Guangtian Mountain Trail Introduction
Guangtian Mountain is located to the southwest of Xiangtian Lake Village in Nanjiang Township, Miaoli County, with an elevation of 1,123 meters. It was historically a hunting and logging area for the Saisiyat people and is now a reserved area of the Forestry Bureau's Nanjiang business zone (the 32nd forest compartment). The hiking trail of Guangtian Mountain features a well-preserved forest environment, providing shaded cover and excellent views along the ridge, allowing hikers to see nearby settlements and the majestic mountains; visitors can also explore Xiangtian Lake and the Saisiyat Cultural Relics Museum in Miaoli County, enjoying the picturesque lake and mountain scenery, and leisurely savoring tea lakeside, which is popular among mountain enthusiasts. Starting from the trailhead, purple-flowered mint plants bloom on both sides, creating a sea of purple flowers. Following the path, one weaves through the bamboo groves and cedar forests, gradually ascending. Upon encountering a junction, the left path leads to Xiangtian Lake Mountain, while the right path leads to Guangtian Mountain; both paths connect and form a loop, allowing hikers to explore both Guangtian Mountain and Xiangtian Lake Mountain according to the trail markers and signs. Taking the right path toward Guangtian Mountain, there is a high platform on the left side of the ridge that serves as a great viewpoint overlooking Xiangtian Lake Village, with features like E Gong Mountain, Luai Liao, and Xiangtian Lake right at one's feet. The trail is surrounded by dense trees, with towering cedars rising as if reaching the sky, and sunlight filtering down, making it tempting to pause and admire. Continuing onward past the boulders and climbing up, various ferns and flowering plants flourish beneath the trees. In a short while, you reach a relatively flat terrace where you can take a brief rest, with the Ping Shan boundary water marker located to the left. Moving forward, you arrive at the outer edge of a saddle, where abundant trees and paths can be seen; you can follow the naturally formed steps exposed at the surface of the tree roots until reaching the ridge, then head westward to the summit. At the northeastern summit, you can find a fourth-order triangulation point, with tall oak trees standing and surrounding forest greenery, though some views may be obstructed; however, from the northeast cliff, you can see E Gong Mountain, and from the west, you can glimpse the Taiwan Strait while enjoying a gentle breeze at the peak, stretching your limbs and breathing in the fresh mountain air. 1. Start and end point: Xiangtian Lake Village to Guangtian Mountain Triangulation Point (Nanjing Village) 2. Trailhead: Upper left of No. 18 house in Xiangtian Lake Village 3. Trail length: 3 kilometers; estimated walking time: about 1 hour and 50 minutes one way 4. Trail route: Guangtian Mountain trailhead → high platform by the ridge → boulder → "Ping Shan boundary landmark terrace" → Guangtian Mountain