Liyu Mountain Trail Introduction
Liou Mountain, with an elevation of approximately 1,914 meters, features a rare first-class triangulation marker and a provincial government reference point. Due to its advantageous geographical and strategic location, Liou Mountain was historically used as a military camp during the Qing Dynasty, hence its name. During the Japanese occupation, the Japanese army, often attacked by the Atayal people in the upstream of Dahan River, constructed a bunker at the summit to fully control the mountainous area and deployed artillery to monitor nearby coastal tribes. Although Liou Mountain no longer possesses strategic significance, the remnants of the ancient fortress record the glorious military history of the time. The summit offers excellent views, allowing one to gaze upon the majestic peaks such as Xueshan, Dabajian Mountain, and Nanhu Grand Mountain. Liou Mountain is located along the ridge that forms the boundary between Jian Shi Township in Hsinchu County and Fuxing Township in Taoyuan County. Access can be made from Zhudong into the mountain through Jian Shi, and after reaching Yulao, one will encounter a fork in the road in front of the police station; taking the left industrial road will lead to Liou Mountain Villa. After passing through the back trail of the villa, it takes about two and a half hours to reach the summit fortress, where the cool mountain breeze, fragrant grass and flowers, and beautiful mountain scenery accompany the journey. Unfortunately, only the city gate and surrounding walls remain of the ancient fortress ruins.