Mingfeng Ancient Road Introduction
The Mingfeng Ancient Trail, spanning across Touhu and Shitan, was originally a mountain path used by the Saisiyat people for hunting. Later, under the leadership of Huang Nangu, immigrants from Guangdong expanded their cultivation in Miaoli, prompting the Saisiyat people to migrate further into the mountains. The trail then became a crucial route for goods exchanged between the residents of Mingfeng Village in Touhu Township and Xindian Village in Shitan Township. It became overgrown due to the opening of County Route 22, but after efforts by the local residents to restore it, it has now become a popular hiking destination. The Mingfeng Ancient Trail can be accessed on foot either from the Yimin Temple in Shitan Township or the Yundong Palace in Touhu Township. The downhill section from Yundong Palace is steeper than from Yimin Temple. If starting at Yimin Temple, it is recommended to visit the temple first. This site not only honors the ancestors who sacrificed during the Qing Tongzhi period but also houses historical materials related to the pioneering efforts, including the worship of Huang Nangu. From the back of the Yimin Temple, crossing the Red Rope Suspension Bridge over the Xindian Stream leads to the Mingfeng Ancient Trail sign. Ascending on stone steps under the dense foliage, one encounters camphor trees, bamboo groves, and acacia trees mixed with paulownia trees. During April and May, the blooming oil trees shower the ground with white blossoms, adding a touch of romance, while butterflies flutter and birds chirp nearby, bringing a refreshing escape from the heat. As the slope becomes steeper, the trail passes through pomelo and citrus orchards. Stepping onto the old stone steps and enjoying the stream beside the path leads to the tranquil Lover's Valley, with its lush greenery and large rocks on the west side, creating a picturesque scene. Continuing along the Mingfeng Ancient Trail, a 30-40 degree inclined stone path comes into view, shaded by tall trees and filled with the sounds of chirping birds. At a bend, an elegant wooden pavilion offers rest for travelers. After the pavilion, the trail leads through a vast grove of camphor trees and acacia forests, where century-old acacia trees silently stand. Shortly after passing the hundred-year-old acacia trees, one reaches the summit of the Mingfeng Ancient Trail. Due to its elevated position, it offers a great vantage point of the layered mountains and features a pavilion for resting. Descending the steps leads to another entrance of the ancient trail, Yundong Palace. Yundong Palace is bustling with worshippers, and its exquisitely crafted architecture is worth admiring. It also offers accommodations and dining for pilgrims and includes a park for exploration, evolving into the Mingfeng Mountain Recreational Area, making it a superb lookout point for Miaoli.
