Batongguan Historic Trail Introduction
The Batongguan Historic Trail passes through Hougou Pit in Shanchungli, which was once a settlement of the Pingpu people. This location is situated on a small plateau, making it easily defensible. Archaeological findings such as stone knives, stone axes, and stone holes indicate that this area was once a living settlement. During the late Qianlong period, this site served as a military camp for Fukang'an during the Lin Shuangwen Incident, with Ganquan Well established as a settlement landmark. There are two stories associated with Ganquan Well: first, the spring water comes from Nonghui Mountain and never dries up, with the water level higher than the surrounding ground, which is a unique feature; second, water taken at noon on the Dragon Boat Festival is said to have legendary powers for cleansing and disaster prevention. Furthermore, the Shitou Gong (Stone God) beside the well was originally intended to guard the spring, but due to its location on the essential Batongguan route, it has become one of only two Stone Gods along the Batongguan Sheliao pathway. This area was also delineated as the "Toniuhong Line" boundary during the early Qing Dynasty, serving as an entry point for opening mountains and pacifying the indigenous tribes.
