Xinmei Fragrant Cedar Trail Introduction
The trail is approximately 2,400 meters long and was originally an old path used by early tribes for hunting. There are two entrances, located near the 19 km mark of "Jia 129" Road and next to the "NiaohouSab Hunting Camp" at the 20 km mark. From the northern entrance, you will ascend via wooden steps and a path paved with rocks, weaving through the lush forest. Although there are some inclines, the walk remains refreshing and pleasant. Ferns, flowering grasses in low bushes, and the abundant hidden fruits of banyan trees add to the lush scenery of this mountain forest. The winding trail intersects with industrial roads several times. After passing the first intersection with an industrial road, continue deeper into the thick forest until you can spot several tall camphor trees standing beside the path. Soon after, you will arrive at a viewpoint where you can take in the surrounding camphor grove and breathe in the mildly fragrant air. During the fruiting season in July and August, these camphor trees attract many birds. As you proceed, you will reach a scenic pavilion at the highest point of the trail, where you can enjoy tranquility and leisure. After a brief rest, you will slowly descend along a downhill section of the path. The scenery along the way gradually shifts to a secondary forest composed of dense bamboo, cedars, and broadleaf trees. Following this, you will encounter a farm where villagers grow crops such as ginger and citrus. This area is also close to where the southern section of the trail intersects with the industrial road. After a short stretch where the path runs alongside the industrial road, you will enter a large camellia oleifera forest. Large camellia seeds dangle from the old branches, mostly cultivated without pesticides. After harvest, the seeds are sun-dried and then pressed into a warm and fragrant camellia oil within the village. After walking along a wooden staircase and a path resembling wood through bamboo groves, you will arrive at the entrance next to the "NiaohouSab Hunting Camp."
