Starting from Fenyuan Bishan Temple, the stone steps beside the pagoda serve as the trailhead. The temple’s setting is serene, solemn, and quiet—an excellent place to visit. Although the old trail once suffered flood damage and lost portions of its foundation, recent county-government restoration efforts have left it in excellent condition. Towering greenery and a timeless air give it a distinctive flavor.
Bishan Old Trail runs parallel to the Tiaoshui Trail. Before entering Bishan Old Trail, you must first walk a stretch of Tiaoshui Trail and then switch onto Bishan Old Trail. The slope at the start of Bishan Old Trail is steep, so step carefully. Tiaoshui Trail follows a mountain stream channel, while Bishan Old Trail runs along the ridgeline—one high, one low—forming a loop. The first part of Bishan Old Trail is a dirt-and-stone path; the latter part is an agricultural road bordered by longan, lychee, pomelo, jackfruit, lemon orchards, and natural woodland. In some sections you can look down on the highway. Midway along the trail, a stone stairway nicknamed the “Heavenly Ladder” links the two trails, but it is steep and difficult. Pass through dense lychee and longan groves, and at the fork you can detour to the ancient Donglong Temple, then follow Sec. 672 of Dazhang Rd. to County Road 139. Alternatively, from the fork you can reach a rest platform, descend by way of timber steps, and rejoin Tiaoshui Trail.