Shumei Ping Ancient Trail Introduction
Shumeiping Ancient Trail is located next to the 102 County Road at the 19K marker (between 18.7K and 18.8K), featuring a spacious parking area at an altitude of approximately 502 meters, which is the highest point on the 102 County Road. If starting from the crossroad of Jiufen and Jinguashih, it requires another 3,500 meters of travel. The 102 County Road was primarily widened and renovated for military purposes in the past, and now it has become one of the best viewpoints for the public to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Shuijinyou area. The expansive area offers a clear view that encompasses various mountains such as Wuer Chahut Mountain, Banping Mountain, Keelung Mountain, Shui Nan Cave, Jinguashih, Jiufen, and both Little and Big Cukeng Mountains, all showcasing stunning views. To the east lies the Banshan Mountain Range, while the southern side is the Mudan Mountain Range. From this angle, the Little Cukeng protrusion, resembling a hippopotamus, looks particularly cute. This viewpoint allows for a panoramic view of the majestic and spectacular Keelung Mountain, which is truly awe-inspiring. Additionally, this location serves as an intersection for several important trails. The southern side of Shumeiping is the entrance to the Diaoshan Ancient Trail (a preparedness road, where dense grasses need attention), which connects to the relay point Fude Temple on the Diaoshan Ancient Trail. To the east, one can access the Caoshan Industrial Road leading to the Golden Shrine Trail, or divert to the former mining area of Shumeiping. Heading south, one follows the Diaoshan Ancient Trail, which connects southeast to the Sandiao Bridge over Mudan Creek (Zhengguang Bridge) and southwest along the Mudan Mountain ridge back to the 102 County Road. If one continues approximately 300 meters forward along the 102 County Road, the endpoints of the Little Cukeng Trail and the Big Cukeng Trail will be encountered; another trail at the first fork, indicated by signs, leads to the Little Cukeng protrusion, allowing visitors to experience the earliest gold mining source that sparked the gold rush and embrace the feel of Jinguashih. There is also a trail leading to Qingxian Junior High School. The second fork leads to the Big Cukeng Trail, where one can pass through the Shengfu Mine, currently the only operating coal mine in the country.
