Qingtiangang System - Pingding Ancient Aqueduct Trail Introduction
Pingding is an old place name in Shilin District's Pingdeng Village, where there are two ancient ditches named after it: Pingding Ancient Ditch and Pingding New Ditch. Both ditches are over 150 years old and serve three functions: irrigation, drinking water, and water delivery. They are still relied upon by the residents of Pingdeng Village for their daily water needs. The Pingding Ancient Ditch Trail starts at Lane 95 of Pingqing Street in Pingdeng Village and features a path that goes uphill and downhill, with moss-covered surfaces. The first stop is the Qingfeng Pavilion, where a printing station is set up, and the ancient ditch entrance is not far away. At the waterway outlet, there is a large red inscription reading "Pingding Ancient Ditch," accompanied by a brief description of the ditch's excavation history. The trail runs parallel to the ditch and finally leads to the stone cave of the water channel at the end, showcasing a rich aquatic ecosystem and environment that captivates mountain hikers. The ecological landscape of the Pingding Ancient Ditch Trail is situated at an elevation of about 300 to 500 meters in Shilin District, Pingdeng Village, where the terrain is higher in the north and lower in the south, with the Inner Shuangxi and Inner Liao streams flowing through. The mountainous hills and streams create a rich plant ecosystem, predominantly featuring plants like taro, Ficus tinctoria, Sapindus, and various species of bamboo. The aquatic life is diverse, with various insects and reptiles, allowing hikers to experience a journey filled with surprises while exploring the trail. E'wei Mountain, with an elevation of 523 meters, is located between Qigu Mountain and Zhugao Mountain, also known as "Wuwei Mountain." The mountain has a gentle slope and is covered with many miscanthus and trees at the top, offering a serene view. From Pingdeng Village, it appears as a series of small earth mounds, with a flat and round peak. When the mountain mist rises, a hazy and mysterious scene unfolds. Hikers can take the Xia18 bus and disembark at the Jiaokeng or Jiaokeng Bridge station, then head north along Lane 181 of Section 3 of Shanjing Road, passing the entrance to the trail near No. 15, Lane 20, Alley 371. Have you ever visited the serene Inner Shuangxi for a break? Today, follow the stream to the upper reaches of Inner Shuangxi, where the clear waters and the century-old ancient ditch create an exciting anticipation for another stunning paradise. Walking up the sloped path flanked by bamboo, you find green moss covering the stone steps and the old trees beside the path. Occasionally, you can see green street lamps that add a touch of antiquity, making this peaceful green tunnel feel like a time slip back to "Pingding" a hundred years ago. The old name of Pingdeng Village is "Pingding," so the two ancient ditches, namely "Pingding Ancient Ditch" and "Pingding New Ditch," are named after it, both over 150 years old. The ancient ditches serve the major functions of transport, irrigation, and drinking water, which residents still rely on today. Turning left at the fork, you will find the moss-covered, antique Taodajia Bridge nearby, with the ancient ditch not far off. Feeling enthusiastic, you can trace the stream down to the valley for some water fun, as the upcoming path is flat and easy to traverse. After enjoying some time splashing around, rest for a moment by the pavilion near the small bridge before heading out again. The first sight is the most abundant stream, the Dengfeng Ditch. Although it was established later than the others, it not only diverts water from Inner Shuangxi but also guides water from mountain streams and nearby mining sources, making it an inexhaustible resource. Next is the slightly more "senior" New Ditch, with the last segment of the trail running along the ditch before reaching the stone cave at the end, marked with the large red letters "Pingding Ancient Ditch." The journey along the ancient ditch is full of surprises, with a rich ecology encompassing dense forests and abundant aquatic environments. The water is home to various aquatic animals like shrimps, crabs, small fish, and clusters of tadpoles; the lush forest also nurtures a colorful variety of insects and reptiles. For instance, the largest dragonfly species in Taiwan, known as the emperor dragonfly, is rare in flatlands but often seen near the ditches. Additionally, species such as the juniper dragonfly, frost-white dragonfly, and beautiful damselflies thrive around the ancient ditch. Butterfly sightings are also common, with species like the common mime butterfly preferring dark areas, while swallowtails and fritillaries favor sunny spots. As you walk the trail, pay attention to the ground, you might encounter adorable golden beetles, walking sticks, or beetles! On sunny days, if you look up, you may catch a glimpse of the collared hawk or the Formosan blue magpie flying overhead. Other conservation species like the black-crowned night heron, Taipei tree frog, brown tree frog, and various species of damselflies and fireflies also choose to reside here. Many nocturnal animals may be unseen during the day, but with careful observation, you'll find many interesting discoveries, such as the pavilion by Taodajia Bridge, where the stone table is covered with dark brown droppings mixed with remnants of beetles, mantises, and cicadas, a rare sight indicating that a group of Formosan leaf-nosed bats often roosts upside down on the rooftop at night. Therefore, when visiting the ancient ditch trail, keep your eyes wide open to discover the enchanting surprises hidden along the ditch!
