Heka Rice Path Introduction
The word "糶" (pronounced "tiào") in the name of Tiao Mi Ancient Trail means "to sell grain." "糶米" translates to "selling rice." During the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, farmers in the Sanjangli area decided to open this mountain path to save transportation time and conserve their physical strength instead of using long flat roads. This trail, with a total of five hundred stone steps, facilitated the quick transportation of rice from Nangang, Muzha, Shenkeng, and Jingmei, boosting trade in the area. Since there is a Gong Temple for the Earth God along the ancient path, it is called the "Tiao Mi Ancient Trail," and it is also referred to as "Tiao Rice Ancient Trail." Due to the steep steps, it is said that travelers carrying rice would often stop here to rest and, in gratitude to the Earth God for a safe journey, would leave a bowl of rice. Over time, the residents built a simple stone shrine to pay respect to the Earth God. After several renovations, it became the current "Tiao Mi Temple." Nearby is the "Daxing Coal Mine Entrance," which began mining operations around 1897. Its peak was during the years 1946 to 1948, but after the coal veins were depleted, the coal from Songshan disappeared, leaving only the mine entrance for visitors to explore. In 2011, the stone steps of the Tiao Mi Ancient Trail were repaved, and an arch bridge, wooden walkway, and informational signs about the trail were installed, presenting the appearance we see today.
