Erjie Mountain Introduction
Erjien Mountain, located in Longyan Village, Meishan Township, Chiayi County, has an elevation of 1,274 meters and is the subsidiary peak of Dajian Mountain. The ridge here separates Yunlin’s Gukeng and Chiayi’s Meishan, making it a representative natural boundary between the two counties. Due to its topography rising above the Yunlin-Chiayi Plain to the east, Dajian Mountain, which is nearby, offers an expansive view from a first-class triangulation point, making this ridge trail a popular hiking route. The most captivating scenery of Erjien Mountain is the ascent along the "Ma Zou Trail" from the back of Longxing Temple. This trail weaves through tea plantations, bamboo groves, and cedar forests, with the views gradually opening up as the elevation increases, showcasing the undulating green tea plantations on both sides, earning it the nickname "Chiayi's Matcha Mountain." Great viewpoint: Erjien Mountain is connected to Dajian Mountain (with an elevation of 1,304 meters) along the mountain ridge, and walking between the two peaks takes only about 15 minutes. Heading towards Gukeng offers a panoramic view of the vast Yunlin-Chiayi Plain; facing towards Meishan provides a stunning view of deep valleys and tiered tea gardens, and on clear days, distant views of Caoling and Yushan peaks can be seen. Seasonal beauty: From late autumn to early spring each year, influenced by cold air, this area is prone to forming magnificent seas of clouds and cloud waterfalls. Strolling along the ridge trail feels like being in a paradise. Dajian and Erjien Mountains: Three main trailhead information 1. Huashan 10-5 Trailhead: Located in Huashan Village, Gukeng Township, Yunlin County, starting from Huashan Educational Agricultural Park at the 29k mark of County Road 149. The first part features stone slate steps, transitioning to a more primitive rocky path in the latter part, with some steep slopes requiring rope climbing. The entire route is mostly shaded by bamboo forests, and the path is steeper, suitable for mountain enthusiasts who love physical challenges. 2. Guizitou 4-1 Trailhead: Located in Huashan Village, Gukeng Township, Yunlin County, starting from the Guizitou on County Road 208. This route is the longest distance but the trail conditions are relatively stable and good. From the Yunlin side, passing through Erjien Mountain and continuing along the ridge leads to Dajian Mountain, allowing for a complete experience of the forest landscape transformation. 3. Zhuziling: Located in Longyan Village, Meishan Township, Chiayi County, this is the shortest and easiest route to the ridge. It is suitable for travelers who want to easily reach the summit and quickly capture the expansive tea plantations.
