Shizhao Trail Group Introduction
The Shizhao Trail Cluster is located near Shizhao along the Alishan Highway. The Alishan National Scenic Area Administration has reorganized and extended the existing trails, introducing six trails: the Fog Trail (originally the Shizhao Trail, 880m), Tea Trail (1,030m), Cloud Trail (originally the Shulin Trail, 700m), Dawn Trail (530m), Cherry Blossom Trail (990m), and Love Trail (662m). The Love Trail begins on County Road 159, approximately 1 kilometer from Shizhao, which is the southern entrance of the trail. The northern entrance can be reached via County Road 169. The wooden steps in this southern section are not strenuous despite the incline. Along the way, there are tea fields, peach trees, and farms. Climbing to the midpoint pavilion, the view of the valley reveals a magnificent landscape of mountains. Continuing up the wooden plank trail, the northern entrance is just a hundred meters away. If you still have energy, consider heading west to a viewing platform nestled among the fir trees for more beautiful scenery. The entrance to the Tea Trail connects to the Fog Trail via the Bei Zai Tong Forest Road, which links Dinghu and Ding Shizhao. The trailhead is 1.5 kilometers from Shizhao and 3.1 kilometers to Dinghu. Tall man-made forests of Taiwan firs line the path. The trail starts with a gentle slope, flanked by bamboo forests managed by the Alishan Township Office. After the bamboo groves, the lush green tea fields come into view, and the trail continues to rise gradually along the tea fields and bamboo groves to a production road. At the halfway point, a side trail leads through the tea fields to the Sunrise Viewing Platform, which offers an excellent vantage point for sunrise viewing. Walking under the towering fir forest, the occasional inclines and curves enhance the joy of the hike. After 670 meters through wooded areas, you will encounter tea fields and fruit trees such as peaches and plums, after which a left turn connects to the production road leading to Datong Mountain, while a right turn leads to the Cloud Trail entrance. The Fog Trail was originally a path for collecting and transporting mountain products. It turns onto a production road at kilometer 63.4 of Provincial Highway 18, leading to the southern entrance. Entering from the south, the hills are adorned with tea fields and firs. The middle section features dense bamboo of Moso and other varieties, with the surface composed of concrete and grass paving bricks. Although covered with dry bamboo leaves, caution is still advised due to slippery conditions. The northern section stretches upward with wooden plank steps, flanked by dense bamboo groves and clusters of fan palms recalling the area's past industry. After several zigzag turns and amidst the sounds of insects and birds, you will reach the northern entrance, which connects to the Bei Zai Tong Forest Road. Continuing north leads into the jurisdiction of the Forestry Bureau and onto the Tea Trail. The northern end of the Tea Trail also connects to the east entrance of the Cloud Trail. The Dawn Trail similarly turns onto a production road at kilometer 63.4 of Provincial Highway 18, passing the southern entrance of the Fog Trail and Wufeng Temple before reaching the west entrance of the Dawn Trail. Directly opposite is the northern entrance of the Cherry Blossom Trail. Ascending the steps on the west side of the trail, the wooden plank path runs alongside the production road, with ginkgo trees in the adjacent tea fields beginning to show golden hues. Upon reaching the wooden steps across from the production road, they are hidden within dense bamboo groves. After a steep and twisting ascent, you arrive at a hillside covered in vibrant green tea fields. As you gradually rise along the wooden steps, the tea field views widen until the entrance connecting to the production road comes into sight, indicating the completion of this diverse trail journey. The Cherry Blossom Trail, located opposite the west entrance of the Dawn Trail, is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing during the blooming season, attracting countless visitors. Extending gently downhill, a 100-meter-long wooden plank path is easy to access, and the cherry blossom trees, surrounding greenery, and distant mountains create a visually pleasing experience. Following the road that connects at the end of the wooden plank path leads past the charming Zhongxing Elementary School before arriving at a wooden trail nestled between tea fields and bamboo groves, exuding a tranquil rural atmosphere. Until the sounds of passing vehicles are heard, marking the arrival at the intersection near the Shizhao Viewing Platform. The Cloud Trail follows the production road, passing the entrances of the Fog, Dawn, and Cherry Blossom trails, and continues upward to higher elevation areas, leading to a trail that penetrates into the lush cliffs, ideal for cloud-gazing. Starting from the west entrance and traversing the bamboo forest, the path leads into an area where giant trees flourish. Embraced by a trail situated between elevations of approximately 1,500 to 1,680 meters, one senses the changing climate of high-altitude mountain areas amidst the mist and clouds. The fir trees interspersed with mountain mists present a quiet and enchanting scene. Moving humbly through the towering giants, you gaze up at the majestic forest. Ultimately, after navigating the final ascent along the wooden plank path, reaching the highest point marks your successful passage along the Cloud Trail. Each of these six trails possesses unique characteristics, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of mist, clouds, dawn, tea fields, fir forests, and bamboo groves, while being continuously moved by the orderly tea fields and expansive mountain views. The transformation of mist, clouds, and dawn light truly inspires awe.
