Qingtiangang System_Pingding Ancient Aqueduct Trail Introduction
Pingding is an old place name for Shilin Pingdeng Li, located in Pingdeng Li where there are two ancient water channels named after Pingding: the Pingding Ancient Aqueduct and the Pingding New Aqueduct. Both aqueducts are over 150 years old and serve the functions of irrigation, drinking water, and water transportation, still being relied upon by the residents of Pingdeng Li for domestic water supply. The Pingding Ancient Aqueduct Trail begins at No. 95 Alley, Pingqing Street, Pingdeng Li, and winds uphill and downhill with moss-covered ground. The first stop is the Qingfeng Pavilion, where a printing platform is set up, and the aqueduct entrance is not far away. Upon reaching the waterway entrance, a large red inscription of "Pingding Ancient Aqueduct" can be seen, with a brief account of the aqueduct's excavation history beside it. The trail runs parallel to the aqueduct and ultimately leads to the stone cave at the end of the water channel, where the rich aquatic ecology and water environment captivate hikers with the trail's charming scenery. The ecological landscape along the Pingding Ancient Aqueduct Trail is at an elevation of about 300 to 500 meters within Shilin District, Pingdeng Li, with a terrain that is higher in the north and lower in the south, intersected by the Inner Shuangxi and Inner Liao Creek. The mountainous hills and streams nurture a rich plant ecology, including varieties like taro, red nanmu, Chinese rosewood, wind vine, and bamboo, while the aquatic life includes various insects and reptiles, offering hikers a journey filled with surprises. Ertou Mountain, standing at 523 meters, is located between Qigu Mountain and Zhugao Mountain, also known as "Wutou Mountain". It has gentler slopes, and its summit is covered with a lot of pampas grass and trees, presenting a serene view. From Pingdeng Li, it resembles a group of small earth mounds with a flat and round peak. Whenever mist rises, it creates a dreamy and elusive appearance. Hikers can take the small bus 18 and get off at Jiokeng or Jiokeng Bridge Station, then walk north along Shan Road Section 3 to the trail entrance at No. 15, Alley 20, Lane 371. Have you ever strolled along the Shuangxi to play in the water with the hundred-year-old aqueduct? Today, let's follow the stream to the upstream Inner Shuangxi; I’ve heard the water is clear, and there's a century-old aqueduct nearby, truly exciting! Entering the uphill path flanked by bamboo forests, the green moss covers the stone steps and the old trees by the roadside. Occasionally, the green canopy streetlights also exude an old-fashioned charm. This tranquil green tunnel feels like a time warp, possibly leading us back to "Pingding" a hundred years ago. The old name of Pingdeng Li is "Pingding," hence the two ancient aqueducts named after it: the "Pingding Ancient Aqueduct" and the "Pingding New Aqueduct." Both aqueducts are over 150 years old and serve the three main functions of transport, irrigation, and drinking water, still being a vital source for the residents of Pingdeng Li. Turning left at the fork and following the sloping path brings us to the moss-covered, ancient Taotzi Bridge, near the aqueduct. Feeling inspired, let’s wade down the stream for some water fun, as the path ahead is flat and easy to walk; first, let's enjoy ourselves before resting at the pavilion by the small bridge. The first sight is the most plentiful water flow of the Dengfeng Aqueduct. Although this aqueduct was opened the latest, it harnesses water from the nearby mountain streams and creeks, in addition to Inner Shuangxi, providing an inexhaustible resource. Next is the relatively "senior" new aqueduct, and the last section of the trail runs alongside the aqueduct until arriving at the stone cave at the end of the water channel, where the big red words "Pingding Ancient Aqueduct" can be found. Rich ecology and surprises await while exploring the ancient aqueduct. The dense shade, along with the abundant aquatic environment, hosts a variety of aquatic animals like shrimp, crabs, small fish, and clusters of tadpoles swimming around; the thick forest also nurtures a colorful diversity of insects and reptiles. For instance, the largest species of the dragonfly, the Anax parthenope, is seldom seen in lowland areas but is frequently found near the aqueduct. There are also beautiful dragonfly species like the great spreadwing and the frosted white dragonfly, and many damselflies active around the ancient aqueduct. It's not uncommon to see butterflies fluttering; the Common Eggfly usually prefers shady environments, while Swallowtail and Red Admiral butterflies tend to bask in sunny spots. While walking along the trail, keep an eye out for cute golden beetles, walking sticks, or even stag beetles at your feet. When the weather is clear, look up, and you might catch a glimpse of the Formosan Black Eagle or the Taiwan Blue Magpie flying by. Other protected animals, such as the Black-crowned Night Heron, Taipei Tree Frog, Brown Tree Frog, Green Bamboo Snake, various species of dragonflies, and fireflies, also choose to inhabit this area. Many nocturnal animals might be hidden during the day, but with careful observation, you can discover many interesting things; for instance, the pavilion beside Taotzi Bridge has black-brown droppings scattered all over the stone table, mixed with remains of beetles, mantises, and cicadas, a rare sight, which is the work of the Formosan Fruit Bat. These black droppings indicate that a group of Formosan Fruit Bats frequently hangs upside down from the roof at night for rest. Thus, when visiting the ancient aqueduct trail, be sure to open your eyes wide and take in the delightful surprises everywhere along the aqueduct!
