Sun Moon Lake Year Ladder Trail Introduction
Before the Pangtan Highway was constructed, visiting the Wenchang and Wude Temples required taking a boat to the dock below the temples and then climbing a steep staircase, which was quite a challenge. This staircase was once referred to as the "Ladder to Heaven." However, after the completion of the Pangtan Highway, reaching the Wenchang and Wude Temples became much easier, leading to the gradual neglect of the staircase. In recent years, the administrative office 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, there are resting platforms at the beginning of each month, and information related to the 24 solar terms is engraved on both sides of the staircase, allowing visitors to learn about Taiwan's traditional culture while climbing. Hence, this staircase is known as the "Wenchang and Wude Temple Year Steps" or "Year Steps Trail." On the Year Steps Trail, in addition to the seasonal customs related to the 24 solar terms, there is also the design of "Blessing Wind Chimes," offering visitors a fun way to pray for good fortune. Tourists can first purchase a wind chime representing their zodiac sign at the Wenchang and Wude Temples, and after being blessed by the temple, they can write their name and wishes on it. Then they can ring the large wind chime at the entrance of the Year Steps and walk down the steps to hang their blessing wind chime on the railings corresponding to their birthday, completing the activity. Walking along the Year Steps Trail also offers another interesting experience: each step is engraved with dates and the names of famous individuals born on that day, so visitors can see which celebrity shares their birthday! With this exploration, the 366 steps feel much less strenuous.
