Qixing Mountain Range_Tianmu Ancient Trail Introduction
Tianmu Ancient Trail crosses the northwest mountain slope of the Shilin Huagang area and is located at the saddle south of Shamao Mountain. It belongs to the latter section of the ancient fish route and covers several trails between Huagang and Tianmu, constructed along the main water pipeline. The flowing streams and pristine forests along the way make it feel refreshingly cool and comfortable. The trail also connects to the "Cui Feng Trail," which goes to Cui Feng Waterfall and the Monkey Cave Industrial Road, nestled in the shaded mountains, making for a particularly comfortable walk. The Tianmu Ancient Trail was once an important communication route between Jinshan and Tianmu, but since the opening of Yangde Boulevard, this early pathway has truly become an ancient path, and in recent years it has risen to become a popular hiking route, bustling with visitors every weekend. The ecological landscape of Tianmu Ancient Trail has an elevation ranging from about 300 meters to 120 meters, belonging to Taiwan's low-altitude subtropical broadleaf forest ecosystem. The northeast monsoon blowing from the Datun Mountain saddle brings strong winds, rain, and low temperatures, allowing the windward side of the ancient trail to display warm-temperate broadleaf forest scenery. In contrast, the leeward valleys are humid, favorable for tropical broadleaf tree species to thrive, such as tropical buttressed roots, creeping flowers, and more. Although the Tianmu Ancient Trail only has an elevation of 300 meters, it compresses different ecosystems of tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate broadleaf forests, making it quite rare and precious. ◎ Special Reminder for Hikers: Near the fork leading down to Cui Feng Waterfall, monkeys are often seen. When encountering a monkey group, please do not feed them indiscriminately to avoid any potential harm from competition for food. Water Pipeline Trail The Water Pipeline Trail has been a key water source for Baohan Forest Area since the Japanese colonial period. It features rich and original vegetation, with abundant ferns and taro growing along the way. The water pipeline was built to channel spring water from the third water source to Tianmu and Shilin. The initial section of the trail climbs a slope where the main water pipe is no longer visible, while the later section has the pipes buried beneath the trail. In the 1930s, stone slabs and cement were laid on the pipes for protection, thus shaping the water pipeline path. In the Tianmu area, the trail separates from the water pipeline as the terrain becomes gentler. The Triangular Pu Power Plant at the entrance of the trail is the starting point of the trail and the end of the water pipeline. Before entering the forest, you must first warm up with a climb of over a thousand stone steps. Along the way, there are people offering free hot tea and soup, and soon after feeling warm, there appear sun hats; if thirsty, juice, tea, and sweet potato soup await you in the woods. Oddly enough, you haven't even reached Yangmingshan yet, and local vegetables, bamboo shoots, and sweet potatoes are already neatly lined up. Although it is said that there are over a thousand steps, consider it a "warm-up" before entering the mountains. The first thing that catches the eye is the longan tree forest, with tall longan trees flanking the stone steps, some so thick that they require two people to embrace. In the past, longan was the main industry here. Continuing to climb, the legendary black water pipe appears, and the mountain path suddenly steepens. The uphill path is bound to require some physical effort, but there are pavilions to rest along the way and at the end. Looking back from the mid-point pavilion, the Tianmu urban area lies below, providing a small sense of achievement, and even if you feel a bit breathless, you can continue onward; at the end, if the weather is clear, you can even see the Linkou plateau in the distance; it is said that viewing Taipei's night scene from here is also wonderful. Finally, after finishing this steep slope, you can wash your face and wipe the sweat beside the reservoir before entering the shaded path. Poetic Trail Journey Many who have visited the Water Pipeline Trail are likely to fall in love with this stretch of path. The trees provide shade, making walking on the seemingly flat mountain road in summer feel exceptionally comfortable and cool; in winter, all you hear is the north wind howling in the valleys, yet you don’t feel the biting cold. The trail's surface is level, making it suitable for pausing to enjoy the view. Strolling along the forest path, the scenery changes from views of Tianmu and Beitou to mountain valleys, with terraced fields and swirling mist creating a picturesque and enchanting landscape. With an elevation of only 300 meters, the Water Pipeline Trail has been a "key water source" and "protected forest area" since the Japanese colonial period. The original and rich vegetation can be seen along the way with many ferns and taro. Over three hundred plant species thrive in this area, indicating a well-protected ecological environment. Occasionally, stone piles can be seen on the cliffs beside the trail, and spring water flowing from the rock walls enters the ditch, attracting many stream shrimps and tadpoles. In the later section of the trail, there is also a small ditch, with clear water flowing from the springs above, home to many marsh shrimps and crabs, as well as a breeding ground for various dragonflies and frogs. From autumn to the following spring, the calls of the elegant Swinhoe's frog can occasionally be heard like birdsong. In the early morning or at dusk, there is also a chance to see Formosan macaques in the area. Waterway streams gently flow along the Water Pipeline Trail, originally opened up to channel spring water from the third water source to Tianmu and Shilin. Walking along the path carved into the mountain wall, the major water pipe seen on the initial slope is no longer visible; in reality, the later pipes are buried beneath the trail. In the 1930s, stone slabs and soil were increasingly laid over the pipes for protection, shaping the water pipeline. Near the Tianmu area, the terrain gradually flattens, thus separating the water pipe from the trail. Along the mountain edge, the ditch can be seen, with stone piles guiding the spring water down, reminiscent of the past when water was channeled through pipes; while standing alongside the water pipe on the uphill path, you can also hear the rapid flow of water within the main pipe. The Triangular Pu Power Plant at the trail entrance is the starting point of the trail and the endpoint of the water pipeline, having witnessed the history of this waterway.
