Taoyuan Valley Introduction
In the azure grasslands of Taoyuan Valley, which stretches for several kilometers, lies a tranquil paradise seemingly untouched by the hustle and bustle of Taiwan. Previously known as Kunxia Mountain, this area served as a playground for children to herd livestock during farming breaks. In autumn and winter, the mountains are adorned with silver grass swaying in the winds, creating a picturesque scene of pastoral beauty. Meandering through the convergence of mountains and seas, Taoyuan Valley, as the name suggests, is the idyllic home of the Wuling people, offering peace and tranquility reminiscent of a land beyond the mundane. A few households here with their curling smoke and the sounds of chickens and dogs create a scene that makes one forget the chaos of the world. Taoyuan Valley is located at the border of New Taipei City and Yilan County, belonging to the ridge of the Xueshan Mountain range. Looking towards New Taipei, the rolling green hills are a sight to behold; and to the east, one can gaze at the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Ocean and Guishan Island, where mountains and seas intertwine in a poetic landscape. There are three main hiking trails leading to Taoyuan Valley. The Neiliu Line, starting from Gongliao Rice Terraces, is the easiest and shortest route; the Daxi Line is steeper, beginning from the Yilan coast; and the Caoling Line connects with the Caoling Old Trail. Each route offers different scenic views, and when one arrives at Taoyuan Valley, the vast fields and open landscapes evoke a sense of clarity, making one forget the passage of time.
