Sun Moon Lake Year-round Steps Trail Introduction
Before the construction of the Round-Taiwan Highway, to visit the Wenwu Temple for pilgrimage, one had to first take a boat to the dock beneath the temple, and then climb a steep flight of stairs on foot, which was quite exhausting. This flight of stairs was once referred to as the "Heavenly Ladder." Later, after the completion of the Round-Taiwan Highway, visitors no longer had to endure such hardship to reach the temple, and gradually, the stairs below the Wenwu Temple were forgotten. In recent years, the National Scenic Area Administration renovated the stairs, which are about 150 meters long and feature 366 steps, symbolizing the 366 days of a leap year. Along the way, at every first of the month, rest platforms were established, and information related to the 24 solar terms was inscribed on both sides of the stairs, allowing visitors to learn about traditional Taiwanese folk culture while climbing. Thus, this staircase was named the "Wenwu Temple Year Ladder" or "Year Ladder Trail." On the Year Ladder Trail, besides information about the customs of the 24 solar terms, there is also a design for "Blessing Wind Chimes," providing visitors an interesting activity for making wishes. Visitors first purchase a personalized blessing wind chime representing their zodiac sign at the Wenwu Temple, and after it is blessed by the temple, they can write their name and wished content on it, then ring the large wind chime at the entrance of the Year Ladder, and finally hang their blessing wind chime on the railings corresponding to their birthday, completing the task. Walking on the Year Ladder Trail also offers an interesting experience: each step has the date and the names of famous domestic and international personalities born on that day inscribed on it. You can look for which celebrity shares your birthday! As you walk and search, the 366 steps won't feel tiring at all.
