Yinghan Ridge Trail Introduction
The Hard Man Ridge Trail, built in 1961, is located near the Xiangbing School under Guanyin Mountain in Wugu. It was established to train soldiers' spirit and perseverance, following the remnants of the old "Guanyin Ancient Trail." At the highest point of Hard Man Ridge, a ceremonial archway and monument were erected, symbolizing the spirit of the young generation at that time, who took pride in challenging Hard Man Ridge. The trail is approximately 1,563 meters long, starting from a section about 100 meters uphill from the Lingyun Zen Temple (North 53-1). It is a popular route for general hikers, featuring a zigzag path uphill. Another entrance is located at the end of the Fenggui Doulake Trail, which connects to the Hard Man Ridge Trail at the 940-meter mark, leading to the viewing platform at the highest point's monument. About 300 meters along the trail, a stone stele inscribed with "Hard Man Road" stands, reflecting the rigor of the Xiangbing training exercises at that time. The segment leading to the "Weaklings Club" on the ridge is the most challenging part, explaining why there is a resting point named "Weaklings Club" at mid-mountain for those who consider themselves strong. While it may seemingly mock those who cannot reach it as "soft-footed shrimps," it also serves as encouragement for those with lesser physical strength, inspiring fellow climbers to strive forward, shed the role of a "weakling," and become true tough men! In fact, once one pushes through the difficult section of the "Weaklings Club," the subsequent gentle mountain path rewards them with a sense of satisfaction. At 940 meters, the trail joins the Fenggui Doulake Trail, where the wide and flat stone path is easy to traverse. Along the way, there is a Guanyin Bodhisattva tea pavilion, with a poem titled "Shang De Ling Dian Wo You Lai" inscribed on the kettle: "Reaching the peak, I have come; cultivating good spirits, you face no disasters; observing life, where will it go; the sound of water leads to Yingtai." Nearby hangs a chain with a steel cup, which requires you to bow your head to drink, serving as a reminder of gratitude, enabling one to appreciate the source of the water and respectfully honor Guanyin's blessing. As you reach the 1,500-meter junction, a platform on the left offers a pavilion and restroom. To the right, the sharply shaped Hard Man Ridge archway rises prominently ahead. The couplet inscribed on both sides of the archway reads, "When walking, seek the difficult path; when carrying a load, choose the heavier burden," reflecting the essence of the Hard Man spirit. Continuing upward, you will see the "Hard Man Ridge" stone monument at the observation platform, which provides a broad view of the Tamsui River estuary, the North Coast, the Datun Mountain Range, and the Linkou Plateau.
