Ruitai Ancient Trail Introduction
Rui-Tai Ancient Path is located in Ruili Village, Meishan Township, Chiayi County, leading to Taihe Village. It was formerly known as the "Youhalin Path" and is a famous route connecting Ruili and Taihe. The total length is 5.2 kilometers, and a one-way hike takes about three hours. The starting point of the Rui-Tai Ancient Path is next to the Dingfeng Tea Garden in Luzicai Lin. Along the way, it splits into two sections between the Oil Pit and Huitoulings, forming a circular trail. The section from Oil Pit, Hero Slope, and Magic Cave to Huetouling is an ancient path built in the 1870s, featuring steep gradients with over three hundred stone steps. Currently, this entire segment is primarily bamboo forest, with a relatively monotonous ecosystem. The section from Oil Pit and Wangtiancya to Huetouling was rebuilt in 1931, offering a gentler trail shaded by trees, making for a pleasant hike, with varied forest types and a richer ecosystem. Species such as White-eared Sibia, Taiwan Bulbul, Scimitar-Babbler, Black-faced Bunting, and Taiwan Blue Magpie can be seen, making this the highlight section for ecological observation along Rui-Tai Ancient Path. One of the trail's endpoints is "Hutongdi" in Taihe Village. The entire route features Moso bamboo forests and pristine woodlands, and depending on the season, visitors can enjoy plum, peach, apricot, and cherry blossoms. Moreover, over a hundred species of ferns contribute to a highly diverse fauna and flora. Attractions along the way include Wangyou Forest, Giant Cow-Chestnut Trees, Seven-Step Echo Valley, Hero Slope, Huetouling, and Wangtiancya.
