Guangtian Mountain Trail Introduction
Guangtian Mountain is located in the southwest of Xiangtian Lake Village, Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli County, at an elevation of 1,123 meters. In the past, it was a hunting and logging site for the Saisiyat people, and it is now a reserved area managed by the Forestry Bureau's Nanzhuang District. The trail to Guangtian Mountain features a complete forest ecosystem, providing ample shade and great views from the ridge, allowing visitors to gaze upon nearby communities, the surrounding mountains, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It is also possible to explore Xiangtian Lake and the Saisiyat Cultural Museum in Miaoli County, where visitors can appreciate the reflections of mountains and lakes, leisurely sip tea by the lake, stroll along the lakeside path, and learn about Saisiyat culture, making it a favorite spot for hikers. Starting from the trailhead, blooming purple flower vervain on either side of the path creates a sea of purple flowers. As you follow the trail through the fragrant bamboo forest and cedar trees, you gently ascend. When encountering a fork in the road, the left leads to Xiangtian Lake Mountain, and the right leads to Guangtian Mountain. The two paths connect each other, forming a loop, allowing hikers to explore both Guangtian Mountain and Xiangtian Lake Mountain by following the trail signs. Taking the right path towards Guangtian Mountain, there is a high platform to the left of the ridge, offering a great vantage point to overlook Xiangtian Lake Village, as well as the nearby E'Gong Mountain, Lu'ai Liao, and Xiangtian Lake. The trail is densely forested, with tall cedars seemingly reaching the sky, and sunlight streams down, inviting visitors to pause and admire the surroundings. Continuing forward, passing boulders and ascending hills, various ferns and flowers flourish beneath the trees. Shortly after, you arrive at a relatively flat small terrace where you can take a brief rest, with the Ping Shan boundary water pole just to the left. Moving forward, you reach the edge of the saddle, where lush trees and paths can be observed, and you can follow the steps formed naturally by exposed tree roots, eventually reaching the ridge and heading west until you arrive at the summit. At the northeastern peak, you can find a fourth-order triangulation point, standing tall among the grand oak trees, although some views are obstructed by surrounding foliage. However, the northeastern cliff offers a lookout of E'Gong Mountain, while the western side provides a view of the Taiwan Strait. At the summit, you can enjoy a gentle breeze, stretch your limbs, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. 1. Trail Start and End: Xiangtian Lake Village to the Guangtian Mountain triangulation point (Nanjiang Village) 2. Trailhead Location: Upper left of No. 18 residence in Xiangtian Lake Village 3. Trail Length: 3 kilometers, Walking Time: approximately 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
