Qixing Mountain Range_Tianmu Ancient Trail Introduction
The Tianmu Ancient Trail traverses the northwestern slopes of the Shilin Huagang area and is located at the saddle south of Shamao Mountain. It is part of the later sections of the old fishing route and includes several trails between Huagang and Tianmu. Built along the large water pipeline, the trail features flowing streams and primitive forest scenery, making the walk refreshing and comfortable. The trail can also connect to the "Cuifeng Trail," which leads to Cuifeng Waterfall and the Hou Dong industrial road, nestled in the mountain shade, providing a particularly cool and comfortable hike. The Tianmu Ancient Trail was once an important communication route between Jinshan and Tianmu. Since the opening of Yangde Boulevard, this once rudimentary path has become a genuine ancient trail, and in recent years, it has risen to prominence as a popular hiking route, attracting many visitors on holidays. The ecological landscape of Tianmu Ancient Trail varies in elevation from about 300 meters to 120 meters, belonging to the low-elevation subtropical broadleaf forest ecosystem of Taiwan. The northeast monsoon blowing from the Datun Mountain saddle brings strong winds, rain, and low temperatures, resulting in a warm temperate broadleaf forest landscape on the windward side of the mountain trail. In contrast, the sheltered valleys on the leeward side create humid environments that favor the growth of tropical broadleaf species, such as tropical buttress trees, epiphytic plants, and vines. Despite its elevation of only 300 meters, Tianmu Ancient Trail features a compressed ecological environment comprising tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate broadleaf forest ecosystems, making it quite rare and valuable. ◎ A special reminder for hikers: Near the branch trail that descends to Cuifeng Waterfall, monkey groups can often be seen. When encountering these groups, please refrain from feeding them to avoid any possible aggression over food that could lead to injury! Water Pipeline Trail The Water Pipeline Trail has been a key water source area in the conservation forest since the Japanese colonial period. It features rich and primitive forest scenery along the way, with abundant ferns, elephant ear plants, and more. The Water Pipeline was constructed to channel spring water from the third water source area to the Tianmu and Shilin areas. The early part of the trail climbs up, and the large water pipeline is no longer visible, while the pipeline in the later section is buried beneath the trail. In the 1930s, stone slabs and cement were laid on top of the pipeline for protection, thus forming the Water Pipeline trail, which diverges from the hiking trail in the Tianmu area due to the gentle mountain terrain. Currently, the entrance to the trail at the Sanjiao Pu Power Plant is both the starting point for the trail and the endpoint for the pipeline. Before entering the forest, hikers must first ascend thousands of stone steps as a warm-up. Along the way, some people offer hot tea and soup for free tasting. Just as you begin to feel warm, a sun hat shows up. If you're thirsty, there are fruit juices, teas, and sweet potato soups waiting for you in the woods. Surprisingly, even before reaching Yangmingshan, "local" vegetables, bamboo shoots, and sweet potatoes are already lined up. The claim of having over a thousand steps can be seen as the "warm-up" before venturing into the mountains. The first thing to catch the eye is the longan tree forest, with towering longan trees flanking the stone steps, some thick enough to require two people to embrace. Longan used to be a significant industry here. As you climb higher, you encounter the legendary black water pipeline, and the mountain path suddenly becomes steep. A bit of effort is required to climb, but there are pavilions to rest along the way and at the end. Standing beside a pavilion midway, you can look back and see the Tianmu urban area below, feeling a small sense of achievement. Even if you're slightly out of breath, you can continue forward; at the end, if the weather is clear, you can gaze afar at the Linkou Plateau, where the night view of Taipei is supposedly beautiful as well. Finally, after finishing this steep section, you can wash your face and wipe away sweat by the reservoir, as you are about to enter the shady and flat path. Poetic Trail Journey Most people who have visited the Water Pipeline Trail tend to fall in love with this route. The forest canopy provides shade, making summer walks along the gently sloping mountain path particularly comfortable and refreshing; in winter, only the north wind can be heard howling through the valley, without feeling the bone-chilling cold. The trail surface is smooth, making it ideal for scenic stops. Strolling along the forest path, the views transition from overlooking Tianmu and Beitou to the mountain valleys, with terraced fields and rising mist creating picturesque scenes. Rising to an elevation of only 300 meters, the Water Pipeline Trail has been a "water source critical area" and "conservation forest" since the Japanese colonial era. The original and rich forest scenery features many indicator plants, like ferns and elephant ear plants, that support a biodiversity of over three hundred plant species, indicating a well-preserved ecological environment. Occasionally, stone walls can be seen along the cliffs beside the road, and spring water flows from the rocky walls into the irrigation ditch, attracting many shrimp and tadpoles. In the later section of the trail, there is also a small irrigation ditch with clear water from the mountains, serving as a breeding ground for various dragonflies and frogs. From autumn to the following spring, the calls of the elegant wrinkled frog, resembling bird calls, can be heard. In the early morning or at dusk, there is also a chance to see Formosan macaques in this area. The Waterway Flow The Water Pipeline Trail dates back to the Japanese colonial period when it was built to channel spring water from the third water source area to the Tianmu and Shilin areas. Walking along the mountain path carved into the mountainside, the large water pipeline from the earlier steep sections is no longer visible; in fact, the later section's pipeline is buried beneath the trail. In the 1930s, stone slabs and soil were laid on top of the pipeline for protection, and the water pipeline trail was thus formed. As it approaches the Tianmu area, due to the gentler terrain, the pipeline and the trail "part ways." Now, on the hillside path, you can see irrigation ditches, and the stone piles guiding the mountain spring water seem reminiscent of the past when water was brought in through the pipeline. Standing beside the uphill road next to the water pipeline, you can still hear the rapid flow of water inside. The Sanjiao Pu Power Plant at the trail entrance is the starting point of the trail and the endpoint of the waterway, which, despite its retirement, still witnesses the history of this waterway.
