Guangtian Mountain Trail Introduction
Guangtian Mountain is located southwest of Xiangtian Lake Village in Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, with an elevation of 1,123 meters. In the past, it was a hunting and logging area for the Saisiyat people. It is now a reserved area in the 32nd Forestry Plantation of the Nanzhuang Business District of the Forestry Bureau. The hiking trail on Guangtian Mountain features a well-preserved forest ecosystem, providing ample shade and excellent views along the ridge, allowing hikers to overlook nearby settlements and the picturesque mountain ranges. Visitors can also conveniently visit Xiangtian Lake and the Saisiyat Cultural and Historical Museum in Miaoli County, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains, relaxing by the lake with tea, and strolling along the lakeside paths to learn about Saisiyat culture, making it a favorite among mountain enthusiasts. Starting from the trailhead, purple wild basil blooms on both sides, creating a sea of purple flowers. The trail winds through bamboo groves and cedar forests, gradually ascending. At a fork in the path, the left leads to Xiangtian Lake Mountain, while the right leads to Guangtian Mountain. Both paths connect, forming a loop, allowing hikers to explore both Guangtian Mountain and Xiangtian Lake Mountain as indicated by the trail markers. Taking the right path towards Guangtian Mountain, there is a high point on the left ridge that offers a great viewpoint of Xiangtian Lake Village, with close views of E-Gong Mountain, Luailiao, and Xiangtian Lake. The trail is dense with trees, towering cedars stretch high into the sky, and sunlight filters down, inviting hikers to pause and admire the scenery. Continuing forward, hikers pass large boulders and climb uphill, with various ferns and flowers flourishing below the trees. Shortly after, they reach a relatively flat small terrace where they can take a brief rest, with the Ping-shan Border Water Marker located to the left. Further along, at the edge of the saddle, lush trees and small paths can be found. Following the natural steps formed by exposed tree roots, hikers make their way onto the ridge and head west until they reach the summit. At the northeast of the summit, a fourth-order triangulation point can be found, where tall oak trees stand. Although surrounded by larger trees that partially obstruct the view, a cliff on the northeast side allows for a glimpse of E-Gong Mountain, while to the west, the Taiwan Strait can still be seen. On the summit, hikers can enjoy the gentle breeze, stretch their limbs, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. 1. Route: Xiangtian Lake Village to Guangtian Mountain Triangulation Point (Nanjing Village) 2. Trailhead: Above the 民宿 No.18 in Xiangtian Lake Village 3. Trail Length: 3 kilometers, Estimated Walking Time: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes one way 4. Trail Path: Guangtian Mountain Trailhead → High Point beside Ridge → Large Boulder → “Ping-shan Border Landmark Terrace” → Guangtian Mountain
