Yinghan Ridge Trail Introduction
The Hardman Ridge Trail, built in 1961, is located near the Xie Army Military Academy at the foot of Guanyin Mountain in Wugu. It was established to train soldiers' spirit and perseverance, following the remains of the old "Guanyin Ancient Trail." At the highest point of Hardman Ridge, an archway and a monument were built, symbolizing the spirit of the younger generation at that time, who took pride in challenging Hardman Ridge. The trail is approximately 1,563 meters long, starting about 100 meters from the lower section of Lingyun Zen Temple along the road (North 53-1), making it a popular route for general hikers. The path zigzags upward. Another entrance is located at the end of the "Fengguidou Lake Trail," where it connects to the 940-meter point of the Hardman Ridge Trail, leading up to the scenic platform at the monument. About 300 meters along the trail stands a stone tablet inscribed with "Hardman Road," which provides insight into the strict training of soldiers at that time. The section of the trail to the "Weaklings' Club" on the ridge is particularly challenging. It is not surprising that those who consider themselves strong would establish a resting spot called the "Weaklings' Club" midway up the mountain. On the surface, it mocks those who cannot climb, but from another perspective, it serves as motivation for those with less physical strength, encouraging fellow hikers to move forward and shed the role of "the weak," becoming a true hard man! In fact, once you overcome the difficult section of the "Weaklings' Club," the subsequent gentle mountain path will reward you with a sense of relief. The trail joins with the Fengguidou Lake Trail at the 940-meter mark, where the wide and flat stone path is quite easy to navigate. Along the way, there is a Guanyin Bodhisattva Tea Pavilion, which features a poem inscribed on the teapot titled "Drenched in Dew": "I have come to the ridge top, may you have no disasters by nurturing your heart; if observing life's paths, where are they going? The sound of water brings a world to the dais." Next to it hangs a chain with a steel cup, which forces you to bow your head while drinking, allowing you to appreciate the refreshing water and reflect on the source, worshipping Guanyin's protection, showcasing its thoughtful design. Upon reaching the 1,500-meter fork, there is a pavilion and restroom on the left platform. To the right, the sharply shaped Hardman Ridge archway towers ahead, with couplets carved on either side stating, "When walking, seek difficult paths; when carrying burdens, choose the heaviest ones," and "I come to learn to be a hard man, I go to become a hard man," embodying the spirit of Hardman. Continuing upward, you will see the "Hardman Ridge" stone monument standing at the observation platform, offering panoramic views of the Tamsui River estuary, the northern coast, the Datun Mountain Range, and the Linkou Plateau.
