Xiangshan Trail Introduction
The Xudong Trail is located in the Gongtian Village of Fanlu Township, at the 57.5K mark on Taiwan Highway 18, near the Mei Yuan Lou. The Alishan sunrise is renowned both domestically and internationally, and in the past, one had to make a long trek to Zhu Mountain to enjoy the sunrise. In fact, the viewing platform on the Xudong Trail offers a spectacular and expansive view that is comparable to Zhu Mountain, with only half the hiking distance, as the sunrise's relative position is about the same, and the sunrise time is only a few seconds later than at Zhu Mountain. For those who do not want to walk a long distance, the Xudong Trail is indeed a good choice. The Xudong Trail is approximately 700 meters long, with a round-trip journey taking about 40 minutes. The trail's ecosystem is dominated by Moso bamboo groves, and the sounds of bird calls and cicadas welcome visitors. Along the way, there are three wooden pavilions for resting, which serve as comfortable viewing platforms. The pavilion at the entrance is the highest point, providing a broad view of the surrounding mountains, making it an excellent spot for watching the sunrise and enjoying the cloud waterfalls. It is also the best choice for couples to take a leisurely stroll and for family outings.