Yinghan Ridge Trail Introduction
The Hard Man Ridge Trail, built in 1961, is located next to the Military Police Academy at the foot of Guanyin Mountain in Wugu. It was established to train soldiers' spirit and perseverance, following the remnants of the old "Guanyin Ancient Path." At the highest point of Hard Man Ridge, a gate tower and a monument were built, becoming a symbol of spirit for the younger generation at that time, who took pride in challenging Hard Man Ridge. The trail is approximately 1,563 meters long, starting about 100 meters from the Lingyun Zen Temple, making it a popular route for hikers, as it ascends in a zigzag pattern. Another entrance is located at the end of the "Fenggui Douhu Trail," which connects to the Hard Man Ridge Trail at the 940-meter mark, continuing up to the highest point viewing platform at the monument. About 300 meters along the trail, there is a stone tablet inscribed with "Hard Man Road," which reflects the strict training of military police at the time. The section leading to the "Weaklings Club" on the ridge is the most challenging, which is why some who consider themselves strong have established a rest area called the "Weaklings Club" halfway up the mountain. On the surface, it mocks those who cannot climb, referred to as "soft-footed shrimp," but from another perspective, it serves as encouragement for those with less physical strength, inspiring fellow hikers to move forward, overcome their "weak" roles, and become real hard men! In fact, once you get past the difficult section of the "Weaklings Club," the flatter mountain paths ahead will bring the taste of hard-earned satisfaction. At 940 meters, the trail merges with the Fenggui Douhu Trail, where a wide and flat stone pathway is easy to walk on. Along the way, there is a tea pavilion dedicated to the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, with a poem inscribed on the pot titled "Du Mu": "Having reached the ridge top, I have come; with good cultivation of heart and spirit, you shall have no disasters. If observing life, where to go? The sound of water in the world will reach the Lingtai." Next to it hangs a chain with steel cups, requiring you to bow your head to drink, a reminder to appreciate the cool water and the blessings of Avalokitesvara, demonstrating thoughtful ingenuity. Upon reaching the fork at 1,500 meters, there is a pavilion and restroom on the left side, while on the right, the sharply shaped Hard Man Ridge gate tower looms ahead. The couplets on both sides of the gate read, "When walking, seek difficult paths; when carrying burdens, choose the heavy ones," and "Come to learn to be a hard man; leave to become a hard man," embodying the spirit of hardiness. Continuing upwards, you will see the "Hard Man Ridge" stone tablet standing on the viewing platform, offering a panoramic view of the Tamsui River estuary, the northern coast, the Datun Mountains, and the Linkou Plateau.
