Nangang Mountain Range - Gengliao Ancient Trail Nature Trail Introduction
The Gengliao Ancient Trail is one of the five ancient paths from Nangang to Shenkeng and Shiding that have been preserved best and are still in use today. This trail is not only a necessary route to reach Shanzhiku and Tukuyue, but it is also a century-old road for exploring the ruins of ancient houses. Although granite steps have been paved along this ancient path, the narrow conditions at both ends display the rugged charm of its original state, with unpaved gravel sections adorned with tiny white flowers, creating a simple and unadorned atmosphere. The latter section of the Gengliao Ancient Trail connects with the Laoliao Ancient Trail, which was once an area bustling with tea shops. Historically, this ancient path was used for transporting and producing camphor, and it was originally called Laoliao Ancient Trail. About 110 years ago, Laoliao Ancient Trail became the most frequented road for tea merchants and villagers, eventually being renamed Gengliao, which is a homophone. The name change to Gengliao Ancient Trail was due to its use as a patrol path for night watchmen during the Qing Dynasty. This once-glorious pathway created by our ancestors has now faded, becoming a hiking trail for those seeking tranquility and nature. Chunhsuan Farm, originally known as Nangang First Citizen's Farm, has transformed into a comprehensive farm that combines educational and recreational functions. The area is home to over a thousand varieties of Chinese toon trees, golden needles, and osmanthus trees, along with tree houses and viewing platforms for public enjoyment of the scenery. Wanggaoliao, situated at the highest point of Tukuyue, offers a panoramic view of Greater Taipei and also serves a military fortress defensive function. It is said that during the Qing Dynasty, a watchtower was established here manned by armed patrolmen. The newly constructed high platform today provides an even better and broader view, truly justifying its name of Wanggaoliao. Along the Gengliao Ancient Trail, one can frequently see the bustling scene of National Highway No. 5. Additionally, there are several ancient houses from a century ago along the hillside, such as the "Pan Family Ancestral Hall," which has a history of 160 years. This remains a testament to the development of our ancestors, with the exterior of the ancient house still showing the traces of gun holes from the past defenses. Eight generations of Pan descendants have lived here, making them witnesses to this piece of history. Rediscovering the Tea Town – The history of tea development in the region dates back over 200 years to the Qing Dynasty when it was a significant early export area for camphor and tea in Taiwan. The production methods of "Wenshan Pao Chong Tea" developed by Wang Shuijin and "Nangang Pao Chong Tea" developed by Wei Jingshi contributed to the golden age of Nangang tea, which gained a reputation that spread even to Southeast Asia. Even today, some old tea shops in Thailand still use the name Nangang to attract customers. 110 years ago, the Laoliao Ancient Trail was the path for bustling tea merchants and villagers, historically tracing back to a path for harvesting camphor and producing camphor, hence the original name Laoliao Ancient Trail. The name "Gengliao" was later derived from a homophone. This trail, which served as a transportation route for tea traders during the Japanese colonial period, has now lost its former glory, becoming a popular hiking trail for those seeking nature and peace. The Gengliao Print Station, located at the entrance of the trail, requires about five to six minutes of walking along the narrow stone steps. If you glance to the right, you can see the Beiyi Expressway carved through the foothills, passing beneath Tukuyue, Shanzhiku Peak, and the Gengliao Ancient Trail, leading towards Shiding and Pinglin. At this spot, it is interesting to observe today’s traffic over the historical connectivity of the past. On clear days, while heading towards Shanzhiku, standing on the stone steps offers a view of the Grand Hotel, Songshan Airport, Dazhi, and the Neihu incineration plant, capturing the complete vista of the Taipei Basin. The scenery becomes richer as you approach the top, with the complete natural beauty of the forests and ecological plants in close proximity. Before reaching the summit, there is a rare grove of pencil trees that resembles a tropical rainforest, and the gentle sound of streams washes away the fatigue from the steep slopes.
