Henglong Ancient Trail Introduction
1. Location: Qing'an Village, Tai'an Township 2. Route: Longshan Village, Tai'an Township to the Triangulation Station at the North Peak of Henglong Mountain 3. Trail Length: Approximately 2 kilometers, walking time: about 90 minutes one way. The Henglong Ancient Trail was originally a hunting path used by the Atayal people of Longshan Village, Siwasik, and it is also known as the Siwasik Ancient Trail. This path served as a route between Longshan Village and the Namchung Deer Park Village. Along the trail, visitors can see vine tunnels and bamboo groves enveloping them in greenery, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere; occasionally, a bamboo fence or a disguised pheasant may leap from the bushes, bringing delightful surprises. Starting from County Road 62 through Longshan Village and the Henglong Mountain Industrial Road, one arrives at the entrance to the Henglong Ancient Trail at the end of the industrial road. A giant stone pillar at the trailhead is inscribed with the words "Henglong Ancient Trail." Following the stone steps, the path ascends in a zigzag pattern. After reaching a platform of about a hundred pings, surrounded by stone steps, one finds the remnants of a guard post built by the Japanese to suppress the Atayal people, with foundations and low walls remaining as a testament to history. Continuing north, the scenery is tranquil, featuring dense growth of "wood" and camphor trees on either side. Further ahead, a platform resembling the previous structure can be seen, known as the old site of the garrison. Soon, sandstone steps meander along the trail, leading to an observation deck overlooking the regions of Dahu, Zhuolan, and Tongluo to the west, where swirling clouds intertwine with green mountains like a scene from a fairy tale. Returning to the trail and proceeding forward, the summit becomes faintly visible ahead; at this point, the mountain path narrows and steepens, revealing spectacular and precipitous cliff faces when looking to the right. Along the way, there is a platform available for resting. Upon reaching the summit, a triangulation point marked with the character for mountain, known as Henglong Mountain North Peak, is found, marking the end of the Henglong Ancient Trail. The peak offers a great view, with Hu Mountain and Shei-Pa National Park coming into view. If one descends the gentle slope to the north from the peak, a stone base can be seen, referred to as the White Garrison by the people of Longshan Village, known as the old site of the garrison, quietly narrating the history of the past.
