Xianshan Hiking Trail Introduction
Xianshan is located on the eastern side of Shitan Township in Miaoli County, with an elevation of 967 meters, and is far more famous than the main peak of the Bagualishan Mountain range, Bagualishan. Originally named Hongmaoguan Mountain, it got its name due to its proximity to Hongmaoguan (now Penglai Village) in Nanzhuang Township. Xianshan is as well-known in Miaoli as Shitou Mountain, and many locals have visited Xianshan located in Xindian Village, Shitan Township, Miaoli County. The journey begins at the red archway of Lingdong Palace at the foot of the mountain. The trail from the archway to Lingdong Palace halfway up the mountain is six kilometers long. Xianshan's steep terrain rises above the flatland, resembling a pillar reaching the sky. The winding road leads up, flanked by green grass, and the clouds above create a feeling of "the mountain exists in a state of ethereal mist." Xianshan is renowned for its sweet and refreshing mountain spring water, which has a legendary story. Over sixty years ago, someone discovered that drinking the spring water from Xianshan had healing effects. The wet mud produced in the area, when applied to wounds, also proved effective, prompting the belief that divine manifestations occur on the mountain, leading to its name as Xianshan. Currently, during weekends, crowds abound, with many ascending to fetch spring water, seek divine advice, or enjoy mountain hiking. Special Scenery and Ecological Environment: Xian Dongmen: There are currently two well-maintained stone stairway trails leading to Xieling Palace. However, the true ancient path ascends alongside the left-side stone stairway on a stone slab trail. Climbing the ancient path to a small platform midway, one can stand on a platform that accommodates only a few people, with a towering rock wall at the back, seemingly the end of the road. However, after climbing a few steps alongside the rock wall, to the left, there is a small opening that fits only one person, known as Xian Dongmen. Everyone must bow their heads and suck in their stomachs to pass through the cave, making it quite entertaining. Xianshan Summit: The view from the summit of Xianshan is vast. To the east are the peaks of the Jialishan mountain range, connected and lush; to the west lies the parallel Bajiaoceng mountain range, gazing far towards the Shitan Valley. On clear days, one can see the continuous hills of Miaoli and Zhunan, fading away into the infinite waves of the Taiwan Strait. Plant Resources: From Lingdong Palace at an elevation of 710 meters to the Xianshan triangulation point at 967 meters, except for the area between Lingdong Palace and Xieling Palace where most native plants have been cut down, the trail mostly traverses through native broadleaf forests, with a highly complex array of surrounding vegetation. Near Lingdong Palace, there are many fragrant camphor trees, large-leafed trees, and bay trees, mixed with土楠,糊樗, and 鴨腳木. As elevation increases, the variety of trees also increases. Along the way, besides墨點櫻桃,山胡椒, and 俄氏紅柿, around the summit one can find Taiwan's Horse Poison Tree, Cloud Leaf, Daming Orange, Round-fruit Quercus, Cone Fruit Quercus, and Ilex. Near the triangulation point, there are many Small-leafed Red Nanmu. The diversity of plant life along the trail, particularly the presence of rare species such as Taiwan's Horse Poison Tree and Cloud Leaf, is rich in ecological significance. (Plant resource data provided by Mr. Chen Yunzao, Associate Researcher at Miaoli Agricultural Research and Extension Station.)
