Canguangliao Historic Trail Introduction
Cangguangliao Mountain is located adjacent to the famous JinGuaShi Scenic Area, standing at an elevation of 739 meters, making it the highest peak in the Keelung Volcano Group. The lush miscanthus grass is a characteristic feature of this mountainous region. In autumn, the mountains are covered with silver grass that shines brilliantly in the sunlight. It is said that this is the origin of the name "Cangguangliao." The summit of Cangguangliao Mountain is unobstructed, and there are no taller mountains around, allowing for a view radius of nearly 100 kilometers. With a 360-degree outlook, one can gaze towards Taipei City on one side and the Sandiao Cape Lighthouse and Northeast Coast on the other side in clear weather. After Yilan was incorporated into the Taiwan Prefecture's jurisdiction in 1812, the Cangguangliao Ancient Trail became an important official road due to the increasingly frequent correspondence between Taipei and Yilan. The government also established military bases along the ancient trail, indirectly promoting the development of the Cangguangliao area. The prosperity was further boosted during the late Qing Dynasty's tea trade and the gold mining during the Japanese colonial period. Today, although the human activities have changed and the prosperity has diminished, one can still witness the former glory from the remnants along the ancient trail.
