Guangtian Mountain Trail Introduction
Guangtian Mountain is located southwest of Xiangtian Lake Tribe in Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, with an elevation of 1,123 meters. In the past, it was a place for the Saisiyat people to hunt and log, and it is now a reserved area managed by the Forestry Bureau's Nanzhuang District. The hiking trail to Guangtian Mountain features a complete forest ecosystem, providing ample shade and excellent views from the ridge, allowing visitors to overlook nearby settlements and sprawling mountains, making the scenery truly beautiful. Visitors can also visit Xiangtian Lake and the Saisiyat Cultural Museum in Miaoli County, enjoying the reflections of the mountains on the lake while leisurely sipping tea by the lakeside, making it a popular spot for hikers. Starting from the trailhead, the purple flowered basil blooms on both sides of the entrance, creating a sea of purple flowers. As you follow the trail through the fragrant bamboo and cedar forests, the path gradually ascends. When encountered with a fork, the left leads to Xiangtian Lake Mountain, and the right leads to Guangtian Mountain. Both paths connect, forming a circular route, and following the signage along the way allows hikers to enjoy both Guangtian Mountain and Xiangtian Lake Mountain. Taking the right path towards Guangtian Mountain, a high platform on the left ridge offers a great viewpoint to overlook the Xiangtian Lake Tribe, with Egg Mountain, Lujialiao, and Xiangtian Lake right below. The trail is densely wooded, with towering cedars reaching towards the sky, and sunlight filtering through the branches, making one pause to admire the beauty. Continuing on past giant boulders, the ascent continues through areas rich with various ferns and wildflowers. Soon, you will reach a flatter area known as a small terrace, where you can take a brief rest; the Ping Shan boundary water post is just to the left. Continuing forward, at the edge of the saddle, you will find dense woods and trails again; look for natural steps formed by exposed tree roots and ascend further until reaching the ridgeline, where you will head west to the summit. On the northeast side of the summit, you can find a fourth-order triangulation point amidst tall oak trees. Surrounding the mountain shadow, towering trees may block some of the view, but the northeast cliff offers a glimpse of Egg Mountain, and to the west, you can still see the Taiwan Strait. At the summit, enjoy the gentle breeze, stretch your limbs, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. 1. Start and End: Xiangtian Lake Tribe in Donghe Village to Guangtian Mountain Triangulation Point (Nanjiang Village) 2. Trailhead: Above the No. 18 residence in Xiangtian Lake Tribe 3. Trail Length: 3 kilometers, Estimated walking time: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes one way 4. Trail Route: Guangtian Mountain Trailhead → High platform beside the ridge → Giant boulder → "Ping Shan boundary landmark terrace" → Guangtian Mountain
