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The Southern Guide Palace Cat Hole Mountain Trails, primarily consisting of the Southern Guide Palace Trail, the Great Accomplishment Hall Trail, and the Tea Exhibition Center Trail, are located on the northern slope of Shou Mountain within the Erge Mountain range. This trail centered at Southern Guide Palace serves as a crucial route connecting Cat Hole, Zhanghu, and the Erge Mountain Area. Starting from Lane 33, Section 3 of Nan Guide Road, the trail ascends 1,200 stone steps through the Southern Guide Palace Trail, the Southern Guide Palace, the Tinghsiao Palace, the Great Accomplishment Hall, the Great Accomplishment Hall Trail, and the Tea Exhibition Center Trail, forming a family-friendly mountain hiking route. **Southern Guide Palace Trail** Lining the trail are elegant stone lanterns, complementing the stone archway entrance and the Zongnan Pavilion en route. These features reveal the trail's construction during the Japanese colonial Shōwa era, which reflects a rich and elegant Japanese architectural style. Climbing the 1,200 stone steps can be a challenge for hikers aiming to complete the trail in one go. Fortunately, the wide path features lush natural environments with sycamore trees, sweet-scented laurels, and broad-leafed laurels towering on both sides. Benches are occasionally placed for rest, creating an ideal path for mountain trekking, religious visits, and enjoying forest therapy. Along the way toward Southern Guide Palace, there are small shops on both sides of the trail, offering hikers a convenient place to stop and replenish supplies. **Great Accomplishment Hall Trail** This trail is relatively short and features a mix of gravel and cedar boardwalk paths. Along the shaded path, clusters of spindletrees bloom from April to May, creating a romantic yet melancholic atmosphere. Surrounded by fresh phytoncide emissions, the trail exudes a poetic charm. **Tea Exhibition Center Trail** A narrow path that follows the cliffs, the trail offers views of streamscapes, tea plantations, and terraced fields with a wide panoramic view. A distinct feature here is the *pothole formations* near the Cat Hole Valley stream in the lower section of the trail. As the forest becomes denser here, gazing downstream reveals oddly shaped elliptical cavities in the riverbed carved by fast-moving water—resembling cat paw prints. The local term for this area, "mao kong" (meaning "cat hole" in Hokkien pronunciation), gradually evolved into the name "Cat Hole." **Ancient Charm** Before the surrounding mountain roads were developed, reaching Southern Guide Palace required passing through the 1,200-step stone trail. Though it appears steep, the path is designed with a refined elegance. The frequent resting platforms and antique stone benches placed along the route make the trek far less strenuous than expected. Besides the classic stone benches beside old trees, twin stone lantern bases are strategically placed along the trail. These vintage "stone lanterns," some with intricate window designs and small oil receptacles, offer a unique aesthetic rarity in northern Taipei. By examining the engraved construction dates on the lanterns, one can observe that the trail's construction began in the Shōwa era. From the grand Japanese-style stone archway at the trailhead to the first viewing pavilion named Zongnan Pavilion further ahead, the architecture clearly embodies *daiwa-fū* ("Great Japanese style"). Later, a larger pavilion with Baroque-style arches and sturdy stone pillars—symbolizing the immovability of Southern Guide Palace in local hearts—adds further historical grandeur. **Forest Therapy** Towering ancient trees line both sides of the trail. Between Zongnan Pavilion and the grand stone archway, rows of dense cypress trees form a green corridor. Near the trailhead lies natural mixed forest with incense laurel and broad-leafed laurels, together with over 100 cherry blossom trees—reported to be the most concentrated cherry area in the Muzha Mountain region. Winter features cherry blossoms, and in spring, the Great Accomplishment Hall Trail brings sightings of "May Blossoms" as the spindletrees bloom from April to May. Petal-fall carpets the mixed gravel and wooden paths, enhancing the romantic scenery. Despite being short, this trail remains delightfully cool in summer due to its dense tree cover. Meanwhile, cedar boardwalks and bamboo groves emit relaxing phytoncide scents, creating a perfect environment for forest bathing and soothing the mind. The shaded environment supports rich fern populations, especially along the stretch toward Southern Guide Palace. With over 60 fern species thriving in this area, many fern lovers regularly visit to explore the "grandparents and grandchildren" of ferns. **Valley of Tranquility** Like the Great Accomplishment Hall Trail, the Tea Exhibition Center Trail is short but exquisitely designed. Its lush landscapes add a broader visual experience. Along the way lie streams, terraced fields, and tea plantations. At the steeper uphill stretch, small viewing platforms offer distant glimpses of Southern Guide Palace, adjacent tea gardens, and bamboo groves. The cliffside path winds through charming terrain, turning back to reveal pure pastoral farmland. The vibrant emerald mountain ridges, so near and vivid, are not a dream but a serene truth of the Cat Hole Valley. Approaching the *pothole* terrain, the forest becomes denser, and the trail dives into the aromatic forest toward the stream gorge. The gullied riverbed—carved by fast-flowing water—displays an unusual landform rarely seen elsewhere. Legends claim the elliptical potholes resembling cat paws inspired the name "mao kong" (pronounced as "Cat Hole" in Hokkien). A side path toward the Tea Exhibition Center connects directly to the "backyard gardens" of various tea art shops. While enjoying forest tranquility, one might find a local tea house to taste oolong's sweet aftertaste, savoring the lingering beauty of the journey. Yes—this must be the flavor of happiness.