Guangfu Rice Path Introduction
The character "糶" (pronounced "tiào") in the "糶米古道" means "to sell grain." "糶米" translates to "selling rice." During the Daoguang period of the Qing dynasty, farmers in the San Chong Li area decided to open this mountain trail, consisting of a total of five hundred stone steps, to save time and effort in transportation instead of using the distant flat road. This trail facilitated the quick transportation of rice from areas like Nangang, Muzha, Shenkeng, and Jingmei, thus enhancing trade. The ancient path is named "糶米古道" due to the presence of a rice selling temple along the route. It is also referred to as "挑米古道," because of its steep steps, and it is said that people on their way to carry rice would often stop here to rest, leaving a bowl of rice in gratitude to the Earth God for their safe journey. Over time, residents built a simple stone temple to honor the Earth God, which was later renovated several times to become the current "糶米公廟." Nearby is the "德興煤礦坑口," where the De Xing Coal Mine started operations around 1897, reaching its peak between the years 1946-1948 before the coal seams were exhausted, making Songshan coal extinct. Today, the mine entrance remains for tourists to visit. In 2011, the stone steps of the 糶米古道 were repaved, and an arch bridge, wooden walkway, and explanatory signs were added, resulting in the appearance we see today.
