Qixing Mountain Range - Tianmu Ancient Trail Introduction
The Tianmu Ancient Trail passes through the northwestern slope of the Shilin Huagang area, on the saddle south of Shamiao Mountain. It is part of the later sections of the old fish route and includes several trails between Huagang and Tianmu, following the alignment of the main water pipe. The gentle stream and primitive forest along the way provide a refreshing and comfortable walking experience. The trail also connects to the "Cui Feng Trail," which goes from Cui Feng Waterfall to the Hong Dong industry road, nestled in the shaded area of the mountains, making it particularly cool and comfortable to walk. The Tianmu Ancient Trail was once an important communication route between Jinshan and Tianmu. After the opening of Yangde Boulevard, this former path became a genuine ancient trail and has recently become a popular hiking route, attracting many visitors on weekends. **Ecological Landscape of the Tianmu Ancient Trail** The entire Tianmu Ancient Trail area ranges from about 300 meters to 120 meters in elevation, belonging to Taiwan's low-altitude subtropical broadleaf forest ecosystem. The northeast monsoon blowing from the saddle of Datun Mountain brings strong winds, rain, and low temperatures. This results in the windward side of the ancient trail displaying a warm temperate broadleaf forest landscape, while the sheltered valleys on the leeward side benefit tropical broadleaf tree species, leading to the growth of tropical buttresses, epiphytes, and other phenomena. Although the elevation of the Tianmu Ancient Trail is only 300 meters, it features a compressed ecological environment with tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate broadleaf forests, making it rare and precious. **Special Reminder for Hikers:** Near the fork in the trail leading down to Cui Feng Waterfall, monkeys can often be spotted. When you see a group of monkeys, please do not feed them arbitrarily to avoid any conflicts over food that could result in harm to you! **Water Pipe Trail** The Water Pipe Trail has been a key water source area since the Japanese colonial period, featuring rich and original forest landscapes along the way, with abundant ferns, taro, and other plants thriving in the environment. The water pipe was established to channel spring water from the third water source to the Tianmu and Shilin areas. The earlier part of the trail is a climb where the large water pipe is no longer visible, while the later section conceals the water pipe beneath the trail. In the 1930s, stone slabs and cement were laid on the water pipe for protection, thus forming the Water Pipe Trail, which diverged from the path in the Tianmu area as the terrain gradually flattened. The entry point of the trail, the Sanjiao Pu Power Plant, serves as the starting point of the trail and the endpoint of the water pipe. Before entering the forest, hikers warm up by passing through over a thousand stone steps. Along the way, free samples of hot tea and soup are offered, and when feeling thirsty, you can find refreshing juice, tea, and sweet potato soup waiting for you. Surprisingly, even before reaching Yangmingshan, local vegetables, bamboo shoots, and sweet potatoes are already lined up. Although it's said to have over a thousand steps, it's merely a "warm-up" before heading into the forest. At first glance, the longan tree forest is immediately visible, with tall longan trees flanking either side of the stone steps, some so thick that two people must embrace the trunk together. Longans were once the main industry here. As you continue upward, you'll encounter the legendary black water pipe, and the trail suddenly becomes steep. Climbing uphill requires some physical effort, but there are pavilions to rest both mid-way and at the end. Looking back from the pavilion midway, you'll see Tianmu city nestled at the foot of the mountains, instilling a sense of accomplishment. Even when slightly out of breath, you can continue forward. At the end of the trail, if the weather is clear, you can enjoy a distant view of the Linkou Plateau, which is said to offer a beautiful view of Taipei's nightscape. Having completed this steep ascent, you can wash your face and wipe your sweat by the reservoir before entering the shaded open paths. **A Poetic Trail Journey** Most people who visit the Water Pipe Trail will fall in love with this path. The forest provides ample shade, allowing for comfortable and refreshing walks along the seemingly flat mountainous trail in summer. In winter, only the north wind can be heard howling through the valley, but it won’t feel incredibly cold. The trail surface is well-maintained and perfect for stopping to take in the scenery. Strolling along the forest paths, your view shifts from overlooking Tianmu and Beitou to the mountain valleys, where terraced fields and mist create a picturesque landscape. Despite only being 300 meters above sea level, the Water Pipe Trail, due to its status as a "key water source" and "protected forest area" since the Japanese colonial period, exhibits rich primitive forestry. Along the way, many indicative plants such as ferns and taro can be seen, with over 300 types of plants in the ecosystem, highlighting its well-preserved ecological environment. Occasionally, there are stone structures on the cliffs with spring water flowing from the rocks into the ditches, attracting many stream shrimp and tadpoles gathered in the area. The latter part of the trail also features a small waterway, with clear water flowing from the springs above. It serves as a breeding ground for various dragonflies and frogs. From autumn to spring, you may also hear the calls of the amphibious frog resembling bird songs. During dawn or dusk, you might even catch sight of Formosan macaques appearing in this area. **Water Flow on the Trail** The Water Pipe Trail originates from the Japanese colonial period, created to channel spring water from the third water source to Tianmu and Shilin. Walking on the trail carved along the mountainside, the large water pipe from the earlier ascending section is no longer visible; instead, the water pipes are buried beneath the trail in the latter section. In the 1930s, stone slabs and soil were laid over the water pipes for protection, solidifying the formation of the Water Pipe Trail. Approaching the Tianmu area, as the terrain flattens, the water pipes and trail begin to diverge. Now, along the mountainside path, you’ll see ditches, and stone formations guiding the mountain spring water down serve as a miniature representation of the historical water channeling through pipes. Standing beside the water pipe on the uphill path, you can still hear the rushing water inside the large pipe. The entrance of the trail at Sanjiao Pu Power Plant marks both the beginning of the trail and the end of the water pipe, bearing witness to the past and present of this waterway.
