The Qinglong Mountain Range and Lalu Island, symbolizing the Dragon's Pearl, are steeped in legend. The trail begins at Xuanguang Temple Pier and ends at Ci-en Pagoda, following the ridgeline in a gentle ascent amid stunning scenery. From the square in front of Xuanguang Temple the view is superb, taking in Lalu Island, Hanbi Peninsula, and the Shuise settlement.
Along the trail, moss sculptures—designed to thrive in Sun Moon Lake’s hot, humid climate—decorate the path: an archway, young monks, sutras, and a Heart Sutra planter. In Xuanguang Temple’s square stands a statue of Master Xuanzang fetching the Buddhist scriptures, honoring his epic westward journey.