Shizhao Trail Group Introduction
The Shizhao Trail Group is located near Shizhao along the Alishan Highway. The Alishan National Scenic Area Administration has reorganized and extended the existing trails, introducing six pathways: the Fog Trail (originally Shizhao Trail, 880m), the Tea Trail (1,030m), the Cloud Trail (originally Shalin Trail, 700m), the Glow Trail (530m), the Cherry Trail (990m), and the Love Trail (662m). The Love Trail begins at the southern entrance from Shizhao, turning onto County Road 159甲, approximately 1 kilometer away. Following County Road 169 leads to the northern entrance of the trail. The section near the southern end features simulated wooden stairs that are easy to climb even when going uphill. Along the way, visitors can enjoy tea plantations, peach trees, and farms. Upon reaching the midpoint gazebo, the view of the majestic mountain landscape unfolds. Continuing up the wooden stairs for less than 100 meters leads to the northern entrance. If you still have energy, consider heading west to a viewing platform among the cedar trees for more beautiful scenery. The entrance to the Tea Trail connects with the Fog Trail via the Beizi Bucket Forest Road, which links Dinghu and Ding Shizhao, with the trailhead located 1.5 kilometers from Shizhao and 3.1 kilometers to Dinghu. Along the forest road, there are large areas of artificially planted Taiwan cedar, which have grown lush. The trail initially ascends at a gentle slope, with bamboo forests on both sides, followed by vibrant tea fields after exiting the bamboo grove. The path continues gently rising between the tea garden and bamboo forest to a farm road. A side path cuts through the tea garden to the Sunrise Viewing Platform, a prime spot for observing sunrises, offering great views of Tsungshan Junling. The path meanders beneath the towering cedar trees, with slight undulations and curves that enhance the walking experience. After 670 meters, one exits the wooded trail into the tea gardens and fruit trees like peaches and plums, then turning left connects to the farm road of Dadongshan, while turning right leads to the entrance of the Cloud Trail. Originally, the Fog Trail was a path for collecting and transporting mountain products; it branches off the industrial road at 63.4 km along Provincial Highway 18, reaching the southern entrance. Entering from the south, visitors encounter a landscape dotted with tea fields and cedar trees. The middle section is dense with Moso bamboo and variegated bamboo, featuring a road surface made of concrete and grass bricks, which, while covered with dry yellow bamboo leaves, still requires careful footing to avoid slipping. The northern section extends upward with wooden stairs flanked by dense bamboo groves, with some Sabal palms recalling past rural livelihoods. After navigating through a series of zigzag turns, accompanied by the sounds of insects and birds, one reaches the northern entrance connecting with Beizi Bucket Forest Road. Continuing northward leads into the Tea Trail managed by the Forestry Bureau. The northernmost point of the Tea Trail provides access to the eastern entrance of the Cloud Trail. The Glow Trail also branches off the industrial road at 63.4 km along Provincial Highway 18, passing the southern entrance of the Fog Trail and Wufeng Temple before reaching the western entrance of the Glow Trail. Opposite this is the northern entrance of the Cherry Trail. Ascending from the western side of the trail via a wooden path along the industrial road, ginkgo trees in the adjacent tea garden begin to show golden hues. Crossing to the wooden stairs on the other side of the industrial road, enveloped in dense bamboo groves, leads to a gently sloping green hillside covered in tea fields. As the wooden stairs gradually ascend, the view of the surrounding tea gardens becomes increasingly expansive, until the entrance connecting with the industrial road comes into sight, signaling the completion of this diverse trail journey. The Cherry Trail, situated opposite the western entrance of the Glow Trail, is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Shizhao. During cherry blossom season, it attracts a continuous flow of flower admirers. The trail gently descends approximately 100 meters along a wooden path that is flat and easily accessible, set against a backdrop of cherry trees, greenery, and distant mountains, providing a visually pleasing experience. Continuing along the industrial road connecting with the end of the wooden path, visitors reach the quaint countryside atmosphere between tea gardens and bamboo forests. Until the familiar sounds of vehicles are heard again, one arrives at the intersection near the Shizhao Viewing Platform. The Cloud Trail follows the industrial road, passing the entrances of the Fog, Glow, and Cherry Trails, and continues upward to higher-altitude mountains, leading to a path situated in the mountain's back where one can ascend and explore the clouds. Starting from the western entrance, crossing through bamboo forests leads to deep mountains populated by towering trees. The trail, situated between altitudes of approximately 1,500 to 1,680 meters, reveals the variable climate of high-altitude regions, often shrouded in mist. The clusters of cedar trees amidst the mountain mist create a serene and enchanting scene. Humble walks among the towering trees allow for a glimpse of the majestic beauty of these woodlands. Finally, after a final ascent on the wooden path, reaching the highest point signifies passing through the ordeal of the Cloud Trail. Each of these six trails has its own unique characteristics, showcasing the beauty of mist, cloud views, dawn light, tea gardens, cedar forests, and bamboo groves. As one navigates through the forest, the neatly arranged tea fields and expansive mountain views evoke strong emotions, while the ever-changing mist and sunlight are truly awe-inspiring.
