Qixing Mountain Range - Tianshan Ancient Trail Introduction
Tianmu Ancient Trail traverses the northwest hillside of the Shilin Huagang area, specifically at the saddle south of Shamao Mountain. This section belongs to the latter part of the historic Yulu Ancient Trail and encompasses several paths between Huagang and Tianmu, constructed along the water pipeline. With babbling streams and pristine forests, walking along this trail is refreshing and comfortable. The trail can also connect to the "Cui Feng Trail," which leads to Cui Feng Waterfall and the Monkey Cave Industrial Road, nestled in the mountain shade, providing a particularly cool and comfortable walk. The Tianmu Ancient Trail was once an important route connecting Jinshan and Tianmu, and since the opening of Yangde Boulevard, this old path has truly become an ancient trail, rising in popularity in recent years as a favored hiking route, especially crowded on weekends. In terms of ecological landscape, the entire Tianmu Ancient Trail ranges from about 300 meters to 120 meters above sea level, belonging to Taiwan's low-altitude subtropical broadleaf forest ecosystem. The northeastern monsoon winds from Datun Mountain bring strong winds, rain, and low temperatures, making the windward side of the trail present a warm temperate broadleaf forest scenery; conversely, the sheltered valleys on the leeward side favor the growth of tropical broadleaf species, such as tropical buttress roots, ground-clinging flowers, and more. Despite its elevation of only 300 meters, Tianmu Ancient Trail features a compressed ecosystem comprising tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate broadleaf forests, which is quite rare and precious. ◎ Special Reminder for Hikers: Near the fork leading down to Cui Feng Waterfall, monkey troops can often be seen. When you spot a troop of monkeys, please do not feed them randomly to avoid any possible harm during food disputes. Water Pipeline Trail The Water Pipeline Trail has been a critical water source in the Bao'an Forest Reserve since the Japanese colonial period. It not only features rich primitive forest but also lush and abundant ferns, taro, and other plants along the way. The pipeline was constructed to channel spring water from the third water source to the Tianmu and Shilin areas. The initial steep portion of the trail no longer shows the major pipeline, while the later section has the pipeline buried beneath the trail. In the 1930s, stone slabs and concrete were laid onto the pipeline for protection, thus forming the Water Pipeline Trail. Due to the gentle mountain slope in the Tianmu area, the trail and the pipeline diverged. Currently, the Sanjiao Pu Hydroelectric Plant serves as the starting point of the trail and the endpoint of the pipeline. Before entering the mountains, warm-up exercises begin at the trailhead, which requires passing through thousands of stone steps. Along the way, there are people offering hot tea and soup for free sampling. Just as you feel the warmth, you might spot sun hats appearing, and if you're thirsty, juices, tea, and sweet potato soup await you in the forest. Strangely, you haven’t reached Yangmingshan yet, yet local vegetables, bamboo shoots, and sweet potatoes are lined up neatly. It is said that there are over a thousand steps, which can be considered as a "warm-up" before entering the forest. The first thing that greets your eyes is the longan tree forest. Tall longan trees stand on either side of the stone steps, with some trunks so thick that two people can barely wrap their arms around them. Once upon a time, longan was the main industry here. As you continue uphill, you will encounter the legendary black water pipeline, and the path suddenly becomes steep. One cannot avoid exerting some physical effort on the uphill path, but there are pavilions along the way to take short breaks. Looking back from a mid-path pavilion, the Tianmu urban area lies at the foot of the mountain, giving a slight sense of achievement. Even if you catch your breath a little, you can continue forward; upon reaching the end, if the weather is clear, you can also gaze at the Linkou Plateau, which is said to provide an excellent view of Taipei's night scene. Finally, after finishing this steep slope, wash your face and wipe the sweat near the reservoir, and you are about to enter the shady path. Poetic Trail Journey Most people who have visited the Water Pipeline Trail tend to fall in love with this segment. The trees provide shade, and walking on the seemingly flat mountain path during summer feels particularly comfortable and cool. In winter, you can only hear the north wind howling in the valleys but barely feel the bone-chilling cold. The road surface here is smooth, making it perfect for stopping and enjoying the scenery. Strolling along the forest trails, the view shifts from Tianmu and Beitou toward the mountain valleys, with terraced fields and swirling mists creating a picturesque scene. At an elevation of only 300 meters, the Water Pipeline Trail has been a "key water source" and a "Biodiversity Conservation Area" since the Japanese colonial period. It showcases rich primitive forests, with many indicative plants such as ferns and taro, making the plant diversity reach over 300 species, indicating that the ecological environment is well-protected. On the cliffs alongside the trail, stone walls occasionally show up, with spring water flowing from the rock wall into the ditch, attracting many stream shrimp and tadpoles to gather here. Near the later sections of the trail, a small ditch with clear water also comes from the mountain springs, home to numerous pond shrimp and crabs, and serves as a breeding ground for various dragonflies and frogs. From autumn to the following spring, one can occasionally hear the calls of the elegant frog, which sound like birds. In the morning or evening, there is also a chance to spot Formosan macaques wandering around. Waterway Flow The Water Pipeline Trail originates from the Japanese colonial era, designed to channel spring water from the third water source to the Tianmu and Shilin areas. Walking along the mountain trail carved into the mountain wall, the major pipeline seen in the initial steep section is no longer visible, as the later section of the pipeline is buried beneath the trail. In the 1930s, stone slabs and soil were laid over the pipeline for protection, thus forming the Water Pipeline Trail. As it approaches the Tianmu area, the mountains become gentler, which is when the pipeline and the trail “diverge.” Currently, on the road against the cliff, the ditches with stone walls directing the mountain spring water flow resemble a miniature representation of the once-used pipeline for water diversion, and standing alongside the uphill path of the pipeline, you can still hear the rushing water inside the large pipeline. The Sanjiao Pu Hydroelectric Plant at the trail entrance serves as the starting point of the trail and the endpoint of the water pipeline, which, despite being retired, still witnesses the past and present of this waterway.
