Mingfeng Ancient Trail Introduction
The Mingfeng Ancient Trail, which spans across Touhu and Shitan, was originally a mountain path used by the Saisiyat people for hunting. Later, under the leadership of Huang Niuqiu, immigrants from Guangdong expanded into Miaoli, prompting the Saisiyat to move further into the mountains. The ancient trail thus became an important route for the residents of Mingfeng Village in Touhu Township and Xindian Village in Shitan Township to transport goods. Once overgrown due to the establishment of County Route 22, it has now been restored by local residents and is a popular hiking destination. The trail can be accessed on foot from either the Yimin Temple in Shitan Township or the Yundong Palace in Touhu Township, with the downhill section from Yundong being longer than from Yimin Temple. If you choose to start from Yimin Temple, it is recommended to visit first, as it not only honors pioneers who sacrificed during the Qing Dynasty’s Tongzhi period but also worships Huang Niuqiu and preserves historical materials from that time of land development. From the back of Yimin Temple, crossing the Honggang Suspension Bridge over the Xindian Creek, you’ll see signs for the Mingfeng Ancient Trail. Walking on the stone steps beneath the dense foliage, you’ll ascend slowly among camphor trees, bamboo groves, and acacia trees, with the sweet-scented catalpa flowers blooming between late April and May, their white petals falling to the ground, adding a romantic touch as butterflies flutter and bird songs fill the air, relieving the summer heat. As the slope becomes steeper, you’ll pass through grapefruit and citrus orchards, stepping onto old stone steps while walking alongside the creek. After crossing two wooden bridges, the serene Lover’s Valley comes into view, surrounded by lush green trees and scattered giant rocks to the west, creating a beautiful landscape. Continuing along the Mingfeng Ancient Trail, you’ll encounter a stone path with a slope of 30 to 40 degrees, shaded by large trees and accompanied by the calls of birds. At a bend in the trail, a charming wooden pavilion appears, providing a resting spot for travelers. Beyond the pavilion, you’ll move through a vast grove of camphor trees and acacia forests, with centennial acacia trees standing quietly. Not long after passing the century-old acacia trees, you will reach the peak of the Mingfeng Ancient Trail, which offers a great vantage point for viewing the layered mountains and features a pavilion for resting. Descending the steps, you’ll arrive at another entrance of the ancient trail, Yundong Palace. Yundong Palace is thriving with worshippers, and its exquisitely carved architecture is worth a detailed appreciation. The palace also provides accommodation and meals for visitors and has developed into a recreational area for Mingfeng Mountain, making it an excellent spot for overlooking Miaoli.
