Qingtiangang - Pingding Old Waterway Trail Introduction
Pingding is an old place name in Shilin's Pingdeng Village, where two ancient irrigation channels are named after it: the Pingding Ancient Channel and the Pingding New Channel. Both channels have been in operation for over 150 years, serving three functions: irrigation, drinking water, and water transportation. They are still relied upon by the residents of Pingdeng Village for their daily water needs. The Pingding Ancient Channel Trail, a nature trail, starts at Lane 95, Pingjing Street in Pingdeng Village, going uphill and downhill along a moss-covered path. The first stop is the Qingfeng Pavilion with a printing station, where the entrance to the ancient channel is located nearby. At the outlet, there is a large red inscription with the name of the Pingding Ancient Channel, along with a brief history of its excavation. The trail runs parallel to the channel and finally ends at a stone cave of the waterway, showcasing a rich aquatic ecosystem that enchants visitors along the way. The ecological landscape of the Pingding Ancient Channel Trail ranges in elevation from 300 to 500 meters, within Shilin District's Pingdeng Village. The terrain is higher in the north and lower in the south, interlaced by the Neishuangxi and Neiliao rivers. The mountainous hills and streams foster a rich biodiversity, featuring a variety of plants such as taro, red nanmu, Chinese soapberry, wind vine, and bamboo, while the water is home to a diverse array of insects and reptiles, allowing visitors to experience a journey filled with surprises. Ertou Mountain, with an elevation of 523 meters, is situated between Qigu Mountain and Zhugao Mountain, also known as "Wutiaoshan." The slope is gentle, covered with many grasses and trees, creating a serene landscape. Looking from Pingdeng Village, it resembles a cluster of small hills with a flat and rounded summit. Whenever the mountain mist rises, a mesmerizing scene appears. Visitors can take Bus No. 18 and get off at Jiaokeng or Jiaokeng Bridge Station, then follow North Lane 181 on Shanzhan Road to the mountain entrance next to No. 15, Alley 20, Lane 371. Have you ever wandered the paths of the ancient channel and played in the Neishuangxi river? Today, you can follow the valley upstream to Skating River, where the clear streams and the accompanying century-old ancient channel promise a delightful experience, possibly leading to another breathtaking paradise. Walking along the uphill path flanked by bamboo groves, the green moss covers the stone steps and the old trees by the roadside, while the occasionally appearing green light posts add an old-world charm. This tranquil green tunnel feels like a time warp, perhaps guiding us back to the "Pingding" of a century ago. The old name of Pingdeng is "Pingding," hence the two ancient channels are named after it: one is the "Pingding Ancient Channel" and the other is the "Pingding New Channel," both of which are over 150 years old. The ancient channels fulfill the three major functions of transportation, irrigation, and drinking water, and are still a vital source of daily water for residents. After turning left at the fork and descending along a moss-covered road, you will arrive at the Taotzai Bridge, which retains its ancient charm, with the ancient channel not far away. As the mood strikes, you can first wade into the valley to play in the water since the upcoming path is flat and easy to walk. After some fun, take a break at the pavilion next to the small bridge before setting off again. The first sight to behold is the most abundant source of water, the Dengfeng Channel. Although it was established most recently, it diverts the streams, mountain rivers, and water sources from the nearby mines along with Neishuangxi, ensuring a virtually endless supply. Then comes the newer channel, which is slightly "older," and the last section of the trail follows the water channel to reach the stone cave at the end, marked with the bold red characters "Pingding Ancient Channel." Everywhere you go along the path of the ancient channels, you encounter delightful surprises in ecology. The dense shade of the forest combined with lush aquatic environments hosts a variety of aquatic creatures, including creek shrimp, crayfish, small fish, and groups of tadpoles. The thick forest also nurtures a colorful variety of insects and reptiles, such as the largest dragonfly in Taiwan, which is rarely seen in flatland but often seen near the water channel. Additionally, dragonflies and beautiful damselflies thrive around the ancient channel, and butterfly shadows are a common sight. The snake-eye butterfly prefers dark environments, while the swallowtail and painted lady butterflies favor sunny spots. While walking along the trail, keep an eye out for lovely golden beetles, walking sticks, or stag beetles, as they may appear by your feet. On sunny days, look up and you might catch a glimpse of a Formosan Blue Magpie or a Black-faced Spoonbill flying by. Other conservation-endangered species, such as the Black-crowned Night Heron, Taipei Tree Frog, Brown Tree Frog, Blue-striped Ribbonsnake, various species of dragonflies, and fireflies, also choose to inhabit this area. Many nocturnal animals may remain hidden during the day, but if you observe closely, you will make many interesting discoveries, such as the stone table at the pavilion next to Taotzai Bridge, which is covered with dark brown droppings mixed with the remains of beetles, mantises, and cicadas—a rare sight indeed, often attributed to the activity of the Formosan leaf-nosed bat, whose droppings indicate that a group of these bats frequently hang upside down resting on the roof at night. So, when you visit the ancient channel trail, be sure to keep your eyes wide open and closely observe the enchanting features of the channel that are filled with delightful surprises!
