Shizhao Trail System Introduction
The Shizhao Trail system is located near Shizhao along the Alishan Highway. The Alishan National Scenic Area Administration has reorganized and extended the existing trails, offering six trails: the Mist Trail (originally the Shizhao Trail, 880m), the Tea Trail (1,030m), the Cloud Trail (originally the Shalin Trail, 700m), the Twilight Trail (530m), the Cherry Trail (990m), and the Love Trail (662m). The Love Trail branches off into County Road 159甲, about 1 kilometer away, marking the southern entrance. If you follow County Road 169, you can reach the northern entrance of the trail. The section near the southern entrance features simulated wooden steps that are easy to traverse even on an incline. Along the way, besides tea plantations, there are peach trees and farms. As you ascend to the mid-point pavilion and look back at the valley, you are greeted with a magnificent view of the mountains. Continuing along the wooden plank steps, the northern entrance is just under a hundred meters ahead. If you still have plenty of energy, you might want to head west to the viewpoint nestled among the fir trees to see even more beautiful scenery. The entrance to the Tea Trail connects with the Mist Trail through the "Beizi Bucket Forest Road," which serves as a connecting road between Dinghu and Shizhao. The trail entrance leads 1.5 kilometers to Shizhao and 3.1 kilometers to Dinghu. Large areas of planted Taiwan fir line the side of the forest road, which has now formed a dense forest. The trail begins with a gentle slope, flanked by a bamboo forest cultivated by the Alishan Township Office. After passing the bamboo forest, you'll find lush green tea fields, and the trail continues to rise gently between the tea garden and the bamboo forest until it reaches the industrial road. A detour along the way leads through the tea gardens to the Sunrise Platform at Cuanshan Junling, which offers superb views, making it an excellent spot for watching the sunrise. The trail runs beneath towering fir trees, with some gentle undulations and curves that enhance the walking experience. After another 670 meters through the forest, you'll arrive at tea gardens and fruit trees like peaches and plums. Turning left leads you to the industrial road of Datong Mountain, while turning right brings you to the entrance of the Cloud Trail. The Mist Trail was originally a path for collecting and transporting mountain products. It turns into the industrial road at the 63.4-kilometer mark on Provincial Highway 18, reaching the southern entrance. Entering from the south, you'll see a landscape dotted with tea plantations and fir trees. The middle section features dense Moso bamboo and giagro bamboo, with a surface of concrete and grass blocks. Although covered with dried yellow bamboo leaves, caution is still needed for slipping. The northern section features ascending wooden plank steps surrounded by dense bamboo forest and some clusters of palm trees, hinting at past industrial activities. After navigating through some zigzag turns, you’ll arrive at the northern entrance, which connects with the Beizi Bucket Forest Road. If you continue north, you'll enter the Tea Trail managed by the Forestry Bureau. The Tea Trail's northernmost end allows access to the eastern entrance of the Cloud Trail. The Twilight Trail also turns into the industrial road at the 63.4-kilometer marker on Provincial Highway 18, passing the southern entrance of the Mist Trail and Wu Feng Temple before reaching the western entrance of the Twilight Trail. Across from it is the northern entrance of the Cherry Trail. Ascending from the western side of the trail, along the wooden plank path adjacent to the industrial road, ginkgo trees in the nearby tea garden are beginning to show golden hues. Arriving at the wooden steps across from the industrial road, which are hidden within dense bamboo forest. After a stretch of ascending twisting paths, you’ll come to a hillside filled with lush green tea gardens. As you gradually ascend the wooden steps, the surrounding tea garden landscape expands, until the entrance connecting with the industrial road comes into view, signaling the completion of this varied trail journey. The Cherry Trail, located opposite the western entrance of the Twilight Trail, is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in Shizhao. Every spring, it attracts a continuous stream of flower watchers. Stretching downhill, the wooden plank path is over 100 meters long, gentle and easily approachable, with cherry trees, surrounding greenery, and distant mountains creating a visually pleasing experience. Continuing along the industrial road connecting to the end of the wooden plank path leads you past the charming Little Zhongxing Elementary School, into a wooden plank path nestled between tea gardens and bamboo groves. The connected farm road exudes a peaceful rural atmosphere. Until you once again hear the bustle of passing vehicles, arriving at the junction beside the Shizhao Viewing Platform. The Cloud Trail follows the industrial road, passing the entrances of the Mist, Twilight, and Cherry Trails, continuing to ascend to higher-altitude mountainous areas, leading to this trail, which allows for climbing and exploring the clouds. Departing from the western entrance, you’ll traverse through bamboo forests and enter deep mountains filled with towering trees. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,500 to 1,680 meters, the trail occasionally enveloped in clouds allows you to experience the unpredictable climate of the high-altitude mountains. Amid the mountain mists, the fir clusters present a tranquil and enchanting scene. Humbly weaving through the tall trees, gazing up at the noble beauty of this forest. Ultimately, after ascending the final stretch of wooden plank road, reaching the highest point, you have successfully passed through the challenges of the Cloud Trail. Each of these six trails has its own unique features, allowing visitors to admire the beauty of mist, cloud scenery, twilight glow, tea gardens, fir forests, and bamboo groves, while being constantly moved by the neatly arranged tea fields and expansive mountain landscapes, as well as the ever-changing allure of mist, clouds, and twilight light, which is truly awe-inspiring.
