Shizhao Trail Cluster Introduction
The Shizhao Trail group is located near Shizhao along the Alishan Highway. The Alishan National Scenic Area Administration has organized and extended existing trails to introduce six trails: the Mist Trail (formerly the Shizhao Trail, 880m), the Tea Trail (1030m), the Cloud Trail (formerly the Shalin Trail, 700m), the Glow Trail (530m), the Sakura Trail (990m), and the Love Trail (662m). The Love Trail begins from Shizhao and turns into County Road 159甲, approximately 1 kilometer to the south entrance. If you take County Road 169, you can reach the north entrance of the trail. The section near the south entrance features wooden steps that resemble wood, making it easy to walk uphill. Along the way, in addition to tea fields, there are also peach trees and farms. Climbing up to the mid-point pavilion, the view of the valley reveals magnificent mountain scenery. Continuing up the wooden stairs, you will soon reach the north entrance in less than a hundred meters. If you still have the energy, consider moving towards the west side, where a viewing platform is nestled among the cypress trees, offering more beautiful scenery. The entrance of the Tea Trail connects to the Mist Trail via "Bei Zi Tong Lin Dao" (Bai Zai Tong Forest Road), which serves as a connecting road between Dinghu and Ding Shizhao. The trail entrance leads 1.5 kilometers towards Shizhao and 3.1 kilometers towards Dinghu. Along the logging road, there is a large area of Taiwan cedar plantations that has become a lush forest. The trail begins with a gentle slope, with bamboo groves on both sides cultivated by the Alishan Township Office. After leaving the bamboo forest, you will encounter lush green tea plantations, and the trail gradually ascends between the tea fields and bamboo groves to the industrial road. A lateral cut on the trail leads to the Sunrise Viewing Platform, a great spot for watching the sunrise. The trail runs under towering cypress forests, with slight undulations and curves that add to the enjoyment of the walk. After another 670 meters through the wooded trail, you will come to tea fields and fruit trees like peach and plum, after which a left turn leads to the industrial road of Dadong Mountain while a right turn leads to the entrance of the "Cloud Trail." The Mist Trail was originally a path for collecting and transporting mountain products, turning onto the industrial road at 63.4 km of Taiwan Route 18, reaching the south entrance. Entering from the south, you are surrounded by lush tea fields and cypress trees scattered throughout. The middle section features dense Moso and Zizania bamboo, with a surface of concrete and grass pavers. Although covered with dry yellow bamboo leaves, caution is still required due to slipperiness. The north section extends upward with wooden steps, surrounded by dense bamboo groves, with a few clusters of palm trees hinting at the past industrial life. After several "Z" turns, you will arrive at the north entrance, connecting to the "Bei Zi Tong Lin Dao." Continuing north will lead you to the "Tea Trail," and the northern end of the Tea Trail connects to the eastern entrance of the "Cloud Trail." The Glow Trail also turns into the industrial road at 63.4 km of Taiwan Route 18, passing by the south entrance of the Mist Trail and the Wu Feng Temple before reaching the west entrance of the Glow Trail. Opposite to it lies the north entrance of the Sakura Trail. Climbing the steps on the west side of the trail along the industrial road, a ginkgo tree in the tea field has begun to show a yellow hue. Reaching the wooden steps on the opposite side of the industrial road, it is hidden within the dense bamboo forest. After a section of climbing along the turning path, you will arrive at a hillside full of green tea plantations. As the wooden steps slowly ascend, the surrounding tea field scenery becomes increasingly expansive, until you see the entrance connecting to the industrial road at the top, completing this varied scenic trail. The Sakura Trail is located opposite the west entrance of the Glow Trail and is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Shizhao. During the cherry blossom season, it attracts a continuous stream of flower watchers. The path extends downhill in accordance with the terrain, about 100 meters long, flat, and easy to access, lined with cherry blossom trees, surrounded by greenery and distant mountains, offering a pleasing visual experience. Proceeding along the industrial road that connects to the end of the wooden trail, you pass by the quaint Zhong Xing Elementary School and reach a wooden boardwalk situated between the tea fields and bamboo groves. The connecting dirt road reflects the tranquil atmosphere of the countryside. Until you hear the noise of vehicles again, you will arrive at the intersection next to the Shizhao Viewing Platform. The Cloud Trail follows the industrial road, passing the entrances of "Mist," "Glow," and "Sakura" before continuing to higher elevation areas, leading to a trail behind the mountains that allows you to explore the clouds. Starting from the west entrance, you will walk through bamboo groves to a deep mountain area filled with giant trees. Standing at an altitude of approximately 1,500 to 1,680 meters along the trail, the ever-changing climate of high-altitude mountain areas can be sensed amidst the occasional fog. The cypress trees among the mountain mist present an enchanting and serene sight. Humbly weaving between the towering giants, look up to appreciate the noble visage of this forest. Ultimately, after navigating the final ascent of wooden planks, you will reach the highest point, having passed the challenges of the Cloud Trail. Each of these six trails has its own unique features, allowing for the enjoyment of mist, cloud views, glow scenery, tea fields, cypress forests, and bamboo groves, all interspersed with well-maintained tea fields and open mountain views that evoke wonder at the ever-changing fog, clouds, and glow.
