Guang Tian Mountain Trail Introduction
Guangtian Mountain is located southwest of Xiangtian Lake Village in Nanjuang Township, Miaoli County, with an elevation of 1,123 meters. It was once a hunting and logging area for the Saisiyat people and is now preserved by the Forestry Bureau as the No. 32 forest reserve in the Nanjuang business area. The hiking trail to Guangtian Mountain maintains a complete forest ecosystem, providing ample shade and great views along the ridge, allowing hikers to overlook nearby settlements, endless mountain ranges, and beautiful scenery. Visitors can also easily access Xiangtian Lake and the Saisiyat Indigenous Cultural Museum in Miaoli County, enjoying the lake's reflections and the surrounding mountains, leisurely sip tea by the lake, and stroll along the lakeside trail to learn about Saisiyat culture, making it a popular spot among mountain enthusiasts. Starting from the trailhead, the sides of the path are adorned with blooming purple flower patches of Zihua Ajuga. Following the trail through the fragrant bamboo groves and cedar forests, hikers gradually ascend. At a fork in the trail, the left leads to Xiangtian Lake Mountain, while the right leads to Guangtian Mountain; both paths interconnect in a loop, allowing hikers to explore both Guangtian Mountain and Xiangtian Lake Mountain based on the signs and markers along the route. Taking the right path towards Guangtian Mountain, there is a high platform on the left ridge that provides a great vantage point to overlook Xiangtian Lake Village, along with views of E'gong Mountain, Luai Liao, and Xiangtian Lake. The trail is dense with trees, and the towering cedars look like they reach to the sky, with sunlight streaming down, prompting hikers to pause and admire the scenery. Continuing on, past giant boulders and climbing uphill, various ferns and flowers flourish under the trees. Soon, hikers reach a relatively flat terrace where they can take a brief rest; the Ping Shan boundary water marker is just on the left. Proceeding further, the ridge's outer edge offers views of lush forests and pathways. Following the naturally formed stair-like tree roots emerging from the ground, hikers reach the ridge and head westward until they reach the summit. At the northeast corner of the summit, a fourth-class triangulation point can be found, with tall oak trees standing nearby. While some views may be obstructed by the surrounding tall trees, the northeast cliff offers a sight of E'gong Mountain, and to the west, the Taiwan Strait can be seen. At the summit, hikers can enjoy a gentle breeze, stretch their limbs, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. 1. Trail Start and End: Xiangtian Lake Village to Guangtian Mountain Triangulation Point (Nanjing Village) 2. Trailhead: Above the 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 → Giant boulders → "Ping Shan boundary landmark terrace" → Guangtian Mountain
