Qixing Mountain Range - Tianmu Ancient Trail Introduction
Tianmu Ancient Trail traverses the northwestern mountain slopes of the Shilin Huagang area, also known as the saddle south of Shamao Mountain. It belongs to the latter section of the old fish route and covers several paths between Huagang and Tianmu, built along the main water pipe, with babbling streams and primitive forest scenery, making the walk refreshingly comfortable. The trail can also connect to the "Cui Feng Trail," which leads to Cui Feng Waterfall and the Hou Dong Industrial Road, nestled in the mountain shade, offering a particularly cool and pleasant walking experience. The Tianmu Ancient Trail was once an important route connecting Jinshan and Tianmu. Since the opening of Yangde Boulevard, this old path has truly become a historical trail, and in recent years it has grown into a popular hiking route, drawing crowds on weekends. The ecological landscape of Tianmu Ancient Trail ranges in elevation from about 300 meters to 120 meters, belonging to Taiwan's low-altitude subtropical broadleaf forest ecosystem. The northeast monsoon blowing from Datun Mountain brings strong winds, rain, and low temperatures, causing the windward side of the trail to display warm temperate broadleaf forest scenery; conversely, the leeward side and the moist valley environment are conducive to the growth of tropical broadleaf tree species, such as tropical buttress roots, flower vines, and more. Despite its elevation of only 300 meters, the Tianmu Ancient Trail features a diverse and 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 that descends to Cui Feng Waterfall, monkeys are often spotted. Please do not feed the monkeys if you see them to avoid any potential harm from competition for food. Water Pipe Trail The Water Pipe Trail has been a crucial water source area in the Bao'an Forest Area since the Japanese colonial period. Not only is the forest scenery primitive and rich, but the ferns and taro plants along the way also flourish abundantly. The Water Pipe Trail was built to transport spring water from the third water source to the Tianmu and Shilin areas. The initial section of the trail, which climbs steeply, has no visible large water pipe, while the pipes in the latter section are buried beneath the trail. In the 1930s, stone slabs and cement were laid over the water pipes for protection, resulting in the formation of the Water Pipe Trail, which diverged from the pathway in the Tianmu area due to the gradually sloping terrain. The entrance to the trail, the Triangle Pu Power Plant, marks the starting point of the trail and the endpoint of the water pipe route. Before entering the forest, one must first warm up by facing the challenge of thousands of stone steps. Along the way, people offer free tastings of hot tea and soup, and just when you feel warm, sun hats appear. If you're thirsty, there are also fruit juices, tea, and delicious sweet potato soup waiting for you in the woods. Oddly, even before reaching Yangmingshan, local vegetables, bamboo shoots, and sweet potatoes are already lined up. Although it is said there are over a thousand steps, think of it as a "warm-up" before entering the mountains. The first sight that greets you is the longan tree forest, with tall longan trees flanking both sides of the stone steps, with some trunks thick enough for two people to hug. In the past, longan was a major industry here. As you continue upward, the rumored black water pipe appears, and the mountain path suddenly becomes steep. Climbing this uphill route requires some effort, but there are pavilions midway and at the endpoint for resting. Standing beside a pavilion partway up, you can look back and see the Tianmu urban area at the foot of the mountain, achieving a small sense of accomplishment; even if a bit out of breath, you can continue forward. At the end of the path, if the weather is clear, you can also enjoy a distant view of Linkou Plateau; legends say the night view of Taipei from here is superb. After conquering this steep uphill section, you wash your face and wipe away sweat beside a reservoir, and soon you will enter a forest path. The poetic journey of the trail is loved by many who have walked the Water Pipe Trail. The canopy of trees provides shade, making the summer walk along the flat mountain road feel particularly cool and comfortable. In winter, you only hear the north wind howling through the valley, yet do not feel the piercing cold. The ground here is even, making it a perfect spot for views. Strolling along the woodland trails, the scenery shifts from overlooking Tianmu and Beitou to the mountain valleys, with terraced fields and swirling mist creating picturesque scenery. The Water Pipe Trail, at an elevation of only 300 meters, has long been a "key water source" and "protection forest area" since the Japanese colonial era. The forest is original and rich; along the way, many ferns and taro plants, indicator species of water conservation, flourish. The plant biodiversity in this area exceeds three hundred species, reflecting the excellent protection of the ecological environment. The rock walls of the cliffs along the route occasionally feature stone stacks, with mountain spring water flowing from the rock face into the irrigation ditch, attracting many shrimp and tadpoles. The last section of the trail also has a small ditch, where clear water similarly flows from the mountain springs, inhabited by various shrimp and crabs, and serves as a breeding ground for various dragonflies and frogs. From autumn to the following spring, you can often hear the calls of the elegant bush frogs resembling bird songs. In the morning or evening, there is also a chance to spot Formosan macaques in the area. Water flow on the Water Pipe Trail originates from the Japanese colonial period when it was developed to channel spring water from the third water source to the Tianmu and Shilin areas. Walking along the mountainside path, the large water pipe from the initial climbing route is no longer visible; in fact, the pipes in the latter sections are buried beneath the trail. In the 1930s, stone slabs and dirt were laid over the pipes for protection, thus forming the Water Pipe Trail. As you approach the Tianmu area, the terrain gradually levels off, allowing the water pipe and the trail to diverge. Now along the mountainside path, you can see the irrigation ditch, with stone stacks guiding the mountain spring water down, resembling a miniature version of the past where water was channeled through the pipes. Standing alongside the uphill pathway near the water pipe, you can still hear the rushing water inside the large pipe. The entrance to the trail at Triangle Pu Power Plant marks the starting point of the trail and the endpoint of the water pipeline, which, despite having completed its purpose, still witnesses the history of this water path.
