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The "Zhuantie Tea Road Scenic Trail" consists mainly of the Sanxuangu Temple Trail, Zhangshan Temple Trail (Flying Dragon Trail), and Zhanghu Trail. This historic path running through the tea plantations in the Mugen mountainous area passes through tea gardens, farmhouses, and bamboo forests, with small interpretive signs placed at intervals along the route.

The signs introduce the history of the local tea region, the origin of the trails, varieties of tea, and tea processing methods. Visitors enjoying hiking and outdoor recreation can also expand their knowledge of tea culture, making this trail suitable for family outings.

Sanxuangu Temple Trail (Tea Road Ancient Path)

The Sanxuangu Temple Trail, directly related to the livelihood of Mugen tea farmers, is the most representative of the Zhuantie Tea Road. Before the completion of the guide industry road, this trail near Zhunan Primary School was the sole route farmers used to transport tea to the region; its significance is unmistakable.

Zhangshan Temple Trail (Flying Dragon Trail)
Starting from Huan Shan Second Road near Chung Hua University and leading to Zhangshan Temple, this trail is popular among hikers drawn to the temple. The trail's ridge line resembles a dragon's back in the distance, earning it the nickname "Flying Dragon Trail." On weekends, the trail thrives with activity, with hikers and devotees creating vibrant scenes.

Zhanghu Trail
Zhanghu Trail lies to the south of the eponymous locale. Along the route and at the trail's end stretch vast Tieguanyin tea fields, offering lush scenery and a cool, refreshing atmosphere. Walking the trail's ancient stone steps feels like entering a fairyland. Near the entrance's wooden bridge at Zhanghu Trail, glittering fireflies can be spotted in certain seasons, often astonishing visitors with their ethereal beauty.

Tea Mountain Ancient Path

Among historical tea routes crucial to Mugen tea farmers' livelihoods, the "Tieguanyin Ancient Path" (Sanxuangu Temple Trail) stands out. Before the construction of the guide industry road, the trail connecting Zhunan Primary School and Sanxuangu Temple was the only passage for transporting tea down the mountain.

This old tea path weaving through Tieguanyin plantations passes through tea fields, farmhouses, and bamboo groves, with compact interpretive signs along the way detailing the history of the Mugen tea region, the origin of the trails, tea varieties, processing techniques, and other tea-related lore. A full circuit offers valuable knowledge gains.


Walking progressively into a mixed forest of camphor trees and aromatic canarium species, stepping on the original weathered stone path deepens the ancient trail ambiance. Ancient stone steles and scattered graves along the way bear testament to the tea path's history. The newer roads intersecting the trail in the latter section reveal modern teahouses emerging on both sides. Tea houses and tea art centers with eye-catching signage cluster near the trail's exit. Whether turning left or right, tea tasting and scenic views are always within reach.


A transition from the bustling Huan Shan Road into the tranquil Zhanghu area evokes a sense of serene detachment. Walking past tea fields and graves, standing beside a field's edge while gazing at the distant Taipei 101 skyscraper and cityscape offers a striking contrast. Further ahead, the ancient forest trail is shaded by dense foliage, leaving behind the noise of motorized traffic on industrial roads. The quiet ambiance here enhances the peaceful hiking experience.

This region hosts the main cultivation area for tea trees in Mugen and is the birthplace of Tieguanyin. Since the Japanese colonial era, when the Zhang brothers introduced Tieguanyin tea from Anxi, Fujian, and began planting it on Zhanghu's hillside, it has become the signature tea of Mugen.

The Zhanghu area is dotted with camphor trees, and its geographical shape resembles a lake, hence the name. Rich, fertile soil under fallen camphor leaves combined with ideal environmental conditions yield Tieguanyin tea with distinctive aroma, giving rise to the renowned "Zhanghu Tieguanyin." Nowadays, tourist tea gardens line the trail's end, allowing visitors to stop, smell tea, and select their favorite varieties.

Aromas Penetrating the Heart

In spring, the journey through Cat Mountain features the ethereal beauty of white pagoda blooms and golden cassia trees. This picturesque route to Zhangshan Temple has become a popular "sweetspot" for outings. While the Gu'er Mountain range is renowned for its temples, apart from Guanyin Pavilion it would be wrong not to mention Zhangshan Temple. From the temple's vantage point, visitors can see nearby Zhunan Pavilion, National Chengchi University, and the towering Mugen incinerator, while distant views include Taipei Basin, Dahan River estuary, and Guanyin Mountain, even extending to the Lin Kou Tableland.

The temple provides complimentary Tieguanyin tea and basic tea sets. Taking a moment here on the trail to brew a pot and leisurely enjoy sunset views or the shimmering city lights is a true luxury. This rest area is the densest along the entire route. Cool pavilions accompany the Zhangshan Temple, while along the path to National Chengchi University's back mountain, various benches are placed at scenic spots for travelers.

This trail from National Chengchi University's Huan Shan Road to Zhangshan Temple is paved with stone steps, resembling a dinosaur's spine when viewed from a distance. No wonder crowds flow continuously on weekends, forming vibrant processions heading to the trail from National Chengchi University's back mountain or the Huan Shan Road - these human "dragon lines" are certainly as impressive as the legendary Flying Dragon itself!