Mingfeng Old Trail Introduction
The Mingfeng Ancient Trail, which spans between Touhu and Shitan, was originally a mountain path used by the Saisiyat people for hunting. Later, due to Huang Nankiu leading the Cantonese settlers to cultivate Miaoli, the Saisiyat people migrated further into the mountains, and the ancient trail became a crucial route for the residents of Mingfeng Village in Touhu Township and Xindian Village in Shitan Township to transport goods. The trail became overgrown after the construction of County Road 22, but thanks to the efforts of local residents, it has now become a popular hiking destination. Visitors can enter the Mingfeng Ancient Trail on foot from either the Yimin Temple in Shitan Township or the Yundong Palace in Touhu Township; the descent from Yundong Palace is longer compared to Yimin Temple. If you choose to start from the Yimin Temple in Shitan Township, it is recommended to first visit the temple, which not only honors the ancestors who sacrificed during the Qing Tongzhi period but also houses historical materials from that time of cultivation. Behind the Yimin Temple, after crossing the Xindian Creek suspension bridge via the Honggang cable, you will see signs for the Mingfeng Ancient Trail. Walking on the stone steps and gradually ascending under the dense canopy of branches, you will encounter camphor trees, bamboo grooves, and acacia trees, interspersed with tung trees. During late April and May, the tung flowers bloom, with their snow-white petals falling to the ground, adding a touch of romance to the scene as butterflies flutter and birds sing, soothing the summer heat. As the incline becomes steeper, you will pass through pomelo and citrus orchards, ascend old stone steps, and walk alongside the creek. After crossing two wooden bridges, you will find the tranquil Lovers' Valley, surrounded by lush trees and striking cliffs to the west, creating a beautiful scenery. Continuing along the Mingfeng Ancient Trail, you will be faced with stone steps that have a slope of 30 to 40 degrees, shaded by tall trees with birds singing all around. At a bend in the trail, you will see an elegant wooden pavilion providing a resting spot for travelers. After passing the pavilion, you will continue through vast groves of camphor trees and acacia forests, with century-old acacia trees standing quietly. Shortly after passing the century-old acacia tree, you will reach the peak of the Mingfeng Ancient Trail, which, due to its elevation, offers a great vantage point to overlook the rolling mountains. It also features a pavilion for resting. Descending the steps will lead you to another entrance of the ancient trail, Yundong Palace. Yundong Palace has a thriving incense business, and its intricately carved architecture is worth admiring. The palace also provides accommodations and meals for pilgrims and has developed into a recreational area on Mingfeng Mountain, making it an excellent spot to gaze over Miaoli.