Sun Moon Lake Year-round Stairway Trail Introduction
Before the completion of the Huan Tan Road, to visit the Wunwu Temple for worship, one had to take a boat to the dock below the temple and then hike up a very steep staircase, which was quite a challenge. Therefore, this staircase was once known as the "Heavenly Ladder". However, after the completion of the Huan Tan Road, tourists no longer had to endure such hardships to reach the Wunwu Temple, and gradually the staircase below the temple was forgotten. In recent years, the National Scenic Area Administration has renovated this staircase, which is about 150 meters long and features 366 steps, symbolizing the 366 days of the year (including leap years). Along the way, at each first day of the month, rest platforms have been installed, and some information related to the 24 solar terms is engraved on both sides of the staircase, allowing visitors to learn about traditional Taiwanese folk culture while climbing. As a result, this staircase has been dubbed the "Wunwu Temple Year Ladder" or "Year Ladder Trail". On the Year Ladder Trail, in addition to the information about the 24 solar terms, there is also a design of "Blessing Wind Chimes" that provides an interesting blessing activity for tourists. Visitors can first go to the Wunwu Temple to purchase a blessing wind chime corresponding to their zodiac sign, and after it has been blessed by the temple, they can write their name and wishes on it. Then, at the entrance of the Year Ladder, they can ring a large wind chime and walk down the ladder, hanging their blessing wind chime on the railing on the side of their birthday, completing the activity. Walking on the Year Ladder Trail also offers an interesting experience: each step is engraved with the date and the names of famous people born on that day, allowing visitors to see which celebrity shares their birthday. As you walk and search, the 366 steps won't feel so tough after all.
