Taoyuan Valley Introduction
The picturesque Taoyuan Valley, with its vast grasslands stretching for several kilometers, is like a peaceful paradise that stands independent from the crowded and narrow spaces of Taiwan. Formerly known as Kuan Niucai Mountain, this area was once a place for children to graze and play during the off-seasons of farming. In the autumn and winter months, the mountains are covered with Miscanthus flowers swaying in the breeze, creating a refreshing and beautiful pastoral scene. Taoyuan Valley, where the mountains meet the sea, signifies the source of the legendary Peach Blossom Spring, embodying tranquility and serenity, complemented by a few households with smoke rising from chimneys and sounds of chickens and dogs, allowing visitors to forget the hustle and bustle of the world. Located on the border of New Taipei and Yilan, Taoyuan Valley is part of the Xueshan Mountain Range. Looking toward New Taipei, the landscape is lush and the hills are layered; gazing eastward towards Yilan, one is immersed in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and Guishan Island, where the mountains and sea intertwine in a poetic and picturesque manner. There are three main hiking trails leading to Taoyuan Valley: the Neiliao line, which starts at Gongliao Terrace and is the shortest and most accessible; the Daxi line, which is steeper and starts from the Yilan coast; and the Caoling line, which connects to the Caoling Ancient Trail. Each route offers different scenic views, and upon reaching Taoyuan Valley, the expansive agricultural landscape brings a sudden sense of clarity, making one forget the passage of time.
