Sandiaojiao Trail Introduction
The "Sanduanxi Ancient Trail" is located at the junction of Xinpu and Qionglin townships in Hsinchu County. This path was once used by farmers from the mountainous villages of Qionglin to transport citrus fruits and other crops for sale in Xinpu, dating back to the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty. With the opening of highways and industrial roads, the transportation function of the ancient trail has long diminished, and it has now become merely a rural mountain path. However, one can still enjoy the view of citrus orchards on the hillsides, the old cobblestone steps, and the ancient camphor trees accompanying the old stone shed for the local Earth God, quietly narrating the bygone days of the ancient trail. The term "崎" in Hakka means "hillside or slope"; "Sanduanxi" refers to the three sections of stone steps along this ancient path (known as Shijiazi). To travel from Sanduanxi in Xinpu to Qionglin, one must cross Shitou Keng Mountain, passing through the three sections of stone steps, hence the name.
