Shizhuo Trail System 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 paths: the Mist Path (formerly Shizhao Trail, 880m), the Tea Path (1030m), the Cloud Path (formerly the Shulin Trail, 700m), the Twilight Path (530m), the Cherry Blossom Path (990m), and the Love Path (662m). The Love Path starts from Shizhao and turns onto County Road 159甲, approximately 1 kilometer to the south entrance. Following County Road 169 leads to the north entrance of the trail. The wooden steps near the southern end make it easy to walk uphill, and along the way, besides tea fields, there are also peach trees and farms. Upon reaching the midpoint pavilion and looking back at the valley, the towering mountains come into view. Continuing up the wooden steps, you'll find the north entrance within less than a hundred meters. If you still have plenty of energy, it's worth heading west to the viewing platform among the cedar trees for more beautiful scenery. The entrance to the Tea Path connects with the "Bei Zai Tong Lin Dao" (Roasted Bucket Forest Road), which serves as a connection between Dinghu and Ding Shizhao, with the trail entrance leading 1.5 kilometers to Shizhao and 3.1 kilometers to Dinghu. There are large areas of planted Cunninghamia lanceolata forests along the forest road, which have grown into a lush forest. The trail begins with a gentle slope, flanked by bamboo forests planted by the Alishan Township office. After exiting the bamboo grove, you will suddenly see a vibrant green tea garden, as the trail gradually ascends alongside the tea gardens and bamboo forest to the industrial road. A side path cuts through the tea garden to the Sun-viewing Platform (Guanzhi Ping Tai), which offers excellent views of the sunrise, making it an ideal spot to watch the sunrise. The trail runs beneath the towering cedar trees, with gentle ups and downs and curves that add enjoyment to the walk. After about 670 meters through the wooded path, you'll reach tea gardens and fruit trees like peach and plum, after which a left turn leads to the industrial road to Datong Mountain, while a right turn leads to the entrance of the Cloud Path. The Mist Path was originally a trail for collecting and transporting mountain products, entering the industrial road at the 63.4-kilometer point of Provincial Highway 18, reaching the south entrance. Entering from the south, you'll find tea gardens and cedars scattered throughout. The middle section is dense with Moso bamboo and Chusan palm, with a surface made of concrete and grass pavers; though covered with dry yellow bamboo leaves, care should be taken to avoid slipping. The northern section includes ascending wooden steps bounded by dense bamboo forests, with clusters of palm trees hinting at past livelihoods. After several zigzag turns, you will arrive at the north entrance, connecting to the "Bei Zai Tong Lin Dao." Continuing north leads into the Tea Path regulated by the Forestry Bureau, and at the northernmost end of the Tea Path, you can access the east entrance of the Cloud Path. The Twilight Path, similarly, turns into the industrial road at the 63.4-kilometer mark of Provincial Highway 18, passing the south entrance of the Mist Path and Wufeng Temple, reaching the west entrance of the Twilight Path. Opposite is the north entrance of the Cherry Blossom Path. Ascending the stairs from the west side of the path along the industrial road, the ginkgo trees in the tea garden are beginning to show hints of golden hues. At the wooden steps across from the industrial road, you are hidden in dense bamboo. After climbing a lengthy switchback, you arrive at a hillside teeming with vibrant green tea fields. As you ascend the wooden steps, the surrounding tea garden vistas broaden, ultimately leading to the exit connecting with the industrial road, bringing you to the end of this varied scenic trail. The Cherry Blossom Path, located opposite the west entrance of the Twilight Path, is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in Shizhao. During the cherry blossom season, it attracts throngs of flower enthusiasts. The path gently descends for about 100 meters, making it easy to access, with cherry blossom trees along the way, surrounded by greenery and distant mountains, creating a visually pleasant atmosphere. Following the industrial road that connects to the end of the wooden path, you pass by the quaint Zhongxing Elementary School, arriving at a wooden path nestled between tea gardens and bamboo forests. The neighboring farmland exudes a tranquil rural vibe. Until you again hear the lively sounds of vehicles, reaching the intersection near the Shizhao Viewing Platform. The Cloud Path follows the industrial road, passing by the entrances of the Mist, Twilight, and Cherry Blossom paths, continuing to the higher altitude mountain area. From the west entrance, you traverse bamboo forests and arrive in a deep mountainous area filled with towering trees. The trail, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,500 to 1,680 meters, allows you to experience the rapidly changing climate of high-altitude mountain areas surrounded by swirling mists. The cedar forests amid the mountain mist present a serene and enchanting scene. Humbly weaving among the tall trees, you gaze upon the majestic beauty of this mountainous landscape. Finally, after ascending the wooden path to the highest point, you complete the challenge of the Cloud Path. Each of these six trails has its own unique characteristics, showcasing the beauty of mist, cloud scenery, twilight glow, tea gardens, cedar forests, and bamboo groves. Traversing the forests, you are often moved by the neatly arranged tea gardens and expansive mountain views, and the ever-changing fog, clouds, and twilight colors are truly breathtaking.
