Sihyuhfen Ping Introduction
In the upper reaches of the Penglai Stream in Nanzhuang Township, Miaoli, there lies a little-known secret spot, the 42 Splendid Fields Ecological Trail. The entire trail is shaded by lush trees, with trickling streams, the sounds of insects and birds, and fish visible beneath the water. This serene trail is vibrant with life, offering plenty of opportunities for fish watching. The trail is composed of wooden walkways and stone-paved paths, with a gentle slope, approximately 400 meters long, taking about 20 minutes to walk the full length. It is easy for most people to walk, making it suitable for families with children and the elderly, especially recommended for summer visits to escape the heat. At the end of the 42 Splendid Fields Trail, there is a natural spring pool, which is a highlight of the area. The water temperature year-round is about 18 degrees Celsius, with clear cold springs bubbling out from the cracks in the rocks. The pool provides cool relief in summer and misty charm in winter, resembling a fairyland. The area is windless, and the surface of the pool is almost still like a lake, with clear water where indigenous fish such as the Taiwan minnow and Taiwan stone loach swim, and even the pebbles and aquatic plants at the bottom are clearly visible. On hot days, visitors can remove their shoes and dip their feet in the shallower edges of the pool, feeling the refreshing chill. Surrounding the pool and along the trail, the vegetation is lush, with forests of beech and cedar trees; the reflections of trees and shrubs are cast onto the still water, creating a picturesque landscape. In summer, one can also see the blossoms of the Paulownia trees and fireflies dancing, adding vitality to this tranquility. Unless visitors are reluctant to leave, this place could be described as an exquisite paradise on earth.
