Yinghan Ridge Trail Introduction
Built in 1961, the Hard Man Ridge Trail is located adjacent to the Military Police School at the foot of Wugu Guanyin Mountain. It was established to train soldiers’ spirit and perseverance, following the remnants of the ancient "Guanyin Ancient Road." At the highest point of Hard Man Ridge, there is an archway and a monument, symbolizing the spirit of the younger generation of that time, who took pride in challenging Hard Man Ridge. The trail is approximately 1,563 meters long and ascends from a section about 100 meters below Lingyun Zen Temple along Road (North 53-1), making it a popular route for general hikers, with a winding zigzag ascent. Another entrance is located at the end of the "Fenggui Dou Lake Trail," which connects with the Hard Man Ridge Trail at 940 meters and continues upwards to the viewpoint platform at the monument. A stone tablet marking "Hard Man Road" stands about 300 meters along the trail, evoking memories of the rigorous training endured by military police. This section leading to the ridge's "Weaklings Club" is notably challenging, which explains why someone self-proclaiming to be strong would set up a resting point called "Weaklings Club" midway up the mountain. On the surface, it pokes fun at those who cannot climb, but from another perspective, it serves as encouragement for those who may be physically weaker, inspiring fellow hikers to press on and shed the "weakling" role to become a formidable person! In fact, once you endure the challenging segment of "Weaklings Club," the gentler trail ahead rewards you with a fulfilling experience. At 940 meters, the trail intersects with the Fenggui Dou Lake Trail, where a broad and flat stone path makes for easy walking. Along the way, there is a Guanyin tea pavilion, with a poem named "Dumu" inscribed on the pot that reads, "Upon reaching the peak, I have come; cultivating a good heart, you will know no disaster; observing life, where will it go? The sound of water in the world will lead to the eternal platform." Next to it hangs a chain with a steel cup, which compels you to bow your head as you drink, expressing gratitude as you sip the refreshing water, reminding one to appreciate the source of the water and to reverently acknowledge Guanyin's blessings, showcasing its thoughtful design. Upon reaching the 1,500-meter junction, a platform on the left features a pavilion and restroom, while to the right, the sharply contoured Hard Man Ridge archway looms ahead. The archway is inscribed with couplets reading: "When walking, seek difficult paths; when carrying burdens, choose the heavy ones," and "Here to become a hard man, leaving as a hard man," embodying the spirit of the hard man. Continuing upward, you will see the "Hard Man Ridge" stone tablet on the observation platform, which offers expansive views of the Tamsui River estuary, the North Coast, the Datun Mountain range, and the Linkou Plateau.
