Fish Path Ancient Trail Introduction
The historic trail connecting Dapu and Daping, known as the "Fish Road Ancient Path" or "Xiadi Road," has a history of over a century. It serves as an important route for Dapu fishermen to transport their catches to Daping during times of hardship. In their quest for sustenance, the residents of the two settlements traversed back and forth between Daping and Dapu. Today, with the decline of the fishing industry, the ancient path had become a ruin due to population migration from both villages. However, through the collaboration of the Dongju Community Development Association and Dongju Elementary School, residents worked together to clear weeds and plant trees, revitalizing and restoring the appearance of the ancient path, transforming it into an ecological park. The ecology along the path is remarkably rich, with various migratory birds and butterflies bringing surprises at every turn as the seasons change. Indigenous plants add colors to the ancient path throughout the year. In September each year, the red spider lilies bloom abundantly along the hillside trails; in October, visitors can savor the sweet dairy scent of "Tse fruit"; and in November, clusters of yellow chrysanthemums resemble a golden carpet. In recent years, the Dongju Community Association has also begun updating the forest landscape, reviving Matsu's lilies and fruit pear trees alongside the native spider lilies, as well as planting peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, and passion fruit trees, aiming to bring more diversity to the ancient path. The Fish Road Ancient Path originally had two exits. Starting from Dapu, one could walk straight to Daping Village, or turn at the fish-drying area and pass by "Puza" (now around the power plant) to reach Mengao Harbor. Taking a walk along this ancient path allows one to appreciate the hardships faced by the ancestors who once carried burdens along its way.
