Tao Rice Path Introduction
The character "糶" (pronounced "tià") in the "糶米古道" (Tiao Mi Ancient Trail) means "to sell grain." "糶米" translates to "selling rice." During the Daoguang period of the Qing dynasty, farmers in the Sanzhangli area decided to create this mountain path to save transportation time and conserve energy, opting not to take the distant flat roads. This trail, consisting of five hundred stone steps, facilitated the quick transport of rice from areas such as Nangang, Muzha, Shenkeng, and Jingmei, significantly boosting trade. The trail is named "糶米古道" because of the presence of a "糶米公廟" (Tiao Mi Temple) along the path; it is also known as "挑米古道" (Tiao Mi Ancient Trail). Due to the steepness of the steps, it is said that people transporting rice often rested here during their journey, leaving a bowl of rice as an offering to the Land God for a safe trip. Over time, the locals built a simple stone temple to honor the Land God. After several renovations, it became the "糶米公廟" we see today. Nearby is the "德興煤礦坑口" (Teh-hsing Coal Mine Entrance), which began operations around 1897, reaching its peak between 1946 and 1948. The coal vein eventually depleted, leading to the disappearance of Songshan coal, leaving only the mine entrance for visitors to explore. In 2011, the stone steps of the 糶米古道 were repaved, and an arch bridge, wooden pathways, and informational signs along the trail were established, resulting in the current appearance that visitors see today.
