Xianshan Hiking Trail Introduction
Xianshan is located on the eastern side of Shitan Township in Miaoli County, with an elevation of 967 meters. It is more well-known than the main peak of the Bagualishan Mountain range, Bagualishan. Xianshan was originally named Hongmaoguan Mountain, as it is near Penglai Village in Nanzhuang Township (formerly known as Hongmaoguan). The fame of Xianshan in Miaoli is comparable to that of Shitoushan, and many locals from Miaoli have visited Xianshan. It is located in Xindian Village, Shitan Township, Miaoli County. The journey to Xianshan begins at the red paifang of Lingdong Temple at the foot of the mountain. The trail from the paifang to Lingdong Temple at mid-mountain is a total of six kilometers. Xianshan's rugged terrain rises prominently from the plains, seeming to reach skyward. The winding road ascends, flanked by green grass, while clouds swirl around the mountain, creating a sense of "mountains in the ethereal void." Xianshan is renowned for its sweet and refreshing mountain spring water, which has a rather legendary backstory. Over sixty years ago, someone drank the spring water of Xianshan and discovered its healing properties. The wet mud from the area, when applied to wounds, also proved effective, leading people to believe there were divine phenomena at the mountain, hence the name Xianshan (Fairy Mountain). Currently, during holidays, crowds gather extensively to fetch spring water, seek divine guidance, or hike, creating a continuous flow of visitors. Special landscapes and ecological environment: Xian Dongmen: There are currently two well-maintained stone step trails leading to Xieling Temple, but the true ancient path ascends via a flagstone path next to the left-side stone steps. Climbing along the ancient path, one reaches a small platform that can accommodate only a few people, with a towering rock wall behind, seemingly leading to the end of the road. However, after climbing a few stones beside the rock wall, a small passage that accommodates only one person can be seen on the left. This is Xian Dongmen, where everyone must bow their heads and contract their stomachs to pass through the cave, which is quite amusing. Xianshan Summit: The summit of Xianshan offers a broad view, with the eastern side showcasing the peaks of the Jialishan mountain range, connecting like layers of green hills. To the west, the parallel Bajiaogeng Mountain range can be seen in the distance, looking across the Shitan Valley. On clear days, one can gaze into the rolling hills of Miaoli and Zhunan, disappearing into the vast sea mist of the Taiwan Strait. Plant resources: From Lingdong Temple at an elevation of 710 meters to the Xianshan triangulation point at 967 meters, most native plants along the route from Lingdong Temple to Xieling Temple have been cut down, but they predominantly traverse through original broadleaf forests, with an incredibly complex assembly of plants surrounding them. Near Lingdong Temple, there are many fragrant nanmu trees, large-leaved camphor trees, and various other species mixed in, including earth nanmu, sapium, and duck foot wood. As the altitude increases, more tree species appear. Along the path, there are also black-spotted cherries, mountain peppers, and Russian red persimmons, while near the summit, Taiwan intoxication tree, cloud leaves, Daming oranges, round-fruit golden osmanthus, acorn oak, and holly trees appear. Near the triangulation point, small-leaved red nanmu trees are prevalent. The trail is rich in diverse plant species, and the presence of many rare varieties, such as Taiwan intoxication tree and cloud leaves, holds significant ecological value. (Plant resource data provided by Mr. Chen Yunzhao, associate researcher at Miaoli Agricultural Research and Extension Station)
