Shizhao Trail Group Introduction
The Shizhao Trail Cluster is located near Shizhao along the Alishan Highway. The Alishan National Scenic Area Administration has organized and extended the existing trails, launching six trails: Wuzhi Trail (originally Shizhao Trail, 880m), Chazi Trail (1030m), Yunzi Trail (originally Shulin Trail, 700m), Xiadou Trail (530m), Yingzi Trail (990m), and Aizhi Trail (662m). The Aizhi Trail starts from Shizhao and turns onto County Road 159甲, approximately 1 kilometer away, which is the southern entrance of the Aizhi Trail. Following County Road 169 leads to the northern entrance of the trail. The section near the southern entrance has simulated wooden steps that make it easy to walk uphill. Along the way, there are tea fields, peach trees, and gardens. Upon reaching the midpoint pavilion, looking back at the valley reveals magnificent mountain views. Continuing along the ascending wooden steps, the northern entrance is less than a hundred meters away. If you still have energy, consider heading west to the observation platform among the cedar trees for even more beautiful scenery. The entrance to the Chazi Trail connects with the Wuzhi Trail via the Beizaitong Forest Road. The Beizaitong Forest Road is a connecting road between Dinghu and Ding Shizhao, with the trail entrance leading 1.5 kilometers to Shizhao and 3.1 kilometers to Dinghu. The forest road is lined with large areas of artificially planted Taiwanese cedar, now fully grown. The trail initially ascends gradually, flanked by bamboo groves cultivated by the Alishan Township Office. After exiting the bamboo forest, lush tea gardens come into view, and the trail continues to climb gently between the tea gardens and bamboo groves until it reaches an industrial road. Along the way, a horizontal path leads through the tea gardens to the Guanjir Peak, which offers a great viewpoint for sunrise. The trail runs beneath tall cedars, with minor ups and downs, enhancing the enjoyment of walking. After another 670 meters through the forested trail, there are tea gardens and fruit trees like peaches and plums; turning left connects to the industrial road leading to Datong Mountain, while turning right leads to the entrance of Yunzi Trail. The Wuzhi Trail was originally a path for collecting and transporting mountain products, and it connects to the industrial road at 63.4 kilometers of Provincial Highway 18, reaching the southern entrance. Entering from the south, you will find tea gardens and cedars scattered throughout the area. The middle section features dense Moso bamboo and small-leafed bamboo, with surfaces of concrete and grass bricks; while covered in dried yellow bamboo leaves, caution is required for slipping. The northern section extends upward with wooden steps alongside dense bamboo groves, and patches of betel palm indicate the historical industry in the area. After navigating through several "Z"-shaped turns, you will reach the northern entrance that connects to the Beizaitong Forest Road, amidst the sounds of insects and birds in the wild. Continuing north, you will enter the jurisdiction of the Forestry Bureau's Chazi Trail. At the northernmost point of Chazi Trail, you can access the eastern entrance of Yunzi Trail. Xiadou Trail also connects to the industrial road at 63.4 kilometers of Provincial Highway 18. After passing the southern entrance of Wuzhi Trail and Wufeng Temple, you will reach the western entrance of Xiadou Trail, with the northern entrance of Yingzi Trail directly across from it. Ascending the steps on the western side of the trail leads you through a wooden boardwalk along the industrial road, where ginkgo trees in the adjacent tea gardens display hints of golden hues. Reaching the wooden steps across from the industrial road, you are hidden within dense bamboo forests. After a stretch of ascending winding paths, you arrive at a hillside dotted with vibrant green tea gardens. As the wooden steps meander upwards, the surrounding tea garden landscape becomes increasingly expansive, until the entrance connecting to the industrial road comes into view, signaling the near completion of this varied trail journey. Yingzi Trail, located opposite the western entrance of Xiadou Trail, is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Shizhao. Each year, when the cherry blossoms bloom, crowds of flower viewers are drawn here. The gently sloping wooden boardwalk extends about 100 meters downhill, making it easy to approach, with cherry blossom trees, surrounding greenery, and distant mountains providing a visually pleasing experience. Following the industrial road connecting to the end of the wooden boardwalk, you will pass by the quaint Zhongxing Elementary School, arriving at a wooden boardwalk situated between tea gardens and bamboo forests. The adjoining agricultural path exudes a tranquil and leisurely rural atmosphere. Until you hear the din of vehicles again, reaching the intersection beside the Shizhao Viewing Platform. Yunzi Trail follows the industrial road, passing the entrances of Wuzhi, Xiadou, and Yingzi Trails, continuing to ascend toward higher altitude areas, leading you to a path located on the mountain's back, where you can climb high and explore the clouds. Starting from the western entrance, you traverse through bamboo groves to enter a deep mountain area dotted with giant trees. Walking on the trail situated at an altitude between 1,500 to 1,680 meters, you will sense the changing climate of the high-altitude areas amidst the occasionally enveloping fog. The cedar forests, shrouded in mountain mist, display a serene and enchanting scene. As you humbly weave through the towering giants, gaze up at the noble visage of this mountain forest. Finally, after navigating the final ascending wooden path, you will reach the highest point of the trail, having passed the trials of Yunzi Trail. Each of these six trails has its unique features, showcasing the beauty of mist, clouds, dawn light, tea gardens, cedar forests, and bamboo groves. While traversing through the woods, you are often moved by the neatly arranged tea gardens and expansive mountain views, and the ever-changing appearances of mist, clouds, and dawn light are truly awe-inspiring.
