Xiangshan Trail Introduction
The Xue Ding Trail is located in Kōtian Village, Fanshul Township, at the 57.5K mark of Taiwan Provincial Highway 18, next to the Mei Yuan Lou. Famous for its sunrise views, Alishan used to require a long hike to Zhu Mountain to enjoy the sunrise. However, the viewing platform at the Xue Ding Trail offers a spectacular and expansive view that rivals Zhu Mountain, and the hike is only half the distance. Since the relative position of the sunrise is similar, the sunrise at Xue Ding is only a few seconds later than at Zhu Mountain. For those who prefer not to hike too far, the Xue Ding Trail is an excellent choice. The trail is approximately 700 meters long, with a round-trip time of about 40 minutes. The trail's ecology is primarily made up of Moso bamboo forests, and the sounds of birds and cicadas welcome visitors. Along the way, there are three wooden rest pavilions, providing comfortable viewing stages, particularly the pavilion at the entrance, which is the highest point, offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding mountains. It is an excellent site for watching the sunrise and cloud waterfalls, making it a great choice for leisurely strolls for couples and family outings.