiu Lake Village of Tongluo Township and Nanhe Village of Tongxiao Town, this ancient salt path was constructed during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty to connect Yuanli, Tongxiao, and Tongluo, specifically to transport sea salt produced in Tongxiao to Tongluo, thus earning the nickname “Salt Transport Ancient Path.” The path is quite challenging during rainy weather, as the yellow earth becomes slippery and muddy. In the fourth year of the Tongzhi reign (1865), local philanthropists contributed funds and efforts to pave the path with pebbles, creating a total of 1,237 steps. Due to its winding shape resembling a “flail hook,” it was named “Lao Gou Qi.” It descends steeply over a thousand meters from the top, surrounded by lush mountain forests that evoke a sense of nostalgia for the past. The Salt Transport Ancient Path stretches from Nanhe Village in Tongxiao Town to Jiu Lake Village in Tongluo Township, divided into upper and lower sections. The lower section entrance is located at the 4.5 km mark of County Road 38 leading from Tongxiao Town to Tongluo Township, measuring about 300 meters in length. At the 5.5 km mark of County Road 38, visitors can proceed about 100 meters further to connect with the upper section of the Salt Transport Ancient Path, which is approximately 700 meters long. Additionally, the Flying Cow Ranch also has a trail leading to the entrance of the ancient path. Most of the entire trail weaves through Tung tree and Acacia groves, with a section lined with sacred Ficus trees providing ample shade. With a total length of only about 1 kilometer and a relatively gentle slope, it takes around 30 minutes to hike one way, making it an excellent choice for families of all ages to enjoy hiking together. Walking along the smooth, round stones, one can reflect on the footprints of those who walked before, contemplating the hardships faced by early pioneers. At the top of the stone steps, the pass offers a distant view of the Dajia River and Tiezhanshan, broadening the vista and uplifting one’s spirits. The return journey can follow the original route or take County Road 38. Although the County Road 38 route is longer, the scenery along the way is uniquely charming. Continuing further, accompanied by the lush tea gardens, one can reach the renowned Jiu Hua Shan Da Xing Shan Temple. History of the Salt Transport Ancient Path: The Salt Transport Ancient Path was a crucial transportation route during the Qing Dynasty connecting Tongxiao and Tongluo, built for the exchange of production materials between coastal and mountainous residents. The path crosses over Huxi Mountain, starting from “Yanguanpu” (near Chengnan Village of Tongxiao Town, a salt distribution center), and extends approximately four kilometers to Jiu Lake Village near Jiu Hua Shan in Tongluo Township. Coastal residents would transport salt boats to the Nanshi River, and then use ox carts to carry them to Yanguanpu, hiring porters to carry the salt in bundles over Huxi Mountain at an altitude of over 500 meters into the various towns in the interior. On the return trip, they would carry tea leaves, charcoal, and other resources not produced in the coastal areas for sale, hence the name “Salt Transport Ancient Path.” Beauty of the Salt Transport Ancient Path: The Salt Transport Ancient Path is situated on the Tongluo Fault along the eastern boundary of the Miaoli Hills, belonging to a gravel layer terrace. The vegetation along the ancient path comprises low-elevation broadleaf mixed forests, primarily consisting of Acacia, Tung trees, and Banyan trees, with a rich variety of bamboo and ferns. Every year, from April to May, Tung flowers bloom, covering the path in a blanket of white flowers, making it an exceptionally famous trail for enjoying Tung blossoms.
